*Key themes: Passion, Integrity, and Relationship
David, the shepherd boy plucked from obscurity, wasn’t born a king. He was a musician, a poet; his fingers strummed strings of a harp as readily as they did when he gripped the hilt of a sword. His passion, his fiery spirit, was the wellspring of his leadership. It wasn’t just a love for music; it was a love for God, a burning desire to serve, a fierce commitment to justice that pulsed through his veins. It fueled his courage against Goliath, not just a physical giant, but a symbol of all the challenges that threatened his people.
His reign wasn’t a seamless tapestry of victories. He stumbled, fell, made devastating mistakes. The affair with Bathsheba, the murder of Uriah – these were deep stains on his record, wounds that festered and taught him the bitter sting of consequence. Yet, even in his brokenness, a flicker of integrity remained. He didn’t hide his sin; he confessed it, poured out his remorse in psalms that echoed with raw honesty. This wasn’t perfection, but a genuine striving for righteousness, a willingness to confront his flaws and seek redemption.
David understood the power of connection. He forged deep bonds with Jonathan, a friendship that transcended rivalry and even death. He inspired loyalty in his men, warriors who would risk everything for their king. He even, in his complex relationship with Saul, showed moments of restraint, recognizing the sanctity of the anointing, even when his own life was in danger. This was his strength – the ability to build and nurture relationships, to inspire love and loyalty, even amidst the turmoil of war and politics.
David’s uniqueness wasn’t in his flawless character, but in the complex tapestry of his humanity. His passion ignited his actions, his integrity, though tested and sometimes broken, guided his path, and his ability to connect with others forged a kingdom. He was a warrior, a poet, a sinner, a king. He was David, a man whose heart, though flawed, beat with a fierce love for God and a deep connection to his people. He wasn’t just a king; he was a leader whose legacy resonated through generations, a testament to the power of passion, the struggle for integrity, and the enduring strength of human connection.
Week 3: David – A Leader of Passion, Integrity, and Relationship
This week we will:
- Identify David as a key figure in the Old Testament.
- Understand the significance of David’s reign as king.
- Discuss how David demonstrated passion, integrity, and relationship in his life.
- Strive to apply the themes of passion, integrity, and relationship to their own lives.
Passion
Introduction
- Who was King David really? What do we actually know about him?
- David was a king, warrior, poet, and musician.
- What important leadership lessons can we learn from the life of David?
David’s Early Life & Anointing - Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13 (Samuel anoints David)
- Why was David chosen to be king?
- What does this tell us about God’s perspective on leadership?
- What might have been David’s initial feelings
- How did David’s youth, his humility, and spiritual nature impact his calling?
Exploring Passion - How can we see David’s passion for music and his relationship with God (Psalm 23).
- How did David express his love for God?
- Think about David’s passion for justice and his courage in facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17), how did this passion for justice enable him to face Goliath?
- How can the different facets of passion: love for God, pursuit of justice, help motivate us and drive us in our daily lives?
Integrity & Relationship
David’s Integrity
- Think about David’s initial integrity in refusing to kill Saul (1 Samuel 24).
- What does this tell us about his respect for God’s anointed?
- Acknowledge David’s failings with Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Samuel 11).
- Discuss the consequences of his actions and the importance of accountability.
- How did David demonstrate remorse and seek forgiveness?
- What does integrity mean? Is it possible to have integrity even if we make mistakes? How do we rebuild integrity after a failure?
David’s Relationships
- What were some unique aspects of David’s relationships with Jonathan, Michal, Saul, and ultimately, God.
- What were some of the complexities of these relationships. How did David show loyalty and love? How were these relationships tested?
- How do healthy relationships impact our lives. Think about unhealthy relationships, how do they impact our lives?
Connecting Themes
- How were passion, integrity, and relationships are interconnected in David’s life. How did his passion influence his relationships? How did his integrity (or lack thereof) affect his relationships?
- How can we cultivate passion in our lives?
- How can we live with integrity?
- How can we build and maintain healthy relationships?
Reflection
“How can I improve my relationships?”
Reflect on your own life and identify areas where you can grow in passion, integrity, and relationship.
Consider journaling prompts such as:
“What am I passionate about?”
“Where do I need to demonstrate more integrity?”
Lead by Faith 