BRBC Bible Notes
Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.
Bible Study 1: David – Chosen and Anointed
Main Passage: 1 Samuel 16:1–23
Purpose of the Study
This study is designed to:
Encourage believers to trust God’s wisdom in His choices.
Strengthen the understanding of God’s sovereignty and divine calling.
Challenge the church to see God’s work beyond outward appearances.
Opening Prayer
“Lord, thank You for choosing and calling us according to Your perfect will. Teach us to recognize Your hand in our lives and the lives of others. Help us to trust Your wisdom and to follow Your leading with faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
1. Read the Passage: 1 Samuel 16:1–23
Invite someone to read aloud. Encourage the group to listen for God’s guidance, Samuel’s obedience, and David’s humility.
2. Context and Summary
God rejects Saul as king due to disobedience and sends Samuel to anoint a new king from the family of Jesse. Samuel is initially guided by outward appearances but learns that God looks at the heart, not appearance. David, the youngest son, is anointed by God and begins his journey of service, courage, and faith. David’s selection illustrates God’s sovereignty and the importance of character over external qualifications.
3. Key Themes and Reflections
A. God Sees the Heart
God’s assessment is not based on height, appearance, or human expectations.
Reflection Question: How often do we judge by appearances instead of seeking God’s perspective?
Quote: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
Related Scripture:
1 Samuel 16:7 – God judges by the heart.
Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust in the Lord, not your own understanding.
B. God’s Sovereignty in Calling
David’s anointing shows that God chooses according to His purpose, not human logic.
God often raises the humble and faithful from unexpected places.
Reflection Question: Are we open to God’s calling even when it seems unlikely or unconventional?
Quote: “God does not call the equipped, He equips the called.” — Unknown
Related Scripture:
Jeremiah 1:5 – God’s call precedes our birth.
Ephesians 2:10 – We are created for good works prepared by God.
C. Preparation for Service
David’s early life as a shepherd and musician prepared him for kingship and spiritual leadership.
God often works through seasons of preparation before the fulfillment of His plan.
Reflection Question: What “shepherding” or preparation season might God be using in your life right now?
Quote: “God is never early, never late, but always on time.” — Unknown
Related Scripture:
1 Peter 5:6–7 – Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand.
Psalm 23 – God as Shepherd guiding and preparing us.
4. A Word to the Church: Recognizing God’s Choice
God’s calling is often different from human expectations.
The church should seek God’s guidance in leadership and ministry selection, valuing character and heart over status or appearance.
Challenge: Are we willing to follow God’s leading even when it defies human logic?
Group Discussion:
How can we cultivate discernment to recognize God’s choice in our leaders and peers?
Are we ready to step into God’s calling in our own lives, however unexpected it may seem?
5. A Call to Action: Responding to God’s Anointing
Examine your own life for areas where God might be calling you.
Pray for humility to trust God’s timing and purpose.
Consider mentoring or supporting others who are walking in their God-given calling.
Closing Scripture Meditation
Psalm 23:1–3 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
Final Prayer
“Father, thank You for choosing and equipping those You call. Help us to trust Your heart, to follow Your guidance, and to serve faithfully in the places You have prepared for us. Strengthen us to walk humbly in obedience and faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.
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