DAVID: A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART (PART 1) YOUNG ADULT CELLS FEB 2006

THE MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART Member’s Notes

I. Introduction Learning Outcomes:

What it takes to be a man after
Many times, we judge things by what we observe with our senses. In God’s own heart.
judging people, it is important that we do not just look at the
external appearance but look at what is inside the skin.

Today’s lesson is about how God judge people – not by what they Objective:
At the end of this lesson, you will
look like physically but what is in their heart, which is of more
be able to:
importance. • Know the 3 ways that David
demonstrated his commitment
to his God.
II. The Man After God’s Own Heart • Evaluate our lives to determine
where we are in our relation
In the first of a 4 part series on the study of David, we start by with God
looking at the reasons for him being called a man after God’s own
heart. It is an honour that has not been given to anyone else except
Jesus, the One whom God is well pleased.

In 1 Sam 13:14, Samuel is warning Saul that God is looking for a

man after God’s own heart to replace him. That person is later
revealed to be David, a shepherd boy who is to be Israel’s greatest
king.

What makes David special? We will look at 3 ways in which David

demonstrate his commitment to God.

A. The songs his heart sings to God.

The psalms mentioned below are good psalm passages to look at

David’s relationship with God. Read the psalms and describe the
nature of his relationship with God.

a. Ps 18: 1 – 6:

b. Ps 25:1 – 7:

c. Ps 63:1 – 8:

B. He honours God by his actions

David’s actions often reflect his desire to honour God by doing what
he believes to be the right thing to do, even if it is not explicitly
required by God.

Read the events mentioned below and try to point to the motivation
for what he did. Highlight what are the hindrances or personal loss
he has to overcome.

a. Stood up to Goliath for defaming God’s name

(1 Sam 17:26 and 41-49)

Member’s Notes
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DAVID: A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART (PART 1) YOUNG ADULT CELLS FEB 2006

b. Refused to kill Saul twice, despite Saul’s many attempts to kill him
(1 Sam 24:1-20 and 26:1-16)

c. Determined in getting the ark to be sent to Jerusalem and

displayed exuberance when it was transported to the city.
(2 Sam 6:12-22).

Honoring God means doing what we know God wants us to do or

doing something that show our respect to God. It can be beyond
being obedient to God. But if we honor God, God will, in return,
honor us. (1 Sam 2:30).

C. He delights to be in the presence of God

We have seen David’s display of joy when the ark was brought into
Jerusalem. It is a spontaneous act of expressing his delight when he
is in the presence of God. His desire to be near God is also
expressed in some of his psalms.

In the following psalms, David describes his desire to be in the house

of God, where the presence of God is.

a. Ps 27:4.

b. Ps 122:1

Do you love to be in the presence of God, as in church or in the

presence of other Christians? If yes, why?

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DAVID: A MAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART (PART 1) YOUNG ADULT CELLS FEB 2006

David is called the “man after God’s own heart” for no reason.
Reflect on the following:

1) If you were to meet God today, how do you think He will label or
describe you?

2) How would your friends describe you in your relationship and

commitment to God?

3) What are some areas you need to change in your personal life in
order to foster a closer walk with God?

Share with the cell/each other your reflections.

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Member’s Notes
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