David's Diplomacy - 2 Samuel 19

11.17.2019: Growth Group Guide 2 Samuel 19 - David’s Diplomacy 1. As you reflect on the message, was there anything that particularly encouraged, challenged, or confused you? 2. Read the backstory of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:1-13. a. Given that Saul was the previous king, why might Mephibosheth be afraid of King David (v. 7)? That is, why is it unique that King David would seek someone from the house of Saul to bless? b. Mephibosheth is described as “lame in both feet” (v. 3) and even describes himself as a “dead dog” (v. 8). Therefore, what can Mephibosheth practically give King David? How does this amplify King David’s kindness? [see helpful response below1] c. How does King David show kindness to Mephibosheth in vv. 9-13? d. Why does the text emphasize three times (vv. 10, 11, 13) that Mephibosheth ate at King David’s table? What is significant that Mephibosheth ate “like one of the king’s sons” (v. 11)? e. How does this account of King David’s kindness to Mephibosheth similar to God’s kindness to us in the gospel? 3. As David returns to Jerusalem after being kicked out by his (now dead) son Absalom, various characters approach him. Summarize the posture and content of Shimei’s, Mephibosheth’s, and Barzillai’s responses. 4. How often do you reflect on your own spiritual condition? What prompts the reflection, and what does such reflection look like? 1 “The text is clear that there was nothing that Mephibosheth could do for David. The kindness David would show would be purely one-sided: this was not a mutually beneficial relationship. David could gain nothing by doing anything for the family of his former enemy, and the previous chapter is pretty clear that David had all that he needed. He did not need any social capital, nor was this a publicity stunt to gain the approval of the people in the city. Everyone was already in awe of David. Instead, David blessed and extended kindness to Mephibosheth with no conditions, as there was no way Mephibosheth could repay him.” 1 5. The books of 1 & 2 Samuel is a game of thrones where people wrestle with allegiance to various kings. How are you like Shimei, Mephibosheth, or Barzillai in your response to King Jesus? Work through the questions we suggested on Sunday or John Wesley’s questions (below) as a tool to reflect on your spiritual condition. Which question(s) do you find most helpful and why? 6. As you conclude the tenth and final formal growth group of this season, reflect as a group on a highlight and lowlight during this time. Express these to God as thanksgiving, petition, or something else during your prayer time. 2 These are 22 questions the members of John Wesley’s Holy Club asked themselves every day in their private devotions over 200 years ago. 1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite? 2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate? 3. Do I confidentially pass on to others what has been said to me in confidence? 4. Can I be trusted? 5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits? 6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying? 7. Did the Bible live in me today? 8. Do I give the Bible time to speak to me every day? 9. Am I enjoying prayer? 10. When did I last speak to someone else of my faith? 11. Do I pray about the money I spend? 12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time? 13. Do I disobey God in anything? 14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy? 15. Am I defeated in any part of my life? 16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful? 17. How do I spend my spare time? 18. Am I proud? 3 19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican? 20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it? 21. Do I grumble or complain constantly? 22. Is Christ real to me? 4