Group Check-in

1. What was the best part of your week?
2. What was the most difficult part of your week?

What’s 1 Samuel 9–11 About?

These chapters tell the story of how Saul becomes Israel’s first king—and it starts with something as ordinary as lost donkeys. Saul is tall, strong, and good-looking, but he’s not searching for a throne; he’s just doing what his father asked. That’s when he meets Samuel, who’s been told by God that Saul is the one.

Samuel anoints him in private, and even though Saul is reluctant, God confirms the call with signs. When it’s time to publicly announce Saul, he hides. The new king is hiding in the baggage. It’s an odd beginning for a king, but maybe a relatable one—called, chosen, yet unsure.

Despite the shaky start, Saul’s moment of courage comes quickly. In chapter 11, when Nahash the Ammonite threatens a city, Saul is empowered by the Spirit of God. He rallies Israel, defeats the enemy, and solidifies his kingship.

These chapters show us that God can use ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Saul wasn’t seeking a crown, but God was already preparing him. It also reminds us that even reluctant leaders can be empowered when they yield to the Spirit.

This story invites us to pay attention to the moments that seem small—like lost donkeys—because they might just be divine setups. And it reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to step up when God calls.

Key Verse

“Then the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul… and he burned with anger.” — 1 Samuel 11:6

SOAP for the Week

Passage: 1 Samuel 10:1–11

Ice-Breakers

1. Have you ever been picked for something you didn’t feel ready for?
2. What’s a time when a ‘coincidence’ turned out to be a God moment?
3. How do you respond when you sense God asking you to step up?

Group Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think God chose someone like Saul to be Israel’s first king?
2. What does Saul’s hesitation to lead say about how he viewed himself?
3. How can we discern when God is using ordinary moments to guide us?
4. What does it mean to be empowered by the Spirit like Saul was?
5. What keeps us from stepping into the roles God is calling us to?
6. What would it look like for you to step out in courage this week?

Practical Takeaway

God often calls us through the ordinary. When we surrender our insecurity and obey His prompting, He empowers us for more than we imagined.

Prayer

God, thank You for seeing what we don’t see in ourselves. Help us to trust Your call, even when it feels overwhelming. Empower us by Your Spirit to step into the roles You’ve prepared for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.