Discussion Questions:

1. Trusting God in Uncertainty

• Samuel is grieving the failure of Saul, yet God calls him to trust again and go anoint a new king. Have you ever experienced a time when you struggled to move forward because of past disappointment?
• Like Dudley in the sermon, we sometimes find ourselves fearful even when God has proven trustworthy. Why do you think it’s so hard to trust, even when we know God has come through before?

2. God’s Unexpected Choices

• In the story, God does not choose the oldest or most impressive son of Jesse, but the youngest and least expected. What does this say about how God sees people differently than we do?
• How might this challenge the way we see others…or even how we see ourselves?

3. Your Unique Role in God’s Work

• The sermon reminds us that everyone has a part to play in God’s plan, even when it’s not what we expected. Have you ever discovered a gift or calling that surprised you?
• What is one way you feel called to serve, love, or grow right now even if it feels like a “small” role?

4. Being Open to Divine Surprise

• The late Rev. Dr. John Buchanan often prayed, “Surprise us, O God.” How might regularly praying that way shift your spiritual expectations?
• Can you name a time when God surprised you through a person, opportunity, or unexpected outcome?

5. Living Into the Message This Week

• What would it look like for you to say “yes” to God’s invitation this week, even if you feel unsure or unqualified?
• As a community, how can we encourage one another to listen for God’s voice and step into our unique roles?

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Discussion Questions

1. Wrestling with the Good and the Bad

• In the sermon, Pastor Mark suggests we often define “good” by what benefits us. How do you personally define “good news”?
• Have you ever experienced something that felt painful in the moment but turned out to be transformative later?

2. Hitting the Pause Button

• The sermon references Barbara Brown Taylor’s idea that the Gospel can be about where we hit the pause button. Where might we “pause” the story of Abraham and Isaac and call it “bad news”? What changes when we keep reading?
• Can you think of a moment in your life where the full picture revealed deeper meaning or grace?

3. The Risk of Freedom and the Nature of God’s Power

• Pastor Mark posed a question: “What if God’s love means letting go?” How does that reframe your understanding of God’s power?
• What does it mean to you that God may not always rescue us, but never leaves us?

4. Faith Amidst Suffering

• Ellen Davis says Genesis 22 is the story to turn to when we don’t understand our suffering. Have you ever turned to scripture during a time of pain? What did you find?
• Why do you think people often search for meaning in suffering?

5. Good News for All

• The sermon closes by reminding us that good news that is only good for me is not worthy of the name Gospel. How does this challenge or affirm your understanding of your faith?
• How can RPPC continue to share good news for all in its worship, ministries, and relationships?

6. Applying the Sermon

• What would it look like to trust God more deeply this week—even when you don’t understand the full story yet?
• How can we, as a community, hold space for each other in moments when the world feels upside down?

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