spiritual discernment Archives - Roland Park Presbyterian Church https://www.rolandparkchurch.org/tag/spiritual-discernment/ A warm, welcoming community of faith in Northern Baltimore City Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:17:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Sermon Discussion Guide: A Part to Play https://www.rolandparkchurch.org/sermon-discussion-guide-a-part-to-play/ Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:17:38 +0000 https://www.rolandparkchurch.org/?p=8775 This companion guide to Pastor Mark’s sermon offers thoughtful, reflective questions for small groups or personal meditation. Explore themes of calling, trust, and surprise through the lens of 1 Samuel 16, and discover how God might be inviting you to step into your unique role.

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]]> Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1–13
Main Themes: Calling and purpose, God’s unexpected choices, trust in uncertainty, spiritual discernment, being open to surprise

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?
  1. 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?
  1. 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?
  1. 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?
  1. 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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