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David #8

 [DAVID] God’s promise to David_ 

2 Samuel 7 

 
At some point in our lives, most of us want to do great things for God. 
We may imagine ourselves as world-famous evangelists, proclaiming the good news to tens of thousands. Or we may aspire to be great Bible expositors, holding people spellbound with our oratory. Or perhaps we will be the next Mother Teresa, bringing care to the sick and needy. 

 

[Group discussion starter] Have you ever wanted to do great things for God? 
Explain. 

 
David wanted to build a magnificent temple for the Lord. However, in this passage he is surprised to discover that God’s plans for David are far greater than David’s plans for God... 

 
[Read 2 Samuel 7] 

 

What different names for God are used in this chapter? 

 

 
In verses 1-3, what prompts David to want to build a house for the Lord? 

 

 
Nathan initially tells David to go ahead with his plan (verse 3). But according to the Lord, what have both Nathan and David failed to take into account (verses 4-7)? 
 

 
Throughout history, sincere people have built monuments for the Lord that God never asked for. How can we avoid involvement in these misguided projects? 

Verses 8-16 have been called ‘The Davidic Covenant’. 
What specific promises does God make to David? 

 

 
Who is the ‘offspring’ (verse 12) who will build a house for the Lord and whose kingdom God will establish (see 1 Kings 5:1-5; 6:11-13)? 
 

 
How do the promises in verses 8-16 find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus (see, for example, Luke 1:30-33)? 

 
After hearing God’s promises to him, David prays (verse 18). 
Why is he astonished not only with the promises but with God Himself (verse 18-24)? 

 
When have you been astonished to discover that both God and God’s plans are far greater than you imagined? 

 
In verses 25-29, after praising God for His greatness, what requests does David make? 

 
If the “Sovereign Lord” has already guaranteed to fulfill His promises, then why do you think David asks Him to do so? 

 
What insights does this give us into the relationship between God’s sovereignty and our responsibility? 

 
David refers to God as “Sovereign Lord” seven times in verses 18-29, and David refers to himself as the Lord’s “servant” ten times in verses 19-29.  
Why is this both an appropriate way to view God and ourselves today? 

 

 
In what ways has the Lord demonstrated his greatness or goodness to you recently?  

 
 

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