EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – More Than a Sidekick – Session 3

1 month ago 25

Date: August 4, 2024

David

The Point: Serve with excellence even when that work is not appreciated by others.

Get Into the Study

After discussing the question in “Get Into the Study,” share the point of today’s session: Serve with excellence even when that work is not appreciated by others.

As you recap the discussion from “Get Into the Study,” share the following article from Yahoo Finance titled 16 Worst Jobs in the US in 2024. As session time allows, review several worst ranked jobs from the list; or you may share from the list of below, along with why the jobs hold this ranking:

#16 Coal Miner: Miners are exposed to toxic gases and explosives, and the work is physically intense while being confined to small and dark spaces.
#15 Janitor: Work is physically difficult and involves lifting heavy things and is repetitive.
#13 Roofer: Roofing is physically demanding and you are exposed to extreme weather and safety risks.
#2 Welder: Welding involves working in hazardous conditions like extreme heat and toxic fumes. There is risk of getting burned or electrical shock.
#1 Assembly Worker: Work is noisy, demanding, repetitive, and leads to exhaustion.

Ask: Which job do you think would be the absolute worst from your perspective? Why? Allow time to discuss.

Emphasize that while most of us may not do these jobs, we still have negative or unfortunate experiences of working for bad companies, bad leaders, or simply bad jobs.

Say: As we’ll see in this session, God calls you to a higher standard in how you work.

Study the Bible

After discussing question #2, point out that many people don’t give their best for themselves or the person who leads them. As an example of why many people don’t give their best, review the article titled 10 Invisible Barriers That Will Stop You From Hitting Your Goals This Year. Depending on time, you may want to mention a few of the barriers to giving your best:

#1 You don’t have the habit. Perhaps you don’t commit and stay consistent to something for long enough to see the results.
#2 You lack discipline. If you aren’t able to do what you need to do, most people will not get to where they want to go.
#3 You are unfocused. Hitting a goal often requires tunnel vision.

Explain that if you don’t give your best for yourself, you can’t expect to give your best to those who lead you. Ask: Why do you think most people give up rather than give their best? After time for discussion, share the following.

Explain that the point of this passage is to give your best to what your leader calls you to do. Giving your best may look different for every person depending on their situation, workplace, leader, or circumstances. Emphasize that many saw David as a leader, but in this passage, we see that David placed his responsibilities with Saul. Point out that we are called to give our best to whatever our leader calls you to do. Explain that this doesn’t mean we should do something unethical, immoral, or opposed by Scripture should a leader ask us.

EXTRA was written by Ryan Sanders. He holds the ThM and MDiv from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ryan is married with three children, and lives in Washington, DC. Find more about Ryan at RyanJSanders.com.

Study the Bible [Option from the Daily Discipleship Guide Leader Guide]

As part of your discussion around 1 Samuel 18:8-11 and the importance of remaining faithful when we encounter hostility from others, show this short clip from “Toy Story” to introduce a conversation about jealousy in a fun way. Discuss as a group how jealousy can do a lot of damage to both the person acting out the emotion and the person on the receiving end.

Additional Questions

Icebreaker

What does it mean to serve with excellence?
What is something you enjoy doing with excellence?
What’s the most menial job you’ve had to do?
Not counting your mom, who has to pick up after you? 🙂

1 Samuel 18:5-7

What motivates you to give your best whether you are serving at home, church, or work?
What attitudes and behaviors do you need to adjust to become the best servant leader possible?
What can we learn from David’s example about submitting to leadership?
What motivates you to do your best at something?

1 Samuel 18:8-11

What is the best way to respond to jealousy?
How do we avoid being jealous of the success of others?
How do we stay consistent to our character when others express jealously?
How do we remain faithful to God’s call while encountering hostility from others?
How can David’s example help us persevere in a discouraging work environment?

1 Samuel 18:12-16

How do we best discern if we are honoring God in our leadership or not?
When has God used you to lead others while facing opposition?
How do you deal with disrespect or opposition from others in a godly way?
How do your horizontal relationships with others impact your vertical relationship with God?
How can our trust in God impact our response when we’re disrespected?
What are some ways we can honor God in our work or daily activities?