Leaving A Legacy

(www.mensgroup.org – “Original Study”)

Overview:

This 16-part Bible study series, “Leaving a Legacy,” is designed to inspire and equip individuals to live intentionally and make a lasting impact on the world around them. Each session focuses on biblical principles that encourage participants to embrace their God-given purpose, make wise decisions, and actively serve others. Through the exploration of key themes such as faith, courage, and the importance of community, this series will challenge you to rise above life’s challenges and become a blessing to those around you. By understanding your purpose and taking action, you can create a meaningful legacy that resonates for generations to come.

Message from Marsh: “May your personal walk with the Lord lead you to be transformed, renewed, and blessed.”

Marsh

Founder/President

Thank you for coming to: mensgroup.org

Part XI: David - A Legacy of Faith and Leadership

Description

This Bible study delves into the life of David, exploring his character, faith, and leadership qualities. We’ll examine how David’s journey, filled with both triumphs and failures, offers valuable insights into becoming a person after God’s own heart and leaving a lasting legacy.

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, eager to learn from the life of David. Guide us as we explore his story, revealing the secrets to his strength, his resilience, and his unwavering faith. Help us to apply these lessons to our own lives, so that we too may become legacy makers, leaving a lasting impact for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Introduction

David’s story is one of the most compelling in the entire Bible. He was a shepherd, a musician, a warrior, a king, and a poet. He experienced both incredible victories and devastating failures. Yet, through it all, he remained a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). This study explores what it means to emulate David’s example and discover God’s plan for you.

Main Lesson

David, whose name means “beloved,” stands as a monumental figure in Scripture. Next to Jesus, more is written about him than any other person in the Bible, and his life is a compelling story of transformation and destiny. David was a person of many facets.

David’s journey began with a divine selection. God, having rejected Saul for his disobedience, sought “a person after his own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). He sent Samuel to Jesse’s house, declaring, “For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.” But the Lord cautioned Samuel, saying, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). One by one, Jesse’s seven sons stood before Samuel, yet none were chosen. David, the youngest, was tending sheep in the fields, seemingly overlooked. But it was he, with a heart attuned to God, whom Samuel was instructed to anoint. So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on, the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David (1 Samuel 16:13).

This anointing marked the beginning of David’s deep communion with God. Guided by the Spirit, he lived a life shaped by humility and integrity, aligning his heart with God’s will. His story illustrates how God values character over status, often choosing the unlikely to fulfill His purposes. As 1 Corinthians 1:27 reminds us, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak things of the world to shame the things that are mighty.”

Central to David’s character was his commitment to spending time alone with God. In the solitude of the wilderness, tending his father’s sheep, he cultivated a deep connection with his Creator. These moments became the training ground for his future leadership and the development of the character traits that would define his legacy.

One of the most iconic episodes in David’s life is his confrontation with Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:11 says “On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.” The entire army of Israel was paralyzed by fear before this giant Philistine warrior. Yet, David, armed with faith in God, stepped forward. 2 Timothy 1:7 proclaims, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Trusting in the Lord who had delivered him from the paw of the lion and the bear, David faced Goliath with unwavering courage.

What was going through David’s head? Do we know the word of God? Do we do the word of God? Do we worship the Lord day and night?

David’s story teaches us invaluable lessons: God knows you intimately. He sees your heart, knows your struggles, and has a plan for your life. He is drawn to humility, integrity, and a spirit that seeks harmony with Him. It is in solitude and obscurity that our character is refined and we are prepared for greatness. And, with unwavering faith, we can conquer the giants that stand in our path. David’s life reminds us that it is possible to trust God in the depths of despair, the extremes of danger, and in the heights of jubilation. Through repentance and forgiveness, David, though flawed, remains a man after God’s own heart, a legacy maker whose story continues to inspire. The important Lessons we should learn are:

  1. Never judge by appearances. Man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). The Lord does not look at the things people look at.

  2. Be emotional. David expressed his emotions through song and weeping. He was not ashamed to show his humanity.

  3. Take the high road. Twice David could have killed Saul but instead spared his life.

  4. Don’t worry about what others think. David danced like a madman before the ark and pushed aside what others thought about it.

  5. Accept rebuke. Nathan confronted David over his sin with Bathsheba. David accepted this and admitted he had sinned.

  6. Be a loyal friend. David loved Jonathan and after his death cared for his late friend’s son Mephibosheth.

  7. The Spirit of God equips us to do the will of God (1 Sam. 16:13). The presence of the Spirit makes us effective as ministers.

  8. Sin can bring horrible consequences, but sin can be forgiven.

  9. Accept when God says “No.” David wanted to build the temple for God. God said “No” and gave the task to his son Solomon instead.

  10. Live a life that pleases God over a life that pleases people. Pleasing people is a trap, but a life that pleases God will always be blessed.

Discussion Questions

1. How did David’s humility contribute to his success as a leader?

2. What can we learn from David’s willingness to be alone with God? How can we cultivate solitude in our own lives?

3. What are some of the “giants” you face in your life? How can you apply David’s example to overcome them?

4. What does it mean to be a person “after God’s own heart?”

5. David had great strengths and great weaknesses. How do you balance recognizing both in yourself and others?

Application

1. This week, set aside dedicated time each day to be alone with God in prayer and meditation.

2. Identify a “giant” in your life, and write down a plan for how you will confront it, relying on God’s strength.

3. Reflect on your relationships, are you being a true and loyal friend like David?

4. Make a conscious effort to live with integrity in all areas of your life, even when no one is watching.

5. Ask a trusted friend to hold you accountable in striving to live a life that pleases God.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the inspiring example of David’s life. Help us to emulate his faith, courage, and humility. Grant us the strength to overcome the giants in our lives, the wisdom to make choices that honor you, and the grace to live a life that leaves a lasting legacy for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Continue to Part XII: Joseph - Trusting God’s Plan Through Adversity

Or use these links to navigate to various parts of this study:

Overview | Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII | Part VIII

Part IX | Part X | Part XI | Part XII | Part XIII | Part XIV | Part XV | Part XVI

Did you find this study useful?

We’d love to hear your success story, ideas, or other feedback. Please send us an e-mail addressed to mensgrouptopics@gmail.com or use our contact page.

click the button below for A “PRINTER FRIENDLY” PDF OF this free study

Join our email list to stay in touch!

  • Get notified of updates such as when new studies are added.

  • Stay “in the know” about book giveaways (and other prizes).

  • We hate spam and will never sell or share your email address.