The Making of David

Learn the story of David in the Bible, and how he went from shepherd boy to Israel's king. A 6-week series.

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PursueGOD is a new kind of discipleship curriculum for an increasingly complicated world. We use podcasts on a variety of topics to offer no-nonsense answers to everyday questions. Then we organize these podcasts into series so you can use them to make disciples at church, home, or in the world. Here’s how it works:

  1. Pick a series from our homepage. There's plenty to choose from!
  2. Each series contains multiple lessons. Click on the numbered tabs to open each lesson.
  3. Start by listening to the podcast on your own, before you meet as a group. Take notes as needed, and listen again if it helps. Consider starting a discipleship journal to track what you're learning.
  4. Meet as a group to talk through what you learned from the podcast. Each lesson includes shownotes, talking points, and discussion questions. Click on the # tab to explore additional topics.
  5. Listen to the podcast above for more helpful tips or check out one of our many training series.
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DAVID: A HEART AFTER GOD

We’re kicking off a 6-week series on one of the most recognizable figures in the Bible—David. But before we meet the shepherd who became king, we have to meet the man who came before him: Saul, Israel’s first king. Saul looked like a king on the outside, but his heart drifted from God on the inside. His story reminds us that it’s possible to look the part but lack the power.

Israel wanted a king “like the nations.” God warned them it would bring problems, but they insisted. Saul looked the part—“a head taller than anyone else”—but he didn’t have the heart. 1 Samuel 13:14 (NLT) says, “The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart.” Sadly, that man wasn’t Saul.

Today we’ll contrast Saul’s heart and David’s heart to see what it takes to have a heart after God. Saul’s downfall exposes three spiritual drift patterns we all face: fear, expedience, and pride.

1. A heart after God moves from fear to trust.

When God doesn’t show up when or how we expect, will we still wait?
Saul couldn’t. Surrounded by enemies and losing soldiers, he panicked and offered a sacrifice himself instead of waiting for Samuel.

1 Samuel 13:12 (NLT) – “So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering myself before you came.” Fear always tries to justify disobedience. Saul’s math was simple: scattering soldiers + late prophet + looming enemy = act now, ask later.

Samuel’s response cut deep: “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you… The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:13–14) Every sin begins as a failure to trust. Faith waits when fear wants to rush. Trust trades the best I can do for the best God can do.

2. A heart after God moves from expedience to obedience.

Expedience means taking the convenient shortcut even if it’s not right. Saul did this when God told him to destroy everything from the Amalekites—but he spared what “appealed to them.”

1 Samuel 15:9 (NLT) – “They destroyed only what was worthless or of poor quality.” Saul tried to spin his compromise as worship: “My troops brought in the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the Lord.” (1 Samuel 15:21)

But Samuel said it plainly: 1 Samuel 15:22 (NLT) – “Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.”

God’s commands aren’t arbitrary; they’re descriptions of reality. Break them, and you break yourself. Saul had titles but no truth-tellers. He was surrounded by people who agreed, not people who corrected. You can only be as accountable as you make yourself. Integrity means doing what’s right even when no one’s watching.

3. A heart after God moves from reputation to repentance.

Saul confessed, but even his repentance was about saving face.

1 Samuel 15:30 (NLT) – “I know I have sinned. But please, at least honor me before the elders of my people.” Even after rejection, Saul cared more about appearance than obedience. His pride valued reputation over repentance.

True repentance isn’t saying “I was wrong, but…” It’s humbling ourselves before God without excuses. Like a band leader who turns his back to the audience, we must learn to lead our hearts by listening to one voice—God’s.

The Man of the Moment: God’s Heart in David

1 Samuel 16:1 (NLT) – “Fill your horn with oil… I have provided for myself a king.” God rejected Saul and raised up David. Saul had been anointed from a man-made flask; David was anointed from a God-made horn. The difference was divine. “The Lord was with David, but had departed from Saul.” (1 Samuel 18:12)

And centuries later, Jesus says in Revelation 22:16 (NLT), “I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne.” Jesus didn’t just come from David’s line—He was the source of David’s heart. The same grace that anointed David flows from Christ to us.

Saul represents human effort—trying to please God by our own strength. David represents grace—trusting the power of God’s Spirit. Every good thing that qualified David before God was rooted in Jesus.

When we fail, Jesus offers forgiveness, transformation, and power. He alone gives us a heart after God.

Talking Points:
  • Today we’ll contrast Saul and David to see what it takes to have a heart after God. Saul’s downfall exposes three spiritual drift patterns we all face: fear, expedience, and pride.
  • Fear leads to disobedience. Saul acted out of panic instead of trust, showing that every sin begins as a failure to trust. 1 Samuel 13:8–14, Romans 14:23
  • Expedience takes shortcuts, but obedience honors God’s commands even when it’s costly. Saul chose convenience over integrity. 1 Samuel 15:9, 15:21–22
  • Pride values reputation over repentance. Saul confessed, but even his repentance was about saving face. 1 Samuel 15:30
  • Saul represents human effort—trying to please God by our own strength. David represents grace—trusting the power of God’s Spirit. Every good thing that qualified David before God was rooted in Jesus. Revelation 22:16
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. “It’s possible to look the part and lack the power.” Explain this phenomenon in Saul’s life. Is it still true in politics today? Discuss.
  3. When have you acted out of fear instead of faith? What did that reveal about your trust in God?
  4. Why do shortcuts feel so tempting, even when we know obedience is better? Give an example.
  5. Saul wanted to “save face” after his failure. Share a time when you did this. 
  6. Read Revelation 22:16. What does it mean that “Every good thing that qualified David before God was rooted in Jesus”? 
  7. Where are you currently being tested in trust, obedience, or humility? What would it look like to respond with a heart like David’s?
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STUDENT GROUP GUIDE

David: A Heart After God — Week 1

Topic: Saul vs. David – What’s a Heart After God?
Audience: Middle School Students
Time: ~45 minutes

Instructions for Leaders

Take turns reading each section out loud, including the Bible passages. Pause to discuss the questions after each section. Keep it conversational and fun — students don’t have to have all the answers. The goal is to help them understand what it means to have a heart after God.

Icebreaker: “The Hidden Heart Challenge”

Setup:
Bring 3 boxes or bags — all look similar on the outside.
Inside one, hide something valuable (like candy or a small prize).
The other two can have random junk items (like a rock, crumpled paper, or a tissue).

How to Play:

  1. Have students take turns guessing which box they think has the “treasure.”
  2. Once all votes are in, reveal what’s inside each box.
  3. Celebrate the winner, then ask a few questions:
    • “Why did you pick that one?”
    • “Did the outside match what was inside?”

Connect it:

“That’s exactly what Israel did with King Saul. He looked like the perfect leader on the outside, but his heart wasn’t right with God. David didn’t look like much, but his heart was what God wanted. Today we’re going to learn what it means to have a heart after God.”

1️⃣ Fear vs. Trust

Read: 1 Samuel 13:8–14
Saul was surrounded by enemies, and he freaked out. Instead of waiting for Samuel like God told him to, Saul tried to handle things his own way. His fear made him disobey.

Discuss:

  • Why do you think Saul panicked?
  • What’s something that makes you panic or want to take control instead of trusting God?
  • How can you remind yourself to wait on God when you feel afraid?

Takeaway:

Fear rushes. Faith waits. Trusting God means letting Him lead, even when things feel out of control.

2️⃣ Shortcuts vs. Obedience

Read: 1 Samuel 15:9, 21–22
God told Saul to completely destroy the enemy’s stuff — but Saul kept what he liked and said it was “for God.” He took a shortcut instead of obeying fully.

Discuss:

  • Why do shortcuts feel easier than obeying sometimes?
  • What happens when we try to “sort of” obey God?
  • What’s one way you can choose obedience this week even when it’s hard?

Takeaway:

God doesn’t want our excuses or half-obedience. He wants our hearts — people who do what’s right because we love Him.

3️⃣ Reputation vs. Repentance

Read: 1 Samuel 15:30
Even after Saul messed up, he cared more about looking good than being real. He said, “Please honor me in front of the people,” instead of just saying, “I was wrong.”

Discuss:

  • Why do people (including us) care so much about what others think?
  • What’s the difference between saying “I’m sorry” and actually changing?
  • What does real repentance look like in your life?

Takeaway:

God doesn’t want perfect people — He wants humble people who admit when they’ve messed up and turn back to Him.

❤️ The Man After God’s Heart

Read: 1 Samuel 16:1, 18:12 & Revelation 22:16
God replaced Saul with David — a man after His heart. But the real secret wasn’t David’s strength or skill. It was God’s Spirit working in him. And that same Spirit works in us through Jesus!

Discuss:

  • What made David different from Saul?
  • How does Jesus help us have a heart like David’s?
  • What’s one way you can show a heart after God this week?

Takeaway:

Having a heart after God means trusting Jesus, obeying His Word, and staying humble when we fail.

Closing Thought

Saul looked like a king, but David lived like one — because he let God lead his heart. God still looks for people like that today. You don’t have to be perfect — just willing to trust and follow Him.

Challenge

This week, when you feel afraid, rushed, or tempted to take a shortcut — pause and pray:

“God, help me have a heart after You.”
Then do the right thing, even if it’s hard. That’s what real faith looks like.

Click for Shownotes

DAVID: THE MAKING OF

God’s promises always come with a process. The making of a man or woman of God happens long before the moment of recognition — in hidden places, through faithful obedience, and in God’s perfect timing.

The Development Process

Like an old photograph developed in the darkroom, God shapes His people in unseen places. The image is already there on the negative, but if it’s exposed too soon, it’s ruined. David’s greatness began long before his battle with Goliath — in the ordinary routines of shepherding and serving.

1 Samuel 17:17–20 (NLT) records David running errands for his father: “Take this cheese to your brothers.” His big moment started with a small act of obedience. The kingdom of God grows through faithfulness in little things. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities.” Matthew 25:21.

If you’re too big to serve, you’re too small to lead. The world celebrates promotion; God celebrates obedience. Every “cheese run” assignment is part of God’s shaping process.

Takeaway: This week, identify one “inglorious” assignment and do it as worship. Be faithful in the unnoticed moments—because that’s where God develops His leaders. Colossians 3:23.

Private Victories Protect Public Callings

When Saul doubted David’s ability to face Goliath, David replied, “Your servant has killed both lion and bear… The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” 1 Samuel 17:34–37 (NLT).

David didn’t stumble into courage by accident—it was forged in solitude. Faith grows in private battles. Those unseen victories prepared him for public triumphs.

Life doesn’t change that much — the stakes just get higher. The lions and bears in our lives represent private temptations and struggles we must conquer before facing public challenges. Hidden obedience produces visible power.

James 1:15 warns, “These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” Proverbs 28:13 reminds us, “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”

Takeaway: Identify your “lions and bears” — pride, envy, deceit, or lust — and bring them into the light. Confess and seek accountability. James 5:16; 1 John 1:7.

Learn to Walk in Your Own Armor

Saul tried to outfit David with his own armor, but David refused: “I cannot go in these… because I’m not used to them.” 1 Samuel 17:38–40 (NLT). David knew that his sling was better than a sword that didn’t fit.

If you don’t walk in it, you can’t war in it. God equips each of us uniquely. Your tools may look different from others, but they’re exactly what God has given you for your calling.

Interestingly, David picked up five smooth stones — not because he doubted God, but perhaps because he was ready for more. 2 Samuel 21:22 tells us Goliath had four relatives who were also giants. David’s faith said, “God, I’m ready for them too.”

Takeaway: Clarify what’s in your hand. Discover your spiritual gifts and use them faithfully. 1 Timothy 4:14–16.

God Prepares the Worker and the Work

David’s triumph over Goliath mirrored God’s earlier victory over the false god Dagon. 1 Samuel 5:1–4 (NLT) describes how Dagon fell before the Ark of God, his head and hands broken off. Years later, David cut off Goliath’s head — a prophetic echo of God’s supremacy.

God was preparing this moment for David — not just David for this moment. The same pattern is seen in Abraham, Moses, Nehemiah, and the disciples. God’s preparation always runs ahead of our participation.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) declares, “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” God isn’t improvising your story — He’s orchestrating it.

Takeaway: Look for divine appointments this week—open doors, timely conversations, and small nudges. God is always one step ahead of you.

The Making of a Man or Woman of God

David’s greatness wasn’t built in a day—it was built in the darkroom of faithfulness. 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT) says, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” Everything needed for your destiny is already within you through Christ.

Like a child growing into their DNA, God’s image in you is still developing. The process takes time, but the picture is forming. Stay faithful in the hidden places—because that’s where God does His best work.

God’s promises always come with a process. Let Him bring your life into focus.

Talking Points:

● God develops His people in hidden places, not the spotlight. Like a photograph in a darkroom, His image forms over time. 1 Samuel 17:17–20.

● Destiny often arrives disguised as ordinary assignments. Faithfulness in “cheese runs” reveals true leadership. Matthew 25:21.

● Private victories protect public callings. David’s courage came from years of unseen faithfulness. 1 Samuel 17:34–37.

● Small private compromises lead to public collapse. Confession and accountability preserve your calling. James 5:16; Proverbs 28:13.

● God calls you to walk in your own armor — not to copy someone else’s. 1 Samuel 17:38–40.

● God prepares both the worker and the work. Every divine appointment is part of His design. Ephesians 2:10.

● Spiritual maturity means trusting God’s timing in the process, not rushing His promises. 2 Peter 1:3.

Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Why do you think God develops leaders in hidden seasons before public ones? Can you think of a time He prepared you quietly before a big moment?
  3. What are some “cheese run” moments in your life — small acts of obedience that revealed your heart?
  4. How can you win your “private battles” so you’re ready for public callings? What practical steps help with accountability?
  5. Why is it important to walk in your own armor instead of copying someone else’s calling?
  6. How does it encourage you to know that God prepares both you and your circumstances in advance?
  7. Which part of “the making of” process do you find hardest right now — waiting, trusting, or staying faithful? What truth from this lesson helps you persevere?
Click for Student Edition

David: The Making Of — Student Lesson

Intro

Today we’re talking about how God develops His people — not in the spotlight, but in secret. David became a hero because of years of unseen faithfulness. God’s promises come with a process, and He uses ordinary moments to make extraordinary people.

Icebreaker: “The Cheese Run Challenge”

Bring slices of cheese or wrapped snacks labeled with tasks (like “take this to your teammate”). Have students deliver them quickly around the room. Afterwards, ask:

  • How did it feel doing something simple and unnoticed?
  • Would you do it if no one thanked you?

Connect it: That’s exactly what David did. Before he faced Goliath, he ran errands for his dad. God often tests us with small things before big things.

1. Faithfulness in the Ordinary

Read: 1 Samuel 17:17–20
David’s big moment began when he was doing something small — delivering food. God notices when we serve quietly.

Discuss:

  • Why do you think God cares about small acts of obedience?
  • What’s something “ordinary” you can do this week for God?

Takeaway: If you’re too big to serve, you’re too small to lead.

2. Winning in Private

Read: 1 Samuel 17:34–37
Before David fought Goliath, he fought lions and bears. Those private victories gave him courage later.

Discuss:

  • What are your “lions and bears” — things you need to overcome privately?
  • How can you build trust in God when no one’s watching?

Takeaway: Private victories protect public callings.

3. Walk in Your Own Armor

Read: 1 Samuel 17:38–40
Saul tried to make David wear his armor, but it didn’t fit. David used what God had given him — his sling and stones.

Discuss:

  • What’s your “sling” — a talent or skill God has given you?
  • Why is it dangerous to compare yourself to others?

Takeaway: God made you unique — use what He’s given you.

4. God Prepares the Worker and the Work

Read: Ephesians 2:10
God was preparing David for the battle and the battle for David. The same is true for you.

Discuss:

  • How does it change your attitude to know God is already preparing your future?
  • What can you do today to stay ready?

Takeaway: God is always one step ahead of you.

Outro

David’s story reminds us that greatness grows in secret. God is developing you right now — through school, chores, friendships, and faithfulness. Be patient with the process; the image is forming.

Closing Thought: Everything you need for godly living is already in you through Christ. Let Him bring your story into focus.

Challenge: This week, look for one ordinary way to serve others faithfully — even if no one notices. Do it for God.

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DAVID: THE COMPARISON TRAP
Comparison is the silent killer of joy. It slowly steals your confidence, shifts your focus, and leaves you spiritually drained. In 1 Samuel 18, we see this clearly in the lives of Saul and David. David’s moment of victory should have united Israel—but instead, it exposed the dangerous power of comparison in Saul’s heart. His story warns us that comparison doesn’t just affect how we feel; it affects who we become.

The Celebration That Turned Into Jealousy

When David returned from defeating Goliath, the nation erupted with music, dancing, and praise. The women sang:

“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!” (1 Samuel 18:7, NLT)

This wasn’t a protest song or a political statement—it was a celebration of God’s deliverance. But Saul heard something different. Instead of hearing gratitude, he heard threat. Instead of celebrating God’s victory, he fixated on David’s recognition.

“So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.” (1 Samuel 18:9, NLT)

Comparison took a moment of unity and turned it into a moment of insecurity.

1. Comparison Strangles Your Joy

Saul had every reason to be joyful—his nation was safe, his army victorious, and his reputation still strong. But when he looked sideways at David, his joy collapsed.

The same thing happens to us. Social media has made comparison effortless. Studies show people—especially Gen Z—often feel worse after scrolling, not better. We see what others have and suddenly forget what God has given us.

Scripture reminds us:

“Those who seek the Lord will lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10, NLT)

If God hasn’t given it, we don’t need it—not yet, and maybe not ever. Joy isn’t rooted in what others have; it’s rooted in who God is.

Joy grows in gratitude, not in comparison.

2. Comparison Stunts Your Growth

Saul’s jealousy didn’t just affect his emotions—it affected his leadership. The day after the celebration, he tried to kill David (1 Samuel 18:10–11). Instead of mentoring the young man God had raised up, Saul made him an enemy.

Proverbs warns us:

“A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”
(Proverbs 14:30, NLT)

Jealousy slowly eats away at your capacity to grow. Jesus had to correct Peter on this very issue. When Peter asked about John’s future, Jesus answered:

“What is that to you? As for you, follow me.” (John 21:22, NLT)

You can’t follow Jesus while watching someone else’s calling.

You can’t grow while looking sideways.

3. Comparison Steals Your Focus

As Saul’s jealousy deepened, his focus narrowed. Instead of ruling his kingdom, he watched David. Instead of building Israel’s future, he spiraled into fear.

“Saul was then afraid of David, for the Lord was with David…”
(1 Samuel 18:12, NLT)

Comparison pulls your attention away from what God is doing in you and puts it on what He’s doing in someone else. It creates what some call “sideways energy”—lots of movement, no progress.

What you stare at is what you steer toward.

If you stare at someone else’s success, you’ll steer your life toward envy and insecurity. But if you stare at Jesus, you’ll steer toward peace and purpose.

From Competition to Confidence

Even Jesus’ disciples struggled with comparison. James and John wanted positions of honor (Mark 10:37). They chased status until Jesus corrected them.

But years later, John wrote these words:

“See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children.”
(1 John 3:1, NLT)

Somewhere along the way, he stopped competing and started resting in God’s love.

That’s what the gospel does.
It replaces insecurity with identity.
It moves us from striving to belonging.
From competition to confidence.

You don’t have to chase approval.
You don’t have to earn your value.
You already belong to God—and that is enough.

Talking Points:
  • Comparison strangles your joy. Saul lost his joy because he focused on David’s success instead of God’s goodness. 1 Samuel 18:6–9.
  • Joy grows in gratitude, not in comparison. Psalm 34:10 teaches that God withholds no good thing from those who seek Him.
  • Comparison stunts your growth. Saul stopped leading and started competing, wasting energy on jealousy instead of maturity. 1 Samuel 18:10–11.
  • A peaceful heart leads to spiritual health, but jealousy eats away at you from the inside. Proverbs 14:30.
  • Comparison steals your focus and traps you in sideways energy. Saul focused on David instead of God’s calling. 1 Samuel 18:12.
  • What you stare at, you steer toward. Peter learned this when Jesus told him, “What is that to you? You follow me.” John 21:21–22.
  • The gospel moves us from competition to confidence. Our identity comes from God’s love, not from outperforming someone else. 1 John 3:1.

Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. When have you felt your joy decrease because you were comparing your life to someone else’s?
  3. Why do you think jealousy is described as “cancer in the bones” in Proverbs 14:30? How have you seen this play out?
  4. Where do you feel the pull to measure your progress by someone else’s pace?
  5. What does “sideways energy” look like in your life right now?
  6. Read John 21:21–22. How does Jesus’ response to Peter speak to your struggle with comparison?
  7. How does recognizing your identity in Christ (1 John 3:1) help you break free from comparison?

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03 DAVID: THE COMPARISON TRAP — Student Edition

Intro
Today we’re talking about something almost everyone struggles with—comparison. It’s that feeling you get when you see someone else doing better, having more, or getting more attention, and suddenly you feel smaller. In David’s story, celebration turned into jealousy when Saul started comparing himself to David. We’re going to look at why comparison is so harmful and how God wants to free us from it.

Icebreaker: “Scrolling Side-by-Side”
Have students pair up and compare their home screens (nothing private—just the layout). Ask:
● What’s similar?
● What’s different?
● Did either of you wish your phone looked more like someone else’s?
Connect it:
“Just like phone screens, our lives can look different—and that’s okay. Comparison starts when we think someone else’s ‘screen’ is better than ours. Today we’ll learn how Saul fell into that trap.”

1. Comparison Kills Joy

Read: 1 Samuel 18:6–9
When the people celebrated David, Saul felt threatened instead of thankful. His joy disappeared because his eyes were on David instead of God.

Discuss:
● Why do you think Saul got jealous so fast?
● When does comparison steal your joy?

Takeaway:
Joy grows when your eyes are on God, not on everyone else.

2. Comparison Stops Growth

Read: 1 Samuel 18:10–11
Saul could have learned from David or even mentored him. Instead, jealousy made him angry and reckless. Comparison kept him from becoming the leader God wanted him to be.

Discuss:
● How does comparison distract you from growing?
● Have you ever avoided trying something because someone else was better at it?

Takeaway:
You can’t grow while looking sideways.

3. Comparison Steals Focus

Read: 1 Samuel 18:12
Saul stopped focusing on God’s calling and started chasing David. His whole world shrank into fear and suspicion.

Discuss:
● What do you tend to fix your eyes on—God or others?
● What’s something God may want you to focus on instead?

Takeaway:
What you stare at is what you steer toward.

4. From Competing to Confident

Read: 1 John 3:1
James and John once chased status, but later John wrote about God’s love instead. He didn’t need comparison anymore—he found confidence in being God’s child.

Discuss:
● How does knowing God loves you change the way you see yourself?
● What would it look like to find confidence in Christ instead of competition?

Takeaway:
Your identity comes from God’s love, not someone else’s approval.

Outro
Comparison shrinks your joy, your growth, and your focus. But God wants to set you free from that. Like David, you can trust God with your calling and rest in His love instead of competing with others.

Closing Thought
You don’t have to outdo anyone. You just have to follow Jesus.

Challenge
This week, when comparison creeps in, pause and pray:
“Jesus, help me follow You—not them.”

This lesson is coming soon. 

This lesson is coming soon. 

This lesson is coming soon. 

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