Big Idea: Without humility, success is often short lived.

                  1 Samuel 10:26-27, 11:1-5

Humility often leads to success.

                  James 4:6

                  1 Samuel 11:6-11

Success often brings you power.

                  1 Samuel 11:12-15

Success and power make it hard to stay humble.

                  1 Samuel 12:23-25

Pride will take you from success to failure.

                  Matthew 20:26-28

Message Questions

We’re in a year-long journey through the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, tracing the rise, reign, and legacy of Israel’s most famous king. We’ll see the story of how God works through real people with real flaws to accomplish his purposes. This week we are in 1 Samuel 11-12, and the big idea is: Without humility, success is often short lived.

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do.

1. Have someone read 1 Samuel 11:1–11. How does Saul respond to the crisis facing Jabesh-gilead, and what does that show us about humility and leadership?
2. Have someone read 1 Samuel 11:12–15. How does Saul respond to success and power here? What stands out about his character?
3. Have someone read 1 Samuel 12:20–25. What warnings and encouragement does Samuel give, and how are those relevant to your life today?
4. What would it look like to grow in humility even when you experience success or praise?
5. How could you go and model servant leadership this week like Jesus did in Matthew 20?