Big Idea: How we respond to our failures will shape the story of our life. 

            1 Samuel 13:1-9

            1 Samuel 10:8

Failure is inevitable.

            1 Samuel 13:10-11a

Every failure is an opportunity to choose humility or pride.

            1 Samuel 13:11b-12

Responding to failure with pride:

1. Blaming others for our failures
   1 Samuel 13: 11b-12
2. Blaming circumstances for our failures
   1 Samuel 13:13-14
3. Ignoring our failures
   1 Samuel 13:15

Responding to failure with pride keeps you from the grace of God.

            1 John 1:9

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 13, and the big idea is: How we respond to our failures will shape the story of our life. 

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 13:6–9. What fears or pressures do you think Saul was facing in this moment? How do you personally tend to respond when you're under pressure?
2. Have someone read 1 Samuel 13:10–12. What does Saul’s explanation reveal about his heart? How can we tell the difference between taking responsibility vs. blaming others or our circumstances?
3. Have someone read 1 Samuel 13:13–14. What did Saul lose because of his disobedience? Why do you think obedience matters so much to God—even when our intentions seem reasonable?
4. What would it look like to grow in humility when you fail—at work, in parenting, in friendships, or in your spiritual life?
5. How could you go this week and help someone else process failure with grace and truth, instead of shame or pride?