Big Idea: Rest means confidence in what God does for me, not what I do for him. 

            2 Samuel 7:1-3

God is not in a hurry.

            Psalm 37:3

            2 Samuel 7:4-5

Not all correction is criticism.

            1 Kings 8:18

            2 Samuel 7:6-7

God is

• humble
  • 2 Samuel 7:8-9a
• gracious
  • Acts 17:24-25
  • 2 Samuel 7:9b-11a

God works in the “already and not yet”.

            2 Samuel 7:11a-16, 18-21

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 2 Samuel 7, and the big idea is: Rest means confidence in what God does for me, not what I do for him. 

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 2 Samuel 7:1-5. David wants to build a house for God, but God responds by asking, "Are you to build me a house to dwell in?" Based on the sermon’s point that "not all correction is criticism," why do you think God redirected David’s good intentions, and what does this reveal about God not being in a hurry?
2. Have someone read 2 Samuel 7:8-9. God reminds David that he took him from the pasture and has been with him wherever he has gone. How does this look back at David’s history support the big idea that rest is found in what God does for us rather than what we do for him?
3. Have someone read 2 Samuel 7:18-21. After hearing God’s promise, David sits in the Lord’s presence and asks, "Who am I?" How does David’s posture of thanksgiving show a shift from wanting to "do" something for God to simply receiving what God has revealed?
4. The sermon highlights that God works in the "already and not yet" and that he is the one who establishes our future. In an area of your life where you feel a sense of accomplishment or have "arrived," how can you grow in your daily confidence that your security comes from God’s work rather than your own?
5. Read 2 Samuel 7:16 and 19. God’s promise of a kingdom that endures forever was described as a "revelation for mankind." How can you go and share the peace of this eternal, unshakable kingdom with someone this week who is stressed by the temporary "houses" or legacies they are trying to build?