First listen to the sermon (posts Sun. afternoon). Then use the ideas below to help you and your group apply what the Lord is teaching you.

Icebreaker idea: If you could pick one person (not in the Bible) to be the king of your country, who would you pick and why?

A way to pray: Ask God to help us consistently put Him instead of ourselves on the throne of our hearts. Apply this request specifically to the areas shared in the discussion questions below.

• Treasuring God: How is God radically different from Samuel's warnings about human kings? Which difference do I especially appreciate?

• Being Transformed: How am I conforming to be "like all the nations" around me? How can I allow God to begin changing me in those areas?

• Loving Others: Is there any way I treat others like a human king does – seeking what is best for me rather than best for others?

• Pursuing Unity: Have I permitted anyone to speak correction into my life? Do I graciously offer correction to others? How does this build unity?