Discussion Questions:

1. As a group, define success. At the end of your life, what would you look back on and consider a successful life lived?

2. Is the way that the Lord defines success different from the way that the world defines success? In what ways is it different?

3. Read 2 Samuel 23:1.

What are the 3 descriptions of David given in these verses? What do these 3 things tell you about David's life? How do these 3 statements give us an overview of David's life? What do these 3 statements reveal about David's heart toward God?

4. What do you treasure most in your life? How much has the grace of God shaped the way you live and the decisions that you make?

Reflect on this thought: At the end of your life, which do you think will consume your thoughts the most: the money you made, things you acquired, the things that you accomplished, or the people that you invested in and impacted? How should you shape your life around what is most important?

5. Read 2 Samuel 23:2-3.

Who spoke to David? Does God still speak today? How does He speak today? In what ways has He spoken specifically to you?

6. Read 2 Samuel 23:3-4.

What did the Lord say to David? How does the fact that the Lord takes the time to speak to you individually encourage you? Is there anything that the Lord has spoken into your life recently through His word, prayer, or other believers that you need to be obedient to? Discuss these things.

7. Read 2 Samuel 23:5-7.

What does this reveal about God’s covenant with David?

The covenant that the Lord made with David was not based on David's perfection but it was based on God’s promise. How does your perspective of life change when you realize that God has established a permanent covenant with you through His son Jesus?

8. Read Psalm 23.

- What does verse 1 reveal about who God is?

- Who have you seen the Lord to be in your own life personally?

- What do verses 2 and 3 say about how the Lord comes alongside His people?

- In your life, have you seen the Lord as a shepherd, a provider, and a comforter? If yes, how have you seen Him be like this?

- From verses 3 through 6, What conclusions had David come to about his God and his future?

- What conclusions have you come to at this point in your life about your God and your future?

- In what ways have you seen the Lord provide and comfort you during difficult times in your life? Has this produced a deeper trust in you toward the Lord? How are you currently trusting the Lord with your present situations and your future?

9. Close the night by having everyone close their eyes and receive the words of Psalm 72. Once someone has read these words, close by praying over the things we’ve discussed.