Love Wins! (Psalm 59; 1 Samuel 19:11-18)

Love Wins!
Psalm 59
1 Samuel 19:11-18

The love of God gives us confidence that He will punish evil.

I.    Faith Calls out to God for Justice
    A.    Surrounded by Enemies (vv. 1-3; 1 Samuel 19:11-18)
    B.    Appetite for Destruction (vv. 6-7, 14-15)
    C.    Israel as Picture of the World (vv. 8, 13)
    D.    The Cry for Justice (vv. 1-5, 11-13)

II.    Faith Remembers the Severity of God’s Justice
    A.    Suffering, though Innocent (vv. 3-4)
    B.    Do Not Destroy (vv. 11-13)
    C.    A Confidence Based on God’s Love (of Justice) (vv. 8-10, 12-13, 16-17)

III.    Faith Takes Refuge in the Love of God
    A.    When Innocence isn’t Enough (cf. Psalm 51)
    B.    Our Refuge and Fortress (vv. 9, 16-17; cf. Romans 3:25-26; 5:8)
    C.    What Love Looks Like

Discussion Starters

1.    Monday—What does it mean that faith is more often described than defined? How would you define faith? How would you describe it?
2.    Tuesday—What does it mean that faith cries out for justice? What does crying for justice require you believe?
3.    Wednesday—Why does David pray that his enemies are not put to death (v. 11)? Why is it important that justice be public?
4.    Thursday—Why does God’s love give us confidence that justice will prevail? Could God be good and loving if he did not care about justice?
5.    Friday—What does it mean to take refuge in the love of God? Does God’s love lead him to deny His justice or satisfy it?