Promises Kept Week 2

December 8th, 2025
by Rev. Dr. Roger Clayton

Promises Kept – Lesson #2
Earthly Kings vs Christ the King

Lesson Overview and Main Theme:

This lesson explores the contrast between human kingship and Christ’s kingship by examining Israel’s desire for a king, God’s choice of that king, and the revelation of Jesus as the true King.

Main Idea

Earthly kings embody human desire, fear, and limitation.
Christ embodies God’s heart, purpose, and salvation.
Opening Prayer and Warm up Question:

Welcome

“Can you think of a time people wanted a certain kind of leader—but it didn’t turn out as expected?”

(This can be historical, personal, or general—keep it light.)

Reading the Scriptures:

Read aloud each passage:

1 Samuel 8:4–9, 19–22
1 Samuel 16:1–13
Matthew 2:1–12

Notice contrasts between earthly kings and God’s chosen King.

Lesson and Discussion questions:
A. 1 Samuel 8:4–9, 19–22 — Israel Demands an Earthly King

Overview of Scripture:

Israel wants a king "like all the other nations."
Their request is rooted in fear, comparison, and distrust of God.
God reveals the deeper issue:
“They have rejected Me as their king.”
God grants their request—even though it’s not His best for them.

Characteristics of an earthly king:

Driven by human desires
Reflects cultural pressure
Represents human strength and human limits
Often brings burden rather than blessing

Key Truth:

When we chase human solutions over God’s leadership, we always settle for less.

Discussion Questions:

Why did Israel want a king “like the other nations”?
Where do we see similar pressures in our lives today—wanting what others have rather than trusting God?

B. 1 Samuel 16:1–13 — God Chooses His King

Overview of Scripture:

God first chooses the people’s King, Saul
After Saul fails, God sends Samuel to choose the next king.
Samuel assumes the impressive older brother is God’s choice, but God corrects him:
“Man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
David, the youngest and least likely, is God’s choice.
The Spirit of the Lord comes upon David, empowering him for his calling.

Characteristics of God’s chosen king:

Selected by God, not human preference
Chosen for heart, not appearance
Marked by humility
Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Key Truth:

God’s leadership flows from His heart, not human expectations.

Discussion Questions:

How does the phrase “the Lord looks at the heart” challenge the way we evaluate leaders or people?
Why do you think God often chooses unexpected people to accomplish His purposes?

C. Matthew 2:1–12 — Christ, the True and Eternal King

Overview of Scripture:

Jesus is born King—not appointed or elected.
Gentile wise men recognize His kingship; Jerusalem’s leaders do not.
King Herod represents earthly rulers who protect power through fear.
The wise men worship Jesus, offering gifts symbolizing His royalty, deity, and sacrifice.
God guides and protects His true King through divine means (the star; a dream; Angels).

Characteristics of Christ the King: