week of 7/6

Unit 11  Session 1

FTHE LORD'S BATTLE

1 SAMUEL 17:32-40; 45-50 

 

Key Concept:

We can trust God to be sovereign over all our battles.

Since the time of Joshua and the judges, notably Samson, the Philistines were a thorn in Israel's side. In 1 Samuel, the Philistines defeated Israel and captured the ark of God, which was returned through the work of God Himself. Later, with the Lord's help, Saul and his army put the Philistines to flight. But in 1 Samuel 17, the Philistines again gathered for battle against God's people, and this time Saul and the entire Israelite army were afraid on account of the Philistine giant Goliath. David, on the other hand, had begun to rise to prominence, and his battle with Goliath solidified that he was God's choice for Israel's king.

As you examine 1 Samuel 17:32-40; 45-50:

✞   Recognize that when Saul and the army lost faith, David trusted in God's

    faithfulness in the past to help him.

     

✞   Understand that God may use us in mighty ways, but He is the One Who

    can claim the victory.

week of 6/29

Unit 10  Session 5

FOOLISH PRIDE

1 SAMUEL 16:14-23 

 

Key Concept:

The call of God is a call to humanity.

From the smallest tribe of Israel, Saul was anointed as Israel's first king. But Saul quickly succumbed to pride through disobedience against God, and his kingship was torn from him and given to another, to a man after God's own heart. The Holy Spirit that had come upon Saul for his role as king also left him and came upon David, whom the Lord anointed as His new king. Yet the transition of power from one king to the next would not be immediate, and David soon found himself in the surprising position of serving the king he would one day replace on the throne.

As you examine 1 Samuel 16:14-23:

✞   Reflect upon the fact that the Lord is holy, good, and sovereign, and even the

    wicked serve His holy will.

     

✞   Consider that David waited humbly and patiently on the Lord to fulfill His will

    in His timing.

week of 6/22

Unit 10  Session 4

FOOLISH APPEARANCES

1 SAMUEL 16:1-13 

 

Key Concept:

God always looks at the heart over external qualities.

We do not always value what the Lord values. This was clearly the case with Israel's first king. Saul had the physical stature and military prowess to be a great king in the eyes of the people, but he was a failure in what mattered. God's people needed a king who would follow God with a heart fully devoted to Him. Though Samuel grieved Saul's sin, God had already selected a replacement, a man after God's own heart. Israel's next king, David, would be an unlikely choice, but outward appearances do not make one faithful or righteous. For the Lord, what makes a great king is the attitude and direction of his heart.

As you examine 1 Samuel 16:1-13:

✞   Recognize that we must beware of looking only at the exterior features in leadership.

     

✞   Remember that the Holy Spirit will equip those whom God calls.

week of 6/15

Unit 10  Session 3

FOOLISH DEFIANCE

1 SAMUEL 15:1-3 ; 7-13; 22-23

 

Key Concept:

No excuse justifies our disobedience against God.

Saul proved to be an unwise and disobedient king for Israel. His first act of disobedience with his ill-offered sacrifice revealed the condition of his heart before God and His people. Saul acted clearly in his own authority and disregarded God's command that had been given through Samuel. As a result, the Lord declared that He would choose a new king to replace Saul. Even though Saul was disciplined with the loss of a dynasty, in 1 Samuel 15, Saul sinned again and ultimately was rejected as king by God.

As you examine 1 Samuel 15:1-3 ; 7-13; 22-23:

✞   Consider the danger for believers of equating halfhearted disobedience 

    with full obedience to God.

     

✞   Let this event spur gratitude for Jesus, Who always perfectly obeyed God

    even when it came to death on a cross to save sinners.

week of 6/8

Unit 10  Session 2

FOOLISH DISOBEDIENCE

1 SAMUEL 13:6-14

 

Key Concept:

God's commands are to be taken seriously.

Israel demanded to have a king like those of the nations, and God gave them what they wanted. Through Samuel, the Lord anointed Saul as Israel's first king. A man of the tribe of Benjamin, Saul was handsome, tall, and had the "look" of leadership. Saul was hesitant at first, but he began his kingship well, defeating the Ammonite army and rescuing the Israelite city of Jabesh-Gilead. Yet there were early warning signs of flaws in Saul's character, proverbial cracks in the king's armor, that proved he would be replaced by someone who followed the Lord.

As you examine 1 Samuel 13:6-14:

✞   Notice that Saul took God's commands lightly, resulting in sin.

     

✞   Recognize that Saul's foolishness led to a shortened reign.

week of 6/1

Unit 10  Session 1

FOOLISH ENVY

1 SAMUEL 8:4-20

 

Key Concept:

God sometimes allows foolishness so we recognize it.

Through Israel's history, the Lord always provided a human leader. Moses led the people out of Egypt, and Joshua led them into the promised land. Judges governed the people of Israel with deteriorating levels of success after the death of Joshua. Though Samuel was a well-respected prophet, priest, and judge, his sons did not follow the Lord faithfully as their father did. Therefore, the people petitioned for new leadership - they want a king. This pivotal moment in Israel's history fulfilled God's words to Moses in Deuteronomy 17 and paved the way for the kingdom of Israel under Saul, David, Solomon, and ultimately Jesus.

As you examine 1 Samuel 8:4-20:

✞   Reflect on the fact that God allows us the freedom to choose our way even if 

    it leads to sorrowful results.

     

✞   Consider how the desire to be like the world is a strong force of temptation

    even for believers today.

week of 5/25

Unit 09  Session 4

GOD RESTORES HIS PEOPLE

1 SAMUEL 7:2-12

 

Key Concept:

God desires to restore His people because they have strayed from Him.

When the Philistines captured the ark of the covenant, God judged the Philistines. The ark was moved from one Philistine city to another because everywhere it went God afflicted the people with tumors. The Philistines sent it back to Israel with a sacrifice (1 Samuel 6:1-18). Finally, the ark of the covenant was sent to the home of Abinidab in Kiriath-jearim, where it remained for twenty years. During that time, the Israelites longed for the Lord. Samuel, in his role as priest, led them to repent.

As you examine 1 Samuel 7:2-12:

✞   Reflect upon the promise that when we confess our sins and repent, God is ready to

    forgive and restore us.

     

✞   Notice that God is willing to save those who cry out to Him, and He chooses to work 

    in response to our actions of repentance.