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.

week of 5/18

 Unit 09  Session 3

GOD DISCIPLINES HIS PEOPLE

1 SAMUEL 4:2-11

 

Key Concept:

God disciplines His people when they trust anything other than Him.

The Israelites were once again battling the Philistines, a constant thorn in their sides as God had prophesied (Deuteronomy 7:16; Judges 2:3). The Philistines killed four thousand Israelite soldiers in the battle. After the battle, the elders asked the right question: "Why did the LORD defeat us today before the Philistines?" (1 Samuel 4:3). But they did not seek God for an answer to their question. Instead, they offered their own solution. They called for the ark of God to be brought into the camp, thinking the symbol of God's presence and protection - and not God Himself - would give them the victory. But they were wrong.

As you examine 1 Samuel 4:2-11:

✞   Remember that we make light of God when we think the things of God, 

    not God Himself, are our salvation.

     

✞   Recognize that we must not seek to manipulate God for our own purposes 

    but trust and wait on Him.

week of 5/11

 Unit 09  Session 2

GOD CALLS HIS PEOPLE

1 SAMUEL 3:3-14, 17-19

 

Key Concept:

God calls His people to obedience.

Samuel was an answer to Hannah's prayer for a child, and as she vowed, she gave her son to the Lord's service (1 Samuel 1:26-28). Samuel remained at the tabernacle under the care of Eli, the priest. When Samuel was older and Eli had grown old, God called Samuel by name. God told him that Eli and his family would be punished because of the sins of his sons. Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, treated the Lord's offerings with contempt and used the priesthood for their own gratification. In response, God said He would raise up a faithful priest for himself.

As you examine 1 Samuel 3:3-14, 17-19:

✞   Notice that Eli understood the Lord was calling Samuel and taught the boy 

    how to respond to God's call.

     

✞   Reflect upon the solemn duty we have to tell the whole Gospel to others, 

    even when it might be difficult for them to hear.

week of 5/4

Unit 09  Session 1

GOD REDEEMS HIS PEOPLE

RUTH 1:22; :5-13; 4:13-17

 

Key Concept:

No one is beyond the reach of God's redemption.

During the time of the judges, everyone did what seemed right in their own eyes. During a particular famine, Elimelech and his family moved from Bethlehem to Moab. While there, Elimelech and his sons died, leaving his wife, Naomi, and two daughters-in-law. Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem, and Ruth, though a foreigner, vowed to stay with her. Once in Bethlehem, the women had no one to care for them, so Ruth went out to glean in the barley fields of Boaz. More than a love story, the story of Ruth is a picture of loss and redemption.

As you examine Ruth 1:22, 3:5-13, 4:13-17:

✞   Recognize that Ruth chose not only to stay with Naomi but she chose to turn 

    away from her family's gods and trust in the one true God.

     

✞   Consider how Boaz as a family redeemer points to Christ, Who redeems us 

    from sin and death.

week of 4/27

Unit 08  Session 4

GOD INTERVENES FOR HIS PEOPLE

JUDGES 16:4-5; 16-30

 

Key Concept:

God can vindicate His people even through the seeming hopelessness of death.

Samson was the final deliverer of Israel described in the book of Judges. His story occurs in three parts. First, in Judges 13, an angel appeared to a barren woman and said she would have a son set apart for the Lord's service as a Nazirite (see Numbers 6:1-21). Then in Judges 14-15, when Samson was grown, he married a Philistine woman and clashed with the Philistines. Finally in Judges 16, Samson became involved with Delilah, who ultimately betrayed him. Through it all, Samson's unconventional judgeship showed that God's purpose cannot be thwarted.

As you examine Judges 16:4-5; 16-30:

✞   Understand that when we take God lightly, we drift further from God and 

    deeper into sin.

     

✞   Remember that God can use anything, even our failures, to accomplish His 

    good purposes for His people.

week of 4/20

Unit 08  Session 3

GOD STRENGTHENS HIS PEOPLE

JUDGES 6:36-40; 7:1-9

 

Key Concept:

God Almighty strengthens us in our weakness.

The story of Gideon is the longest and most complex narrative of deliverance in Judges, stretching from Judges 6-9. Israel had turned to idol worship once again. God gave them into the hand of the marauding Midianites, who oppressed them for seven years. Again, God's people cried out to Him. In response, the Lord called Gideon to deliver His people. But before Gideon faced off against the pagan Midianites, he had to deal with idolatry closer to home. God told Gideon to destroy his father's idols, and he obeyed. With that preliminary task behind him, he mustered troops to face the Midianites.

As you examine Judges 6:36-40; 7:1-9:

✞   Notice that God was patient with Gideon's fears and gave him reassurances to 

    strengthen his faith.

     

✞   Acknowledge that Gideon, like other judges, was used by God, but God is the 

    One Who delivered His people.

week of 4/13

Unit 08  Session 2

GOD WORKS THROUGH HIS PEOPLE

JUDGES 4:4-16

 

Key Concept:

God works powerfully through His people to accomplish His purposes.

Three times previously in the book of Judges, God delivered Israel from their oppressors. First, He used Othniel to deliver Israel from Aram (Judges 3:7-11). Next, He used Ehud to deliver them from the Moabites (vv. 12-30). Then He used Shamgar to save them from the Philistines (v. 31). Yet when Ehud died, Israel's external restraint from sin was removed, and they descended again into idol worship. To discipline them, God sold His people into the hand of Jabin, king of the Canaanites. Jabin's army had a decided advantage over Israel because he possessed a powerful military technology: nine hundred iron chariots.

As you examine Judges 4:4-16:

✞   Recognize that God understands our struggles and fears, yet He gives us everything 

    we need to obey His calling.

     

✞   Reflect upon the fact that God works through others to encourage His people.

week of 4/6

Unit 08  Session 1

GOD RESPONDS TO HIS PEOPLE

JUDGES 3:1-11

 

Key Concept:

God both disciplines and delivers His people.

When God led Israel into the promised land, they obeyed Him by defeating the wicked Canaanites in the land (Judges 1:1-26). However, they failed to complete the conquest as God instructed (vv. 27-36). As a result, the Lord told Israel the remaining peoples of the land would be thorns in their side and their gods a constant temptation (2:3). This began a cycle repeated time and again in Judges: (1) Israel sinned; (2) God disciplined His people by handing them over to a foreign oppressor; (3) Israel cried out to God; (4) God raised up a judge to deliver them; and (5) Israel had rest as long as the judge was alive. Rinse and repeat.

As you examine Judges 3:1-11:

✞   Consider that without Joshua's leadership, the people of Israel quickly fell into 

    idol worship.

     

✞   Recognize that God's discipline is an expression of His Fatherly love.

week of 3/30

Unit 07  Session 5

GOD DESERVES WORSHIP

JOSHUA 24:14-25

 

Key Concept:

God rightly deserves our full worship, which includes obedience to Him.

The Israelites had taken the promised land and divided it among the tribes. In Joshua 24, Joshua recounted Israel's history and reminded them of God's faithfulness. God delivered them from Egypt, carried them in the wilderness, and gave them land they didn't have to labor for, cities they did not have to build, and vineyards they didn't have to plant (Joshua 24:13). Joshua called the people to respond to God's gracious gift through worship and obedience.

As you examine Joshua 24:14-25:

✞   Consider for yourself the question Joshua posed to the Israelites about whom to serve,

    the God Who helped them or the false gods of the Canaanites.

     

✞   Recognize that the call to worship God alone requires faith in God, knowing Who God is 

    and what He has done for His people.  

week of 3/23

Unit 07  Session 4

GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES

JOSHUA 11:16-23

 

Key Concept:

God fights for His people  is faithful in keeping His promises.

The next few chapters of Joshua describe the various battles that the Israelites fought as they took over the land of Canaan. Despite Achan's sin in Joshua 7, the Lord forgave the people and continued to go with them as He had promised Joshua. Joshua 10:42 says, "Joshua captured all these kings and their land in one campaign, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel." The Lord led Israel in battle, and now the time came for them to divide the land among the tribes.

As you examine Joshua 11:16-23:

✞   Consider that God fulfilled His promise to drive out His enemies through Joshua's 

    faithful obedience.

     

✞   Recognize that the Israelites received the land as an inheritance as God had promised 

    Abraham. 

week of 3/16

Unit 07  Session 3

GOD JUDGES DISOBEDIENCE

JOSHUA 7:2-6, 10-12, 19-21, 25-26

 

Key Concept:

Sin deserves God's judgment.

God miraculously provided the people of Israel a victory at Jericho. The entire city was meant to be devoted to destruction; only Rahab and her family were spared. The silver, gold, and bronze of the city was dedicated to the Lord's treasury (Joshua 6:19). However, one man did not follow God's commands, and the entire nation would be affected by this man's sin.

As you examine Joshua 7:2-6, 10-12, 19-21, 25-26:

✞   Consider that no one sins in a vacuum; sin always hurts the community of God's people.

     

✞   Recall the gospel, that Jesus, the only sinless man, died on the cross to pay the penalty of 

    sin for all who believe in Him.

week of 3/8

Unit 07  Session 2

GOD CONQUERS HIS ENEMIES

JOSHUA 6:1-5, 15-21

 

Key Concept:

God is sovereign over His enemies and their destruction.

Joshua and the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan River, an echo of the Red Sea crossing of the previous generation. Then the new generation celebrated their first Passover in the promised land (Joshua 5:1-12). After the Passover, the commander of the Lord's army met Joshua, who was told to take off his sandals (v. 15), similar to Moses' experience with God at the burning bush. The Lord promised to fight for Israel as they began their conquest of the promised land, starting with the fortified city of Jericho.

As you examine Joshua 6:1-5, 15-21:

✞   Recognize that Jericho's defenses could not thwart God's judgment.

     

✞   Rejoice that, like Rahab, those who trust in God's mercy will be saved.

week of 3/2

 Unit 07  Session 1

GOD LEADS HIS PEOPLE

JOSHUA 3:1-14

 

Key Concept:

God is with His people as He leads them.

As the book of Joshua opens after the death of Moses, God encouraged the newly appointed leader for His people. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, but Joshua would lead them into the promised land. A miraculous parting of waters bookends the journey of both leaders. Beyond the Red Sea, the Israelites faced a wilderness where God's stubborn people would learn to depend on Him and Him alone. Beyond the Jordan was civilization where God's chosen people would learn that not one of God's good promises would fail (Joshua 21:45).

As you examine Joshua 3:1-14:

✞   Note that God displayed His power to the new generation by parting the Jordan River.

     

✞   Remember that God promises to be with His people, and He never fails to keep His

    promises.

week of 2/23

Unit 06  Session 4

WARNING TO THE DESCENDANTS

DEUTERONOMY 32:1-9, 44-47

 

Key Concept:

God's people must never forget or ignore God's words of life.

Deuteronomy means "second law". This book records Moses' final words to the second generation of Israelites after leaving Egypt. They were about to enter the promised land, though Moses would not enter because of his disobedience at Meribah (Numbers 20:1-13). On the plains of Moab, Moses repeated the law to the new generation before his death. Deuteronomy ends with the Song of Moses (chapter 32), his blessings for each of the twelve tribes (chapter 33), and his death (chapter 34). The book is a beautiful reminder that God keeps His covenant in every generation.

As you examine Deuteronomy 32:1-9, 44-47:

✞   Identify ways that God blessed us and called us His people without us deserving it.

     

✞   Consider how Moses called on God's people to remember His goodness and take God's

     words - our life - to heart.

week of 2/16

Unit 06  Session 3

HEALING OF THE IMPATIENT

NUMBERS 21:1-9

 

Key Concept:

Confession and repentance will lead to healing.

Numbers 21 is yet another account of Israel's complaining and grumbling and God's punishing them for it. One would think, after numerous cycles of plagues and punishments, Israel would learn the lesson. But again, we should not assume we are any different from the Israelites; our fallen nature virtually guarantees we will always repeat this pattern. This time, the people rebelled and God sent venomous snakes throughout the camp. This time, however, when they confessed their sin, God made a way for them to be healed.

As you examine Numbers 21:1-9:

✞   Consider that impatience leads to ungratefulness, which leads to judgment.

     

✞   Meditate on Jesus comparing the bronze snake to Himself when He spoke to 

    Nicodemus (John 3:14-18).

week of 2/9

Unit 06  Session 2

CONSEQUENCES FOR THE FAITHLESS

NUMBERS 14:11-24

 

Key Concept:

God is faithful both to forgive and to punish faithlessness.

Numbers 14 marks a tragic turning point in Israel's history. In Numbers 13, Moses sent spies into the promised land, charging them to scope out the land and bring a report back to the people. The spies came back and gave their "good news / bad news" report. The good news was that the land was everything the Lord had said it was. The bad news was that the cities were fortified, and the people were strong - also, giant (see Numbers 13:1-29). Despite the urging of Caleb and Joshua, the Israelites listened to the other ten spies and decided they wanted to go back to Egypt, and God judged them for their rebellion.

As you examine Numbers 14:11-24:

✞   Recognize that the Israelites deserved punishment and judgment for their faithlessness.

     

✞   Consider that God punished those who rebelled against Him but showed His faithful love 

    by not abandoning His covenant people.

week of 2/2

Unit 06  Session 1

COMPLAINTS OF THE UNGRATEFUL

NUMBERS 11:4-6, 10-23

 

Key Concept:

Complaining shows our ungratefulness about God's provision.

After Moses finished setting up the tabernacle and consecrating all that was needed per God's instructions, the Israelites celebrated their second Passover, the anniversary of their deliverance from Egypt. Perhaps as they celebrated the Passover, instead of remembering all that God has done, their spirit and their appetite led them to think about what they were missing. They had been eating manna daily through God's provision. But now in Numbers 11, the people complained to Moses that they were tired of manna and wanted meat.

As you examine Numbers 11:4-6, 10-23:

✞   Note that our complaints against God provoke Him to anger.

     

✞   Contemplate ways we can show our gratitude to the God Who provides for our daily 

    needs and our greatest need in sending His Son to be our Savior.

week of 1/26

Unit 05  Session 4

GOD'S PROVISION FOR REDEMPTION

LEVITICUS 16:1-6, 15-22

 

Key Concept:

God provided the sacrificial system for His people's sins to be forgiven and atoned for.

The book of Leviticus serves as a detailed guidebook for the priests and Levites as they served God. In Leviticus 1-15, God gave five types of ritual sacrifices for Israel, along with rules for the priests and purity of the community. Chapter 16 outlined the Day of Atonement, when the high priest entered the tabernacle each year to offer sacrifices to take away the sins of all the people. This ceremony illustrated God's grace and justice in forgiving the people while pointing toward His ultimate plan for permanent salvation through Jesus Christ.

As you examine Leviticus 16:1-6, 15-22:

✞   Identify that the sacrificial system God prescribed repaired fellowship between sinners 

    and a holy God.

     

✞   Consider that Jesus is our High Priest and all believers are part of the priesthood with 

    free access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-22).

week of 1/18

Unit 05  Session 3

GOD 'S HOLY GLORY

EXODUS 40:9-17, 34-38

 

Key Concept:

Though God is holy, He desires to dwell with His people for His glory.

In the last chapter of Exodus, the Israelites dedicated the tabernacle. Just as God commanded, Moses anointed all the beautiful furnishings the people made, emphasizing God's holiness. Then God fulfilled His promise to dwell among His chosen people (Exodus 29:44-46) when His glory filled the tent. Exodus 40 underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and our response in worship.

As you examine Exodus 40:9-17, 34-38:

✞   Contemplate that we cannot approach a holy God without being purified from our sins.

     

✞   Note ways that the purification required for the tabernacle underscores the necessity 

    of holiness for approaching God and points to Jesus' redemptive work.

week of 1/11

Unit 05  Session 2

GOD 'S JEALOUS LOVE

EXODUS 34:1-14

 

Key Concept:

God is compassionate and gracious, and He is also a jealous God.

With many miracles, Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. At Mount Sinai, they received God's laws. As Moses returned to the mountaintop to receive additional instructions, the people created a calf to worship, violating the first and second commandments. Moses shattered the tablets to show that the people had broken their covenant with God. Moses then returned to Mount Sinai and pleaded with God for mercy. In response, God showed mercy by equipping Moses to lead and renewing His covenant with the people.

As you examine Exodus 34:1-14:

✞   Identify God's characteristics, such as the Lord is compassionate and gracious, yet just.

     

✞   Reflect upon the fact that we are to destroy idols in our lives, keeping God first in everything.