The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 1 Samuel. We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.
Here Comes A King:
A Study of the Book of 1 Samuel
Lesson 16 (Not Such A Sweet Deal)
1 Samuel 14:24 – 52
The Text:
- What condition were the men of Israel in? Why? What had Saul said? What was his stated motive?
- What did the army find in the woods? What did they do with it? What did Jonathan do? What effect did it have on him? What response did he have when told of his father’s command?
- What was the condition of the Israelite army when evening finally came? What did they do? Why did they do this? What was the problem with it? What did Saul do about it?
- What was Saul’s plan after they had eaten? What was the response of the army? What response did the priest have? What response did God have? What was Saul’s assumption?
- What does Saul announce will be done to the one who has sinned? Who does the lot fall to as they seek the guilty person? What is Saul’s response? Who intervenes?
The Application:
- How hard is it to live up to the expectations of others? In what ways have you put expectations on others in order to satisfy yourself? How is this harmful to the individual, and to the body of Christ? Are there ways in which expectations can be good?
- Have you ever done something only to be told that someone else said it was wrong? How did it make you feel? How did you react?
- What effect does being deprived of something for any amount of time have on you? What is the problem with being so “hungry” for something that you don’t care how you get it? In what areas might you need to show restraint in your life?
- How do you feel when people like a plan that you have? What if God doesn’t approve, or is silent about it?
- Why are rash statements so dangerous? Do you think Jonathan did wrong? How can you stand up for someone who feels condemned for doing the right thing?
Next week: 1 Samuel 15:1-35
To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice
Tom's Treasure 