The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 1 Kings.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Starting Strong Isn’t The Same As Finishing Strong

A Study of the Book of 1 Kings

Lesson 2 (Settling Accounts?)
1 Kings 2
March 27, 2013

The Text:

1. As David’s life draws to an end, how does David begin his final advice to Solomon?  How does David define what the Lord requires?  What benefit does David say will result from taking his advice?
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2. What does David have to say about Joab?  What does he tell Solomon to do?  What request does David have concerning Solomon’s treatment of Barzilla?  Why?  What instructions are given concerning Shimei?  Why?
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3. Who comes to see Bathsheba?  How does he introduce his request?  What is his request?  How does she respond?  How does Bathsheba present that request to Solomon?  What is his response?  What does he do?
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4. How does Solomon treat Abiathar the priest?  Why?  How does Joab react to the news of Adonijah and Abiathar?  How does he respond to Benaiah when told to come out of the tent of the Lord?  How was this response taken by Solomon?
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5. What instructions are given to Shimei by Solomon?  Why?  How does Shimei react to the conditions given him?  How long did he keep them?  What made him choose to disobey the command?  What was the result?

The Application:

1. What things do you think are important to pass on to others while you can?  How important is it for you to challenge others to keep the Lord’s commands?  What benefits of  keeping God’s commands have you experienced that you could tell others about?
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2. If you had unfinished business that you knew someone else would have to deal with, how detailed would the instructions you give them be?  Why?  Do you have wrongs that you have seemed to get away with that need to be made right?
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3. What do you think you deserve that you don’t have?  Why?  How do you respond to flattery?  Why is it so dangerous?
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4. How do you react when confronted with wrongdoing?  Do you ever think enough right deeds will make up for wrong deeds?  Why is that such a trap?  Do you ever try to cling to God to avoid the consequences of your wrongdoing?
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5. How do you feel if someone extends conditional mercy to you?  Why is that never enough?

Next Week: Asking For Anything!
1 Kings 3