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 8 (For Crying Out Loud)
1 Samuel 7:2 – 17

The Text:

1. How long did the ark stay at Kiriath Jearim?  What was the attitude of the people toward God during this time?
    
2. What did Samuel tell the people they must do if they really wanted to return to God?  How did the people respond?
    
3. Why did the Israelites gather at Mizpah?  What did the Philistines do when they heard this? How did the Israelites feel about this?
    
4. What did the Israelites ask Samuel to do?  What did he do?  What did God do? 
    
5. After the battle, what did Samuel do?  Why?  What happened during the rest of Samuel’s lifetime?

The Application:

1. How often do you recognize God’s presence in your life?  Are there times/places it is more noticeable than others?  What does the recognition of God’s presence do to your attitude toward Him?
    
2. How easy/hard is it to have your desire for God match your actions toward God?  Are there things He may be calling you to get rid of, stop doing, etc, that currently hold part of your heart?  
      
3. Does it ever seem like Satan’s attacks are more bold at times when you are most focused on doing what is right?  What is your reaction when you are under attack or it appears like you might come under attack?  
      
4. Do you have someone who will cry out to God with you for deliverance at the times the enemy gathers against you?  How easy/hard is it to worship in the midst of an impending attack?
    
5. When God wins the battles you face, what do you do?  How committed are you to serving the Lord God all the days of your life?

Next week: 1 Samuel 8:1 -22
King Me!