The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 2 Samuel.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

A Man After God’s Own Heart:
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

A Study of the Book of 2 Samuel

Lesson 18 (Is It Worth It?)
2 Samuel 18
January 23, 2013

The Text:

1. What did David do with his troops?  What did he intend to do?  What concern/advice did his men have?  How did David respond?  What was David’s final order as the men left?
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2. How did the battle go?  Who/what was responsible for the greatest number of casualties?  What happened to Absalom when he met David’s men?  How did Joab respond to the man who had seen Absalom in his predicament?  How does this man respond to Joab?
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3. What did Joab do?  Who helped?  What was done with Absalom?  How did this impact the people of Israel?  What had been Absalom’s concern during his lifetime?
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4. Who volunteers to deliver news to David?  How does Joab respond?  Who does Joab choose instead?  Did this satisfy the first request?  What did he do?
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5. What did David think as the first messenger approached?  Why?  What reputation did Ahimaaz have?  What report did he give?  Was it complete?  How did the Cushite respond when David asked about Absalom?  How did David take the news?

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The Application:

1. When are some times you need to trust your resources, or something you control, to the oversight of others?  How hard is it to actually let someone else lead?  Are there times that you might draw unnecessary attention so entrusting someone else is more productive?
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2. Are there times in your life that you feel the spiritual battle around you, and affecting you, is going well?  Who is responsible for the greatest victories in your life?  Who would you tell if you see something you don’t know what to do about?  Are there things that you are convince aren’t worth it no matter who asks you to do them?
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3. Do you ever approach a situation with your own agenda even when you know God has specific instructions in regard to it?  Why do we do this?  How important is leaving a legacy to you?
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4. What type of news would you be eager to deliver to someone?  Why?  How persistent would you be?  Are there times you would send a “stranger” to deliver news?  Why?
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5. What are some signs that would make you think a person is bringing good news?  . . . Bad news?  If someone saw you coming with a message for them, would they assume it is good news or bad news?  Is there a good or proper way to deliver bad news?  How do you respond to bad news?

 
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Next Week: Everyone Loves a Victor
2 Samuel 19