Bible Study

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1 Kings: Lesson 5 — Building Preparation

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 5 (Building Preparation)
1 Kings 5
April 17, 2013

The Text:

  1. Who was Hiram?  What did he do when he heard Solomon had been anointed king?  Why?
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  2. What reason does Solomon give for David not being able to build a temple?  How is Solomon’s life different from David’s?  What does Solomon intend to do about it?
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  3. What is Solomon’s request of Hiram?  What does Solomon offer?  Why?  How does Hiram feel when he hears Solomon’s offer?
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  4. What response does Hiram send back to Solomon?  What did Solomon get from Hiram?  What does Solomon give to Hiram?  How long did this go on?  Did it go well?
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  5. How did Solomon get the help needed from Israel?  How many men were sent to Lebanon to work?  How was that structured?  How many men did Solomon have working on the stone needed for the temple project?

 

The Application:

  1. How do you feel when a change is made in important leadership positions?  Why?  Do you ever reach out to a new person who is in a position that their predecessor was a friend of yours?  Should you?
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  2. When starting something new, how important is it to remember why it hadn’t been done yet?  Who benefits from that reminder?  Should we consider how our circumstances are different from those of our predecessors when evaluating doing something they couldn’t?
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  3. If you needed specific work done, who would you want to do it?  Why?  When requesting work to be done, what would it take for you to offer to pay whatever is asked?  What effect does genuine trust and praise have on a relationship?
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  4. How does the tone of a request influence your willingness to provide that which is requested?  How does mutual respect, or lack of it, impact your relationships?  What are some keys to a business-type relationship lasting over time?
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  5. Have you ever been forced to do something you didn’t want to do, or at least didn’t get to choose to do?  How did you feel?  Why?  Are there things we can learn from Solomon’s treatment of the conscripted laborers?  What are they?

 

Next Week: Building Project 1
1 Kings 6

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1 Kings: Lesson 4 — Collecting Taxes!

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 4 (Collecting Taxes!)
1 Kings 4
April 10, 2013

The Text:

  1. Who are the people listed in the first six verses of 1 Kings 4?  What were some of their responsibilities?  What things stand out to you about these people and their jobs?
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  2. How many district governors did Solomon have?  What was expected of them?  What things stand out about their territories?  
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  3. How many people lived in Judah and Israel?  What significance does that description have?  How was their life under Solomon’s reign? 
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  4. What did Solomon require for provisions each day?  Where did these come from?  Were Judah and Israel good places to live during the lifetime of Solomon?
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  5. How is Solomon’s wisdom described?  Where did it come from?  What did he do with it  How attractive was this wisdom to others?

 

 

The Application:

  1. Are you good at delegating?  How important to you are people who help strengthen your relationship with God?  What are some advantages/disadvantages of shared responsibility?
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  2. Do you attempt tasks that might seem overwhelming to others?  How can they be accomplished?  What do you look for in a person when you need to delegate a task or need help accomplishing something?  Are you the type of person you would look for?   
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  3. How has God been faithful in fulfilling His promises in your life?  Are there promises He has fulfilled that might be easy to overlook?  What is needed in your life so that you could “eat, drink, and be happy”?  Is that a realistic goal?  Why/why not? 
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  4. Who are you responsible to provide for?  Does that task seem overwhelming at times?  What things make it seem easier/harder?  Do you believe that God wants to supply your every need?  What things make that seem more believable or less believable?  What influence does contentment have on your willingness to give?       
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  5. How would you describe your wisdom?  How would others describe your wisdom?  Where does the wisdom you have come from?  If you feel it is lacking, how would you increase it?  What do you do with the wisdom that you have?  In what areas do people look to you for wisdom and instruction?

 

 

Next Week: Building Preparation
1 Kings 5

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1 Kings: Lesson 3 — Asking For Anything!

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 3 (Asking For Anything!)
1 Kings 3
April 3, 2013

The Text:

  1. What resulted from the alliance Solomon made with the king of Egypt?  Where were the people offering sacrifices?  Why?  How did Solomon show his love for the Lord?
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  2. Why did Solomon go to Gibeon?  What did he do there?  Who appeared to Solomon?  What did he have to say?
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  3. How did Solomon describe God’s actions toward David and himself?  How did Solomon describe himself?  What did he ask for?  Why?
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  4. What did God think of Solomon’s request?  How does He respond to that request?  What was Solomon’s response to God’s message?
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  5. What dilemma is presented to Solomon by two women?  How does he propose to settle the dispute?  How do the two women react to his solution?  What does their reactions tell Solomon?  What did the people of Israel think of Solomon’s verdict?

The Application:

  1. Are there times you accept, or seek, something that you shouldn’t just to keep peace?  How hard is it to continually do things God’s way when other ways may seem reasonable?  How do you feel about keeping the Lord’s commands as evidence of your love for him?
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  2. How committed are you to offering yourself as a living sacrifice on a daily basis?  When you give to God, do you typically think of how much you can give or how little you can get by with?  Jesus says His sheep hear and know His voice — do you recognize God’s voice?  How?
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  3. How would you describe God’s actions and attitude toward you and your family?  How would you describe yourself to God?  What do you need most from God?  Why?
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  4. How do you think God would react to your request if you were to ask Him for what you felt you needed most?  In what ways has God given you immeasurably more than you could think or ask?
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  5. Have you ever been in the middle of, or presented with, a situation that seemed impossible to handle fairly and with justice?  How would you handle it?  Are there ways that you can administer justice that would show the wisdom of God living in you through His Spirit?

Next Week: Collecting Taxes!
1 Kings 4

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1 Kings: Lesson 2 — Settling Accounts?

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

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1 Kings: Lesson 1 — Who’s In Charge?

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 1 (Who’s In Charge?)
1 Kings 1
March 20, 2013

The Text:

  1. Who was Abishag?  What task was she given?  Who was Adonijah?  What did he decide to do?  Who did he get to support his effort?  Who were specifically excluded from his plan?  How did Adonijah kick off his plan and who was invited to be part of it?
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  2. What question does Nathan ask of Bathsheba?  What advice does Nathan give her?  What does she do?  What report does Nathan bring David?  How does David respond to Nathan and Bathsheba?
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  3. Who does David call to carry out his plan?  What instructions are given to them?  How do they respond?  What do they do?
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  4. What is the first indication to Adonijah that something is up?  What is his reaction when the son of the priest arrives?  Was he right?  What message was given to him instead?
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  5. What effect did the news delivered by Jonathan have on Adonijah’s guests?  What did Adonijah do?  What request does he have of Solomon?  How does Solomon respond?

 

 

The Application:

  1. Do you ever feel you are over qualified for a task God gives you?  How do you respond?  Do you ever feel you are qualified for a task God doesn’t give you?  How do you respond?  When you make plans, what does who you include, or exclude, in those plans say about your intent?
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  2. How likely are you to get involved when the actions of others put someone else in danger?  What does it take for you to follow the instructions that someone gives you?  How intent are you in carrying out God’s directives when it seems like nearly everyone has other plans?
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  3. Who would you call if it seemed like everyone was against you?  How likely are you to follow the instructions of someone when you know they are right but also know the crowd seems against it?  What is the problem with basing decisions and actions on things like “everyone thinks” or “everyone says”?
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  4. Are there people in your life that you automatically expect are bearers of good news when they show up?  Why?  How hard is it to deliver truth when something else is expected?
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  5. How do you feel when you realize you have chosen the “wrong side”?  How afraid are you of the judgment you deserve?  What of Solomon’s response to  Adonijah reminds you of God’s response to us?

 

 

Next Week: Settling Accounts
1 Kings 2

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2 Samuel: Lesson 24 — What’s The Cost?

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 24 (What’s The Cost?)
2 Samuel 24
March 13, 2013

The Text:

  1. How does God feel about Israel as chapter 24 opens?  What does He do about it?  How did David respond?  What did Joab think about the plan?  Why?  Who won the discussion?
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  2. How long did the census take?  What did the census reveal?  What was David’s reaction when the census report was given to him?
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  3. Who was Gad?  Who gave him a message for David?  What were the options given in that message?  What is David’s response?
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  4. What did God do in Israel because of David’s choice?  What was God’s reaction to the result?  How does David react to what he sees happening?
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  5. What did Gad tell David to do?  Who really sent the message?  What does David tell Araunah is the reason for his visit?  What is offered to David to help him accomplish his request?  What is David’s response?  How does God respond to David’s actions?

 

 

The Application:

  1. What makes God angry?  Does God’s anger give you the right to act against the subjects of His anger?  Why do we seem to want to measure everything?  How hard is it to submit to a plan that you firmly believe is wrong?
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  2. How thorough are you in completing assignments given to you?  Are you ever tempted to take shortcuts?  Why?  What advantages/disadvantages are there to measuring your resources?  How do you relate to God when you realize you have done something wrong or, at the very least, foolish?
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  3. How does God get your attention when He needs to deal with sin in your life?  How do you respond to consequences that come out of your bad decisions?  What is your primary concern when faced with consequences?
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  4. Have you ever felt what seemed like the judgment of God against you?  How do you think God felt about it?  How do you feel when others suffer because of your actions?
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  5. What does God want from you?  Do we ever attempt to “short-circuit” someone’s attempt to give God what He wants?  How committed are we to being responsible for what God wants from us?  How does God respond to your trust of Him?

 

 

Next Week: Who’s In Charge?
1 Kings 1

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2 Samuel: Lesson 23 — Final Words

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 23 (Final Words)
2 Samuel 23
March 6, 2013

The Text:

  1. What was the source of David’s final words?  How is David described?  What had God told David about how to rule?  What did David conclude about his house?  What does David say about evil men?
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  2. How large of a group was the core of David’s mighty men?  What did this core group have in common?  Did they always have the backing of the Israelite army?  How successful were they?
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  3. How many men came to see David at the cave of Adullam?  Where were the Philistines?  What did David want?  What was done about it?  How did David respond?  Why?
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  4. Who was chief of David’s core group?  Was he one of them?  How did his fame or honor compare with the core?  Who was in charge of David’s bodyguard detail?  What were his credentials?  How well-known was he?
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  5. Who are the men listed at the end of this chapter?  How many of them are named?  How many does the text say were a part of this group?  Where were these men from?

 

 

The Application:

  1. Where would you want your words to come from if you knew they would be your last?  What should that say about the words you use daily that could be your last?  Are you confident of God’s favor upon you . . . Why/why not?  Is evil painful enough in your life that you avoid direct contact with it?
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  2. Do you have a core group of people  you can count on?  Is it better for that group to be few or many . . . Why?  Are you in that role for someone else?  How willing are you to stand for right even if no one else does?  How likely are you to stand with someone who takes a stand against evil?
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  3. How willing are you to risk your safety to meet the request of someone?  How much value do you put on risks that others take for your benefit?
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  4. Do you ever feel excluded . . . Why?  How should being the best at what God calls you to do counteract that feeling?  How can you make others feel valuable?
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  5. Who would you include in a list of “mighty” people in your life?  Do you even know all their names?  How different are the people on that list?

 

 

Next Week: What’s The Cost?
2 Samuel 24

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2 Samuel: Lesson 22 — Song of Victory

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 22 (Song of Victory)
2 Samuel 22
February 20, 2013

The Text:

  1. Who had God delivered David from?  What’s the difference?  What did David do in response to God’s deliverance?
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  2. What words does David use to describe God in the opening of this song?  What does this say to you about his view of God?  How does he describe the circumstances that God rescued him from?
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  3. How does David describe the act of God rescuing him?  Why did God respond in such a manner?  How does this compare to your view of God’s anger?
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  4. Why was David rescued by God?  What does David say was the measure God used in determining his reward?  How does David describe himself?  How does he describe God’s actions and ways?
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  5. Where did David’s strength and training come from?  How does David portray his efforts and God’s efforts in his battles?  How does David conclude his song?

 

The Application:

  1. Has God delivered you?  Who/what has He delivered you from?  Are there times His deliverance is from someone/something you would not consider an enemy?  How do you respond to God’s deliverance?
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  2. How do you view God’s ability to deliver and protect you?  What about Him gives you a sense of security?  How does recognizing the seriousness of your situations if God doesn’t show up help you in your worship of Him?
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  3. Do you ever feel that God has, or would, move heaven and earth to come to your aid?  Do you ever think about the anger of God directed toward you enemies?  How does/should that make you feel?  What do you think was unique about David’s enemies that may not always be true about your enemies?
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  4. Do you believe God could be delighted in you?  If God’s rewarding of you is based on your cleanness in His sight, what size reward do you expect?  Remembering David’s entire life and his view of himself before God, do you think your view of yourself is accurate?
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  5. Where does your strength and help come from?  How involved are you, is God, in your battles?  How do you choose to honor and praise God on a daily basis?

 

 

Next Week: Final Words
2 Samuel 23