conflict

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2 Samuel: Lesson 19 — Everyone Loves A Victor

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 19 (Everyone Loves A Victor)
2 Samuel 19
January 30, 2013

The Text:

  1. What was Joab told about David?  What effect did David’s reaction have on the army?  How did they return to the city?   What does Joab have to say to David?  What conclusion does Joab present based on David’s actions?  How does David respond?
    –
  2.  What had the Israelites done?  What do they seem to be confused about?  What message does David send to the priests?  What is the result of the message?
    –
  3. Who cames to meet David on his way back to Israel?  Who is with him?  What is his request?  What does Abishai recommend?  How does David respond?
    –
  4. Who else comes to meet David?  How does he look?  What does David want to know from him?  What is his report?  How does David respond?  How is that response received?
    –
  5. Who is the next person who comes to see David cross the Jordan back into Israel?  What had he done?  What does David suggest he do?  What response does he give David?  What conflict arises between the men of Israel and the men of Judah?  Is it resolved?

 

The Application:

  1. Are there times you are sad about something even when you know it had to happen?  How does the sadness of others affect how you feel about good events?  How does your reaction to events affect others?  How can you encourage people even when you are hurting?
    –
  2. How does confusion about who is in charge make you feel?  What about God reminds you of why He deserves to be in charge of your life?  Are there times you need reminded that He really is king?  How can you be one who reminds others?
    –
  3. How hard is it to see someone who has mistreated you?  . . . That you have mistreated?  Do you still want revenge after a person comes clean and admits they were wrong?  How does knowing who you are help you to extend mercy?
    –
  4. How do you feel when circumstances keep you from what/where you desire?  How about if it’s a betrayal that has kept you isolated?  Is being with God enough to forget everything else you “ought” to have?
    –
  5. What brings satisfaction to you?  How likely are you to pass honor/respect on to someone else when it is offered to you?  How can you avoid/resolve conflict when it seems to be more about who gets the credit because both sides appear to want the same thing?

Next Week: Trouble and Advice
2 Samuel 20

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2 Samuel: Lesson 18 — Is It Worth It?

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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?

–

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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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

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2 Samuel: Lesson 17 — Conflicting Advice

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 17 (Conflicting Advice)
2 Samuel 17
January 16, 2013

The Text:

  1. What advice does Ahithophel give Absalom?  How is that advice received?  Why does Absalom summon Hushai?
    –
  2. What does Hushai tell Absalom about David?  . . . About Absalom’s men?  What advice does Hushai give?  How is that advice received?  Why?
    –
  3. What message does Hushai have sent to David?  Who did he entrust the message to?  How was it delivered?  What did David do when he received the message?
    –
  4. How did Ahithophel react when he realized his advice was not being taken?  What did he do?
    –
  5. Where did David go?  What was brought to him?  Who brought it?  Why?
    –

The Application:

  1. Who do you go to for advice?  What makes them a good source for advice?  Do you often look for “second opinions” even when the first makes sense to you?
    –
  2. Is it possible to tell the truth in “non-truthful” or deceptive ways?  How?  When you are given two opinions, how do you decide which one is more reliable or useful?
    –
  3. What could be some advantages of hearing “worst case scenarios”?  Disadvantages?  How quick are you to respond to reliable warnings?  Do people view you as reliable in a way that your warning them about the danger of life outside of Christ causes them to act?
    –
  4. Have you ever been given good advice that was ignored?  How does that make you feel?  How can you keep from being discouraged when you know the right thing to do and no one else will accept it?
    –
  5. Where do you go when you’re in trouble?  Why?  Do you have people who would notice your needs and help meet them?  Do you pay attention to the real needs of others so that you can help them?
    –

Next Week: Is It Worth It?
2 Samuel 18

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2 Samuel: Lesson 16 — Is That Really So?

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 16 (Is That Really So?)
2 Samuel 16
January 9, 2013

The Text:

  1. As David fled Jerusalem, who came to meet him?  What did he bring?  What did he say they were for?
    –
  2. What question does David have for Ziba?  What response does he give?  How does David respond?
    –
  3. Who else comes to meet David?  What does he do?  Why?  What does Abishai want to do about it?
    –
  4. How does David respond to Abishai?  How does David compare what is happening with what his son is doing?  What was David’s hope?
    –
  5. Who comes to see Absalom?  How does Absalom respond to him?  What is his reply/reasoning back to Absalom?  What advice does Ahithophel give Absalom?  Why?

–

The Application:

  1. What do you think of the old phrase, “never look a gift  horse in the mouth”?  Is that good advice?  Why/Why not?
    –
  2. Do you question things that don’t make sense?  Is it easy to believe things that seem to make sense?  Have you ever made a bad decision/judgment based on information that sounded right, but really wasn’t?
    –
  3. Have you ever been spoken badly about because of your past or because of who formerly did what you are doing?  Have you ever spoken badly about someone because of their past or your relationship with a person they “took over” for?  How do you react to criticism?
    –
  4. How tempting is it to involve others in dealing with criticism directed at you that they are not really a part of?  How often do you look for elements of truth in criticism?  What makes it easy/hard to do so?
    –
  5. Do you often “change sides” with issues or people?  How confident are you of people who seem to often “change sides”?  Who does your loyalty belong to?  How likely are you to follow bad advice if it appears it will serve to offend your enemy?  What if that advice came from someone who everyone believed had a direct connection with God?
    –

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Next Week: Conflicting Advice
2 Samuel 17

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2 Samuel: Lesson 15 — I Can Be King!

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 15 (I Can Be King!)
2 Samuel 15
December 19, 2012

The Text:

  1. What is it that Absalom did with his renewed favor with the king?  Where would he start his day?  Who would typically be coming into town?  How would Absalom greet them?  What did he say about the chances of them being heard by the king?
    –
  2. After planting in the people’s mind that there was no one to listen to them, what does Absalom suggest?  How would he treat those who wanted to show him respect?  What effect did this have on the people of Israel?
    –
  3. How long did Absalom act in this manner?  What request did he have of David?  What did he state he wanted to do?  What did he do instead?
    –
  4. What message was brought to David?  How did  he respond?  Who went with him?  Who were the Gittites?  What did David suggest they do?  What did they do instead?
    –
  5. What reaction did the people have as David and those with him passed by?  What did David have done with the ark of God after they had left the city?  What was David’s prayer concerning the counsel Absalom would receive?  Who was Hushai and what did David have him do?

–

The Application:

  1. Is enough ever enough?  What makes it easier/more difficult to be satisfied?  Has anyone ever tried to discredit you to make themselves appear better or more appealing?  Have you tried that?  How should you respond when people do that?
    –
  2. Do you ever act like you have all the answers or could solve all problems if given the opportunity?  Why is flattery so deceitful yet so effective?
    –
  3. Do you ever make a request in a way that you know will be received positively when you really have a different purpose and motive behind the request than what you let on?  Why is manipulation so damaging?
    –
  4. How hard is it to flee a situation even when you know the consequences of staying will be harmful to you and others?  Are there people who would stand with you no matter what?  Are there people you would stand with no matter what?  Why?
    –
  5. How hard is it to do what needs done when doing so causes sadness in others?  How hard is it to leave the “making right” in God’s hands?  Are there ways He wants you involved?

–

Next Week: Is That Really So?
2 Samuel 16

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2 Samuel: Lesson 14 — Coming Home

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 14 (Coming Home)
2 Samuel 14
December 12, 2012

The Text:

  1. What did Joab know about the king?  Who did Joab enlist to help him?  What story did Joab give to be told to the king?  How does David respond to the story?
    –
  2. After David responds to the story, who is he told the story is really about?  What question does David have for the one telling the story?  What answer is he given?
    –
  3. Who does David give instructions to regarding Absalom?  How does that person respond?  What does it seem to say about where he was for all of this?
    –
  4. Where does Absalom go when Joab brings him back to Jerusalem?  What were David’s instructions regarding this?  What was the reputation Absalom gained throughout Israel?
    –
  5. How much time passed with Absalom not seeing the king?  Why did Absalom send for Joab?  What did Absalom do after Joab refused for a second time to come to him?  What was his reasoning?  What came of it?

–

The Application:

  1. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that you wanted to be different but had reached a point that you didn’t know how to change the circumstances?  Why is it important to involve wise people when dealing with conflict?  How are you able to help people see necessary changes without them feeling a need to be defensive?
    –
  2. How do stories help you see things in a bigger perspective than what otherwise might be noticed?  How do you feel when confronted about something and you realize that someone else is behind it all?  Should it matter?
    –
  3. How hard is it to stay in the background when others are needed to speak on your behalf?  How gracious are you when your requests are received well?
    –
  4. How difficult is it to fully put the past behind you?  Are there times when it is easier to keep a distance from the people of past situations to avoid the reminders?
    –
  5. Do you ever get tired of waiting?  How often do you avoid people because you know they will ask you do to something that you know someone else doesn’t want done?  To what extremes would you go to be heard?  Is partial reconciliation better than no reconciliation?

–

Next Week: I Can Be King!
2 Samuel 15

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2 Samuel: Lesson 13 — Two Wrongs . . . Are Still Wrong

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 13 (Two Wrongs . . . Are Still Wrong)
2 Samuel 13
December 5, 2012

The Text:

  1. Who was Amnon?  What was his feelings toward Tamar?  Who was Tamar?  How is Jonadab described?  What did he notice about Amnon?  What did he recommend doing?  Who came to visit Amnon?  Why?  What did Amnon request?  What did he do when the request was granted?
    –
  2.  How did Tamar respond to what Amnon was trying to do?  What reasoning did she try to use to prevent Amnon’s actions?  What alternative did she give?  How did Amnon feel after he had his way?  What was Tamar’s response to this?
    –
  3. What was Absalom’s response to Tamar when he discovered what happened?  Where did Tamar end up living?  What was David’s reaction when he found out what had happened?  What was Absalom’s immediate response to Amnon?
    –
  4. When Absalom’s sheepshearers had gathered, what request did he have of David?  How did David respond?  Who was he really wanting?  How much time had passed from the incident earlier in the chapter?
    –
  5. What did Absalom have his men do?  What did the rest of David’s sons do after this happened?  What was the first report that got back to David?  Who corrected that report?  What was the reason given?  What did Absalom do?  What did David do?

–

The Application:

  1. Have you ever wanted something you knew was wrong?  What are the dangers of dwelling on something unobtainable?  How can you avoid being a part of someone’s deceitful plan?
    –
  2. When you’re in the midst of wrong about to happen, are you more concerned about how it will make you look or how it will make the perpetrator look?  What does it take to consider less harmful alternatives when surrounded by evil?
    –
  3. How do you respond when evil is done to people you love?  What role should justice play in forgiveness?  What dangers exist of not dealing with transgression immediately?
    –
  4. Does time really heal all wounds?  Why would you request something that wasn’t really what you wanted?  Why is manipulation such a bad thing?
    –
  5. Is it tempting to not get involved when you know a person “deserves” what they are getting?  Can you really ever make things right by doing wrong?  What can be the consequences?

–

Next Week: Coming Home
2 Samuel 14

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2 Samuel: Lesson 12 — You’re The Man!

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 12 (You’re The Man!)
2 Samuel 12
November 28, 2012

The Text:

  1. Who is Nathan?  What story does Nathan tell David?  What is David’s response?
    –
  2. What is Nathan’s response to David’s reaction?  What had God given David?  What was God’s view of what David had done?  What consequences did God say David would face?
    –
  3. How did David respond when confronted with being the subject of the story that angered him and with the consequences for his actions?  What was God’s response to this?  What had David’s actions done beyond the nation of Israel?
    –
  4. What did God say would happen to the son born to David and Bathsheba?  What did David do about this?  Why were the servants afraid to tell David when the child died?  What was David’s response when he found out?  How does God respond to the next son of David and Bathsheba?
    –
  5. What had Joab been doing?  What message does he send to David?  What does David do?  How successful is he?
    –

The Application:

  1. Who are some messengers of God that you know?  Do you see yourself as one?  Do stories of injustice anger you?  Why is it easier to see injustice around us rather than the injustice from within?
    –
  2. When a story impacts your emotions, does God ever say to you, “it’s about you!”?  What has God given you?  In light of that, how do you think God feels about any selfishness you have?  Why do you think selfishness, envy, greed, and covetousness are so damaging?
    –
  3. How do you respond when convicted of sin?  Does this take away the consequences of the sin?  What are some purposes of God bringing about consequences to sinful actions?
    –
  4. Have you ever pleaded seriously with God about something that you wanted Him to change His mind about or change the outcome?  How hard is it to be at peace when the situation is over and the outcome didn’t change like you wanted?  Are you confident of God’s love after receiving His discipline?
    –
  5. How hard is it to stay faithful in what you are called to do when those around you aren’t’?  How likely are you to hand off honor when the opportunity exists to take if for yourself?  Do you learn from God’s discipline and do the right thing at the next opportunity?
    –

Next Week: Two Wrongs . . . Are Still Wrong
2 Samuel 13