Jealousy

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1 Samuel: Lesson 22 — Hide And Seek

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 22 (Hide And Seek)
1 Samuel 19:1-24

The Text:

  1. What did Saul tell all those around him, including his son Jonathan, to do?  What did Jonathan do instead?  Why?
     
  2. What conversation does Jonathan have with Saul?  What things does he point out about David?  How does Saul respond?
     
  3. When war breaks out again, what does David do?  How successful is he?  What does David do following the war?  What was the result?
     
  4. For what purpose does Saul send men to David’s house?  Who lets David know?  What does she do for him?  How does Saul describe David when he finds out what happened?   
     
  5. Where does David go?  Who does he go to see?  What does Saul do when he hears where David is?  What happens to those Saul sends to capture David, and eventually to himself?  Why do you think this event kept them from capturing David?

          

The Application:

  1. Have you ever been in the middle of a verbal attack on someone you know — perhaps even had someone close to you ask you to participate in that attack?  How do/would you respond?  What influences your decision? 
     
  2. What makes it hard to defend a person who is being unjustly attacked?  Are there things that make it easier?  Are there people in your life that you know would stand up for you?  Are there people who know you would stand up for them?     
     
  3. How is it possible to keep doing what you are supposed to do when you know it benefits those who are against you?  How do you realize when it is time to “stand up under” hardship or temptation and when it is time to find the “way of escape”?   
         
  4. What risks are you willing to take to protect the innocent?  Are there limits to what you would do?  What determines that?  Are there people that you consider an enemy that have done nothing but good for you?  
     
  5. Who do you turn to when you feel threatened?  Have you ever experienced God using truth to defend and protect you?  How can you use truth to defend and protect others?

          

Next week: 1 Samuel 20:1-42
Unrelated Brothers

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1 Samuel: Lesson 21 — The Rise To Fame

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 21 (The Rise To Fame)
1 Samuel 18:1-30

The Text:

  1. Following the defeat of Goliath, who did David become friends with?  Why do you think that happened?  What change did Saul initially make regarding David?  How did David do with the tasks Saul would assign him?   How did Saul, and others, respond?
     
  2. After the battle, who did the Israelite women come out to meet?  What was the refrain of the song they were singing?  How did this make Saul feel?
     
  3. What did Saul do when a harmful spirit from God came upon him?  How did Saul feel toward David now?  What task did Saul assign David?  Why, what did he hope to see happen?
     
  4. How did David respond when Saul wanted to give him his oldest daughter, Merab, in marriage?  How does Saul approach David regarding Saul’s daughter Michal?  What is Saul’s hope?   
     
  5. What happens when word gets to David of the “bride-price” Saul sets for Michal?  What did Saul realize about David?  What effect did this have on him?

         

The Application:

  1. How easy is it to connect with people  of like mind and spirit?  Who makes you look good by what they do?  How do people around you respond when you do things with excellence? 
     
  2. How do you feel when you are overshadowed by the accomplishments of someone else?  Why is it so hard to see another person get glory or credit that is greater than what you receive?    
       
  3. Are there people you wish dead, or at least out of your life, because their accomplishments make yours look small in your own eyes?  How should you treat them?  What are some ways to help you get to that point?      
     
  4. How do you view yourself in relation to others?  What is the danger of thinking too highly of yourself?  . . . Too  low of yourself?  How can you find the right view of yourself?  
     
  5. How do you handle the success of others?  How do you handle your own success?

         

Next week: 1 Samuel 19:1-24
Hide And Seek