relationships

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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?
    –
  2. Why did Solomon go to Gibeon?  What did he do there?  Who appeared to Solomon?  What did he have to say?
    –
  3. How did Solomon describe God’s actions toward David and himself?  How did Solomon describe himself?  What did he ask for?  Why?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  3. What do you think you deserve that you don’t have?  Why?  How do you respond to flattery?  Why is it so dangerous?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  3. Who does David call to carry out his plan?  What instructions are given to them?  How do they respond?  What do they do?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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”?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  3. Who was Gad?  Who gave him a message for David?  What were the options given in that message?  What is David’s response?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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?
    –
  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

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2 Samuel: Lesson 21 — Unfinished Business

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 21 (Unfinished Business)
2 Samuel 21
February 13, 2013

The Text:

  1. What event sets the background for the opening of chapter 21?  What does David do?  What does God have to say about it?
    –
  2. Who were the Gibeonites?  What had they been promised?  What had happened instead?  What did David ask them?  How do they initially respond?
    –
  3. When David presses the issue of what he can do for them, how do they respond?  What is David’s response to their request?  Who is spared?  Why?
    –
  4. Who was Rizpah?  What did she do?  How did David respond to her actions — what did he do and have done?  How did God respond?
    –
  5. What happens when David goes with his men to fight the Philistines?  How did David’s men respond to this?  Why?  What is a common theme through the rest of the battles described in this chapter?

 

The Application:

  1. Have you ever been hungry — physically, emotionally, spiritually — over a long period of time?  What did you do about it?  What should you do about it?  What did God say about it?
    –
  2. Have you ever had someone not keep a promise?  Have you ever not kept a promise?  How does either side of that make you feel?  Are there times where you know that making things right is out of your hands?
    –
  3. How far would you go to right a wrong that you may not have been responsible for but you have the power to change?  Why do you think God warns us against making rash vows or promises?
    –
  4. How do you react when it hurts to make wrongs right?  What response do you have when you observe someone who is hurting or mourning?  How has God responded to your times of godly repentance and mourning?
    –
  5. What effect does discovering you can no longer do what you used to do have on you?  How hard is it to admit that?  How hard is it to have to point that out to someone else for their own good?  How important is it to you to train/mentor the next generation of godly warriors?  What are you doing about it?

 

 

Next Week: Song of Victory
2 Samuel 22

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2 Samuel: Lesson 20 — Trouble and 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 20 (Trouble and Advice)
2 Samuel 20
February 6, 2013

The Text:

  1. Who was Sheba?  What was significant about his family heritage?  What did he announce to all who would hear?  What was the result?
    –
  2.  What role had Amasa been given?  What did David ask him to do?  How prompt was he in following David’s request?  How did David view Sheba?  What did David ask Abishai to do?  How prompt was he in following David’s request?
    –
  3. While the army carries out David’s command, who comes to meet them?  What did Joab do to him?  What does one of Joab’s men say to the rest of the army?  What kept the men from responding positively?  How is that problem resolved.  What is the result?
    –
  4. What did Joab and the army start to do when they catch up with Sheba in Abel Beth Maacah?  Who asks to speak to Joab?  What does she say about the city?  What does she suggest Joab’s current actions are doing to the city?
    –
  5. What reason does Joab give for the actions of he and his army?  What condition does he give for them to stop?  How does the woman respond?  How did the people of the city respond to her advice?  What was the result?

 

 

The Application:

  1. How important is your heritage in determining your actions?  Do “troublemakers” tend to get your attention?  What things make them so effective in causing division?
    –
  2. Do you ever reach a point that you forget who’s in charge?  How prompt are you at following God’s directives?  Do you think there are times God chooses someone else for a task because we’ve not been prompt in obeying?
    –
  3. How do you interact with people who seem irresponsible?  How about when that person is promoted or honored above yourself?  Are there visible remnants of wrong in your life that keep people from following the right way?
    –
  4. Do you ever suffer for the wrong of someone else?  Do you ever treat groups of people badly because of the actions of one person?  How do you bring wisdom into these times?
    –
  5. How can explaining the reasons for your actions help resolve “third-party” conflict?  When you feel under attack, how hard is it to identify wrong and get rid of it?

 

 

Next Week: Unfinished Business
2 Samuel 21