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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Israel’s Defeat by the Philistines and the Death of King Saul

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BACKGROUND NOTES

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DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. The Bible does not condone suicide.

2. The Bible does not condemn cremation.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. In all your ways acknowledge His and He will direct your paths.

QUESTIONS

1. What happened to the Israelites on Mount Gilboa?

2. How did the Philistines boast of their victory over Saul in his death?

3. List some other suicides that are recorded in Scripture.

4. Why did the men of Jabesh Gilead put themselves in danger to rescue the bodies of Saul and his sons?

5. Read Proverbs 3:5-6. Does “all your ways” include the decision about cremation and burial?

ANSWERS

1. The Philistines defeated the Israelites and Saul and his sons died.

2. They hung the bodies of Saul and his sons on the high walls of Beth Shan, where they would be seen for miles around.

3. a. Abimelech in Judges 9 b. King Saul here in 1 Samuel 31 c. Ahithophel in 2 Samuel 17 d. King Zimri in1 King 16 e. Judas Iscariot in Matthew 27

4. Forty years earlier King Saul had raised an army to rescue the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead from the siege and threat of the Ammonites (Chapter 11).

5. Of course. God will guide you in any area if you seek His will.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. Review what you have learned about the life of King Saul. This king started out well; even the Spirit of God came upon him. But then he fell to pride, partial obedience, and jealousy. What lesson does his life teach you?

2. Discuss principles from the Bible concerning burial versus cremation.

CHALLENGE

1. Reflect on the lessons you learned from the life of King Saul as you conclude this study of 1 Samuel.

KEY VERSES

• “So Saul, his three sons, his armorbearer, and all his men died together that same day.” 1 Samuel 31:6

• “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

David and His Men Defeat the Amalekites

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BACKGROUND NOTES

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DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. God provides help and strength for defeating the enemy.

2. God provides illustrations and principles for Christian service.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Look for solutions, not scapegoats.

QUESTIONS

1. Why were David and his men gone from Ziklag, leaving the women and children unprotected?

2. What happened in Ziklag while David was gone?

3. What good choice did David make after he found Ziklag in ruin?

4. In what ways did the Lord help David in his pursuit of the Amalekites?

5. What controversy arose when David and his men returned home with the spoils?

ANSWERS

1. David and his men had been called by the Philistine king to fight with the Philistines against the Israelites. God graciously delivered them from this dilemma (Chapter 29).

2. The Amalekites had raided Ziklag, burned it to the ground, and taken the people captive.

3. He turned to the Lord for help and strength.

4. Although David and his men became exhausted, the Lord strengthened some of them to continue their pursuit. The Lord also led them to an Egyptian slave who led them to the Amalekite camp.

5. The controversy was whether the 200 exhausted men who had stayed with the equipment should share in the spoils of war with the 400 men who went on to battle.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. Are you in a situation right now where you have suffered losses because of your bad decisions? Be like David and look to the Lord. Read the following verses and discuss their application to your situation: 2 Timothy 2:26, Hebrews 4:16, Isaiah 40:31.

2. Discuss the important principles for Christian service that we draw from this chapter. Some believers are called to the front lines of Christian service. Others are called to more supporting roles. Both are important and necessary.

CHALLENGE

1. When problems and conflicts arise in your home or church, do you look for a scapegoat or for a solution?

KEY VERSES

• “David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6

• “And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all.” 1 Samuel 30:19

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Lord Rescues David from a Major Dilemma

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BACKGROUND NOTES

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DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. Moral mistakes of believers always result in greater problems.

2. God sometimes delivers believers from the consequences of their mistakes.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Take the way of escape that God provides.

QUESTIONS

1. What were the Philistines planning according to 1 Samuel 28?

2. What had God prophesied would happen in this battle?

3. What dilemma did David cause for himself here?

4. What are moral mistakes?

5. What was King Achish’ opinion of David?

6. How did God deliver David from this dilemma?

ANSWERS

1. The Philistines had joined their various military divisions together and were planning to attack Israel.

2. King Saul and his sons would die, and the army of Israel would fall into the hands of the Philistines.

3. David and his men had turned to the Philistine King Achish for protection from King Saul. They had served him as a mercenary army, and now were obligated to fight for the Philistines against their own countrymen.

4. Moral mistakes in life are sinful. They involve not doing what we know we should do.

5. That David was a loyal servant who had faithfully served him well.

6. He caused the Philistine commanders to pressure King Achish with questions about David’s loyalty, until the King was compelled to send David home.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. Discuss the Law of Multiplication in moral mistakes. How is this principle sobering to you?

2. Our sins can be eternally forgiven because of Jesus’ death on the cross. But we may have to live with the consequences of our sin. Recall a time when the Lord graciously delievered you from the consequences of a mistake.

CHALLENGE

1. God provides a way of escape from a temptation or test of faith you may face. Take the way of escape when God provides it!

KEY VERSES

• “Is this not David, the servant of Saul king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or these years? And to this day I have found no fault in him since he defected to me.” 1 Samuel 29:3

• “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

King Saul and the Witch of Endor

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BACKGROUND NOTES

3. 
   
   

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. Spirit mediums cannot contact departed spirits.

2. Spirit mediums are under God’s sovereign control.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Don’t turn to the occult when God doesn’t answer.

QUESTIONS

1. In the previous chapter, David fled to the Philistine King Achish for protection from King Saul. What consequence do we see for his lack of faith?

2. Meanwhile, what dilemma is King Saul facing?

3. Why would the Lord not answer Saul (verse 6)?

4. When Samuel appeared to King Saul and the witch, was it really Samuel or a spirit that took on his appearance?

5. What message did God lead Samuel to give Saul?

ANSWERS

1. David is expected to go with Achish in battle against Israel, David’s own people. Achish makes David his personal body guard, so he can keep his eye on him!

2. Saul was frightened by the Philistine threat, and the Lord would not answer Saul’s request for direction. So Saul turned to the world of the occult in order to get some kind of answer.

3. Because Saul had turned away from the Lord and was unwilling to obey him.

4. In this case we believe it was really Samuel. This is why the woman was so surprised as well. Usually mediums contact demonic spirits that can mimic the voice and appearance of the dead person.

5. That the kingdom would be taken from Saul and given to David. The following day Saul and his sons would join Samuel in death.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. David’s lack of faith put him in an awful dilemma in this chapter. Recall a time when you faced a dilemma because of a previous lack of faith. Did you continue in your unfaithfulness, or was the dilemma a motivation to get back on track with God?

2. Occult practices are extremely popular in our society today through the entertainment media. Discuss the potential dangers of viewing the occult as entertainment. Discuss what boundaries you have set for yourself and your family in this regard. Read 1 John 4:4.

CHALLENGE

1. Has it ever felt like God is not listening to you and doesn’t care? Don’t turn to the occult in this situation. There are many reasons why God may be silent, but it is not because He doesn’t care.

KEY VERSES

• “Achish said to David, ‘You assuredly know that you will go out with me to battle, you and your men.’” 1 Samuel 28:1

• “For the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David.” 1 Samuel 28:17

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

David’s Faith Falters

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BACKGROUND NOTES

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DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. Believers can make the same mistake more than once.

2. Believers should not justify the means by the ends.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Try to see your dilemmas coming before they face you.

QUESTIONS

1. What is the major theme in this second half of 1 Samuel?

2. Where do we find David at the beginning of this chapter 27?

3. Where did we previously see David seek protection from the Philistines? What was the outcome that time?

4. Explain the expression “The end justifies the means.”

5. What “good ends” was David accomplishing while hiding out in Ziklag?

6. What ugly means did David use to accomplish these ends?

ANSWERS

1. Ups and downs in David’s life of faith

2. Spiritually, he is down in the valley of little faith. He has gone back to King Achish and the Philistines for protection from King Saul. We do not see him seeking the Lord’s guidance in this major decision.

3. In 1 Samuel 21, David sought protection from the Philistines and had to pretend insanity in order not to be killed.

4. As long as the outcome is successful, the way you get there does not matter.

5. He was protecting his family, building up support for his future kingdom, and eliminating some of Israel’s ancient enemies.

6. David and his men became mercenaries for King Achish, massacring large settlements of people without the Lord’s direction. David used lying and deceit to cover his tracks in all of this.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. The second half of 1 Samuel traces the ups and downs of David’s life of faith. If you made a graph of your spiritual life over the years, would it peek and fall like David’s. Where are you spiritually right now? What can you do to either stay there or improve?

2. David did not look ahead to see the dilemmas his deceit would cause. Discuss which examples struck you from the lecture about the dilemmas our country and we as believers face because we do not look ahead.

CHALLENGE

1. Believers should not justify the ends by the means. Have you been justifying some ungodly attitude or activity in your life? Consider David and change your ways.

KEY VERSES

• “There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 27:1

• “David would save neither man nor woman alive, to bring news to Gath.” 1 Samuel 27:11

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Lord Delivers David

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BACKGROUND NOTES

3. 
   
   

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. The Lord will test the righteousness of every believer.

2. The Lord will reward the righteousness of every believer.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Expect to be tested again!

QUESTIONS

1. This is the third time David had the opportunity to take his own revenge. When were the previous two times?

2. Why did Saul so easily break the promise he made in 1 Samuel 24:17-22?

3. How did David gain another opportunity to take revenge on King Saul?

4. What was Abishai’s counsel to David?

5. What did David do to Saul?

ANSWERS

1. David spared Saul’s life in a cave in En Gedi, although he cut off the corner of his robe (chapter 24). David wanted to take revenge on the rude and prideful Nabal, but Abigail saved the day (chapter 25).

2. There were probably certain men in Saul’s court who hated David and stirred up lies about him in Saul’s mind.

3. David and his men were able to sneak up on Saul’s camp at night. While Saul was sleeping, David and his nephew Abishai were able to get so close to Saul that they could have killed him with his own spear.

4. Abishai told David that this was an opportunity from the Lord. Abishai pleaded with David to at least let him do the job.

5. David only took Saul’s spear and water to prove to Saul and to General Abner that David could have killed the king and that Abner was not protecting the king.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. David had a second opportunity to take revenge on Saul, but again he passed the test of righteousness. Would you have passed? The Lord will test the righteousness of every believer in the areas of honesty and integrity, submission, and much more. Will you pass?

2. The Lord will reward the righteousness of every believer. Your reward for righteous living may not come overnight or even in this lifetime, but when you do the right thing, you will be rewarded. Do you believe this is true?

CHALLENGE

1. Although David had already passed the test of faith and patience, he was tested again. Your faith and righteousness will be tested throughout your lifetime. Graduation does not come until we get to heaven.

KEY VERSES

• “The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.” 1 Samuel 26:11

• “May the LORD repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness.” 1 Samuel 26:23

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

David’s Dealings with Nabal and Abigail

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BACKGROUND NOTES

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DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. God allows the Nabals to test our faith and patience.

2. God provides the Abigails to save the day

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Let God handle the Nabals.

QUESTIONS

1. Who was Nabal?

2. What did David request of Nabal, and what was Nabal’s response?

3. How did David then respond to Nabal’s insult?

4. How did Abigail intervene and save the day?

5. How does the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail end?

ANSWERS

1. Nabal was a wealthy rancher who owned 4000 head of sheep and goats. David and his men were camped in the same area as Nabal’s flocks, thus providing protection against any sheep thieves.

2. David asked Nabal for some provisions for his men in return for the protection they had offered his flocks. Nabal responded with rudeness and pride and sent David’s men away empty-handed. He also denounced David’s character in the process.

3. David failed the test of faith and patience. He became enraged at Nabal’s insult and wanted to take his own revenge by killing Nabal and robbing his ranch.

4. Abigail brought a gift of food to meet the needs of David and his men. She showed humility and spoke softly. She acknowledged that David was in the right, and Nabal was wrong, but that did not justify David shedding blood. Abigail also reminded David that he would be king, and he should not be the cause of this bloodshed.

5. After Abigail saved the day, Nabal was struck with what may have been a stroke, and he later died. David took Abigail to be his wife!

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. When was the last time God tested your faith and patience? Was there a Nabal-type person involved? How does James 1:3-4 encourage you to respond the next time such a situation arises?

2. Review Abigial’s approach to David. What lesson on being a peacemaker can you learn from her example? Matthew 6:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

CHALLENGE

1. God’s justice will always prevail in time. Let God handle the Nabals!

KEY VERSES

• “David said to his men, ‘Every man gird on his sword.’” 1 Samuel 25:13

• “…knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:3-4

• “And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand.” 1 Samuel 25:33

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

David Spares Saul’s Life

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BACKGROUND NOTES

3. 
   
   

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. The godly let the Lord plead their cause.

2. The ungodly say one thing and do another.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Wait for the Lord in all areas of life.

QUESTIONS

1. Where is En Gedi?

2. When did David have the opportunity to retaliate against King Saul?

3. What did David do in the face of this opportunity?

4. How did Saul respond when David revealed himself and showed the corner of Saul’s robe?

5. What significant landmark might have been David’s stronghold (verse 22)?

ANSWERS

1. En Gedi, which means “the fountain of the young goat,” is a beautiful fresh water spring amongst the rocks in the hills along the west side of the Dead Sea.

2. As David and his men were hiding in the inner recesses of a cave, Saul came into the cave to either take a rest or go the bathroom. David had a golden opportunity to kill King Saul.

3. He crept up to Saul and cut off the corner of his robe. Later he regretted even doing that to the king.

4. Saul wept and acknowledged that David was right and had shown mercy to him. He even acknowledge that David would be the next king, although this repentance did not last long.

5. This might have been Masada, a natural fortification running south along the coast of the Dead Sea. Masada played a significant role in Jewish history in the first century, AD.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. Discuss how David followed the principle of Romans 12:19. He did not take matters into his own hands and take his own revenge. Are you facing opposition in some area you know God has led you? How will you let the Lord plead your cause against your enemies?

2. Have you ever put your trust in ungodly people, institutions, or organizations? Did you experience the principle that the ungodly say one thing and do another? How can you prove yourself as a godly person that others can trust?

CHALLENGE

1. David learned from his experiences with Saul how to wait for the Lord. Has the Lord allowed you to go through testing and trying situations so you will learn to wait for Him? Be encouraged by Psalm 27:14

KEY VERSES

• “Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.” 1 Samuel 24:12

• “Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” Psalm 27:14

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

God’s Continued Protection and Encouragement for David

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BACKGROUND NOTES

3. 
   
   

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. The Lord provides protection during times of trouble.

2. The Lord provides encouragement during times of trouble.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Don’t assume that every opportunity is from the Lord.

QUESTIONS

1. What report did David hear while he was hiding in the wilderness from King Saul?

2. In what unique way did the Lord communicate to David through the garments of the high priest?

3. How is David a spiritual picture of the Lord Jesus in this chapter?

4. What stopped Saul during his pursuit of David?

5. Why was Jonathon able to find David when Saul was not able to find him?

ANSWERS

1. He heard that the Philistines had attacked the border town of Keilah and were plundering the threshing floors.

2. The ephod of the high priest was an apron-like garment over which was a breastplate. Twelve precious stones on the breastplate represented the twelve tribes of Israel. The Urim and the Thummin were probably two additional stones in the breastplate, which the high priest used to determine yes or no answers about the Lord’s will.

3. Like David, the Lord was rejected and betrayed by the very people He came to save.

4. An urgent message came to Saul telling him that the Philistines had invaded the land.

5. This is another indication that the Lord was protecting David.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. When David was in trouble, he could not look to the people for protection, because they were willing to betray him! Instead he looked to the Lord. What kind of troubles are you facing in your life? Have you sought the protection only the Lord can provide?

2. Jonathan encouraged David by reminding him of the promises of God. Did you know that is the most important thing you can bring people who are hurting and in times of trouble? Think of one person you can encourage this week by reminding them of God’s care and control in their situation.

CHALLENGE

1. Saul wrongly assumed the “open doors” to pursue David were from the Lord. We can be deceived this way as well! The devil can provide all kinds of opportunities and open doors for you to do your own will! Be aware.

KEY VERSES

• “Saul sought [David] every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand.” 1 Samuel 23:14

• “Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.” 1 Samuel 23:16

• “The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

David and his Ragtag Army Hide in the Wilderness

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BACKGROUND NOTES

3. 
   
   

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. Following the right leader leads to eternal rewards.

2. Following the wrong leader leads to tragic results.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Let’s be willing to admit our mistakes.

QUESTIONS

1. Why did David take his parents to the land of Moab?

2. Who was Gad?

3. What kind of men gathered themselves around David?

4. Why were 85 priests and many women, children, and animals killed in the village of Nob?

5. Who slaughtered this community?

ANSWERS

1. He took them there for safety from King Saul. Saul was enemies with Moab, so they were open to David’s request. David also had distant relatives in Moab, through his great grandmother Ruth.

2. Gad was a prophet the Lord provided to exhort, advise, and counsel David during these times of trouble. He also wrote a record of much of David’s life (see 1 Chronicles 29:29).

3. Men who were in distress, in debt, discouraged, and discontent. But they chose the right leader to follow.

4. Because Doeg the Edomite reported that Ahimelech the high priest had aided David in his flight from Saul.

5. Doeg did it himself, because Saul’s guards would not strike the priests of the Lord.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. In this chapter we see that following the right leader leads to reward. How was this true for David’s army? How is this true for us as believers? Discuss how David is a spiritual picture of Christ in His time of rejection.

2. Following the wrong leader led to tragic results for Doeg the Edomite. This is also true for people today who reject Christ and follow Satan. Discuss the tragic results for those who choose to follow the Antichrist in the end times.

CHALLENGE

1. David did the right thing by admitting his mistake in this chapter. Are you willing to admit your mistakes and take the blame? Don’t shift the blame to others. Admit when you are wrong and humbly repent.

KEY VERSES

• “And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to [David]. So he became captain over them.” 1 Samuel 22:2

• “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled and did not tell it to me.” 1 Samuel 22:17