Growing Christians Ministries

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

David Seeks Provision from Ahimelech and Protection from Achish

1 SAMUEL 21

Dave Reid

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BACKGROUND NOTES

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DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. The testimony of believers is compromised when they lie to fellow believers.

2. The testimony of believers is compromised when they turn to the world for security.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Let’s learn from our mistakes.

QUESTIONS

1. What painful decision did David make in 1 Samuel 20?

2. Who was usually allowed to eat the showbread? Why was an exception made here?

3. What did Jesus teach in relation to this story?

4. When did David lie to the high priest Ahimelech in this chapter?

5. Why did David pretend to be crazy before King Achish?

ANSWERS

1. David became a fugitive and left his wife and position in the royal court because King Saul continued to threaten his life.

2. According to the Law in Leviticus 24, this bread was normally for the priests. In this case, the preservation of David’s life was more important than a ceremonial regulation.

3. The Lord referenced this event in Matthew 12 when the Pharisees were criticizing the disciples for picking and eating grain on the Sabbath. His point was that moral obligations in life supersede civil or ceremonial regulations.

4. In verse 2, he claimed to be on secret business for the king. In verse 8, he said the king’s business required haste.

5. He wanted the Philistines to think he was harmless, so they would give him refuge from King Saul.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. This lesson taught that “moral obligations in life supersede civil or ceremonial regulations.” Give an application for this biblical principle today. The Bible is not teaching that it is permissible to break God’s moral laws on occasion.

2. Lying is never justified, and David’s lies in this chapter were no exception. How does this compare to discussion question #1? What was the sad consequence of David’s lie?

CHALLENGE

1. David made several mistakes in this chapter, but he learned from his mistakes. This does not excuse the mistake, but hopefully we will also learn from our mistakes and make fewer mistakes in the future.

KEY VERSES

• “So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread which had been taken from before the LORD.” 1 Samuel 21:6

• “Then David arose and fled that day from before Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath.” 1 Samuel 21:10

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Painful Separation Between David and Jonathan

1 SAMUEL 20

Dave Reid

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BACKGROUND NOTES

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DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. There will be painful decisions in the life of faith.

2. There will be painful separations in the life of faith.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Use 1 Samuel 20:42 instead of Genesis 31:49 as a blessing.

QUESTIONS

1. What sort of painful decisions was David facing at this point in his life?

2. Were these painful decisions the result of something David had done wrong?

3. What plan did David and Jonathan devise to communicate whether it was safe for David to return to the palace?

4. What covenant did David and Jonathan make with one another?

5. Why is 1 Samuel 20:42 a better blessing than Genesis 31:49?

ANSWERS

1. Whether to stay with his wife or flee for his life, or whether he should rescue his family in Bethlehem or go into hiding as a fugitive.

2. No, David had done nothing wrong. These painful decisions were just part of his life.

3. Jonathan would come out to the field where David was hiding, and shoot some arrows. When his messenger boy ran to fetch them, if Jonathan said, “Look the arrow is beyond you,” David would know he needed to flee for safety.

4. They promised to care for one another’s families in the future, no matter what else happened.

5. The verse in Genesis is not a blessing in context, but the verse in Samuel is.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. Discuss whether or not David asked Jonathan to lie to his father in this chapter. Is lying justified in some circumstances? How could David be called a man after God’s own heart, if this was a lie?

2. Think of a painful decision you have faced in your life of faith. Did the outcome of that decision strengthen your faith in God?

CHALLENGE

1. Have you been separated from a loved one because of work, ministry, or death? There will be painful separations in the life of faith. Remember, the Lord will always be there to bring comfort and hope.

KEY VERSES

• “You shall not only show me the kindness of the LORD while I still live…but you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever.” 1 Samuel 20:14-15

• “May the LORD be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever.” 1 Samuel 20:42

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

David is Protected from King Saul

1 SAMUEL 19

Dave Reid

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BACKGROUND NOTES

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DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. God can use natural means to protect His servants.

2. God can use supernatural means to protect His servants.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Let’s be peacemakers like Jonathan.

QUESTIONS

1. What was David’s status in Israel at the beginning of the chapter?

2. What was the bad news for David at this point?

3. Why was there an idol in David’s household, as we see in verse 13?

4. List the four natural means God used to protect David from King Saul.

5. Recount the humorous event of God’s supernatural protection of David.

ANSWERS

1. David was a popular hero and a young general in the Israelite military forces. He was married to Michal, one of King Saul’s daughters, and was close friends with Saul’s son, Jonathan.

2. Because of David’s popularity, Saul became extremely jealous of David.

3. Possession of these household idols in that culture did not necessarily mean the owner was involved in idolatry. Small idols were used as title deeds to property, and this large idol may have been a cultural decoration.

4. a. Friends.

   b. Human ability.

   c. Family.

   d. Circumstances.

5. When King Saul heard that David was with Samuel, he sent messengers there to take David. But the Spirit of God came upon these henchmen and they prophesied in spite of themselves. This happened 3 times, until Saul himself came. He also was forced by the Spirit of God to prophesy in spite of himself.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. This story of David’s protection is similar to God’s protection of Elijah in 1 Kings 17. In both cases, God used natural and supernatural means to protect and provide for His servants. Discuss the parallels in these stories.

2. Can God use supernatural means to protect His people today? Yes! Do you know about personal accounts of this?

CHALLENGE

1. Jonathan was willing to speak to his father and make a temporary peace with David. He did this even at the risk of his own life. How can you be a peacemaker between the people in your life?

KEY VERSES

• “Jonathan told David, saying, ‘My father Saul seeks to kill you.’” 1 Samuel 19:2

• “Then Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away from Saul’s presence.” 1 Samuel 19:10

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Jonathan’s Friendship with David and Saul’s Jealousy

1 SAMUEL 18

Dave Reid

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BACKGROUND NOTES

3. 
   
   

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. There will always be people who honor the Lord’s servants.

2. There will always be people who are jealous of the Lord’s servants.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Don’t miss the spiritual picture of Jonathan’s love for David.

QUESTIONS

1. What were the results of David’s victory over Goliath?

2. How did Saul respond to David’s popularity?

3. How did Jonathan fit into this power struggle?

4. Review how this passage shows the progress of jealousy.

5. What dowry did Saul require of David? How did David fulfill this?

ANSWERS

1. Saul set him over the army of Israel. David also became a popular hero in Israel.

2. He became insanely jealous and tried to kill David twice.

3. Jonathan would have been king after his father Saul, but he recognized that the kingdom had been given to David. Jonathan showed David respect, honor, loyalty, and help.

4. a. Jealousy sees others as a threat (verses 8-9). b. Jealousy cannot stand seeing the blessing of God on others (verses 12, 14-15). c. Jealousy does not keep promises (verse 13).

5. Saul demanded 100 foreskins of the Philistines as a dowry for his daughter, hoping in the process David would be killed. David returned with 200 foreskins, increasing Saul’s jealousy.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. Consider Jonathan’s remarkable reaction to David’s popularity and authority. Contrast this with Saul’s reaction. Think of the people God has raised up to be spiritual shepherds and leaders in your life. Do you react to them as Jonathan or as Saul?

2. Jealousy destroyed the relationship between Saul and David. Even today the sin of jealousy can destroy friendships, fellowships, and churches. What are some practical ways you can guard against jealousy in your own heart?

CHALLENGE

1. Jonathan is a spiritual picture of the committed Christian who shows love and devotion to the Lord at all costs. Be a Jonathan today.

KEY VERSES

• “Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul.” 1 Samuel 18:3

• “Thus Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David…and Saul was still more afraid of David. So Saul became David’s enemy continually.” 1 Samuel 18:28-29

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

David’s Victory Over Goliath

1 SAMUEL 17:31-58

Dave Reid

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BACKGROUND NOTES

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DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. God is not confined to conventional methods in spiritual warfare.

2. God can use a believer’s former experience in spiritual warfare.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Don’t practice fanciful interpretation of Scripture.

QUESTIONS

1. Why does it seem at the end of the chapter that King Saul didn’t know David?

2. Who do David and Goliath represent as an illustration of spiritual warfare?

3. What was Saul’s response when David volunteered to fight Goliath?

4. How did God use David’s former experience in his victory over Goliath?

5. What principle can verse 48 teach us about spiritual warfare?

ANSWERS

1. One possible answer is that while Saul knew David as his harp player and armor bearer, now that he was about to become his son-in-law, Saul was asking about his lineage.

2. Goliath represents satanic forces opposed to God’s people. David represents committed and courageous believers who are willing to step out in faith and fight the Goliaths.

3. He objected that David was an untrained youth. He insisted that David wear his armor into battle.

4. David became skilled in using a slingshot when he shepherded his sheep. David had killed a lion and a bear while tending his sheep, which certainly gave David confidence and courage against Goliath.

5. That David ran toward Goliath is an illustration of staying on the offensive in spiritual warfare.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. Discuss how David is ultimately a spiritual picture of Christ Himself who conquered Satan. A number of points were mentioned in the background section of this Talk.

2. What former experience do you have that God can use in spiritual warfare? Have you seen this happen in your life?

CHALLENGE

1. Don’t practice fanciful interpretation of Scripture, the story of David and Goliath is incredible as it is!

KEY VERSES

• “The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:35

• “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45

• “The battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Goliath Presents a Challenge to the Army of Israel

1 SAMUEL 17:1-30

Dave Reid

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BACKGROUND NOTES

3. 
   
   

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. The enemy will always have his Goliaths.

2. The Lord will always have His Davids.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Let’s fight the Goliaths and not our brothers!

QUESTIONS

1. Where is the Valley of Elah?

2. How tall was Goliath? How much did his armor weigh? How much did the head of his spear weigh?

3. What was Goliath’s challenge to the Israelites?

4. What would be given to the man who defeated Goliath?

5. What do the battles in the Old Testament between God’s people Israel and their enemies represent?

6. What does the number 40 represent in Scripture?

ANSWERS

1. About 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem.

2. He was 9’ 9” tall. His armor weighed about 125 pounds and his spear about 16 pounds.

3. Goliath challenged the Israelites to send out a warrior for a contest, which would determine the outcome of the battle. This was a common strategy in the ancient world.

4. King Saul had promised to give the champion his daughter as a wife. Furthermore, he would be made wealthy and his family would be tax-free.

5. They generally illustrate some aspect of our spiritual warfare.

6. It is the number of testing.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. Secular science is one of Satan’s “Goliaths” facing us in spiritual warfare today. Can you list some other giants of the Enemy?

2. David did not waste time arguing when his brother questioned his motives. Have fellow believers ever misread your motives? Did you focus on fighting the Goliath rather than your brothers?

CHALLENGE

1. God raises up Davids to fight the spiritual battle against the enemy. Are you willing and prepared to fight?

KEY VERSES

• “And a champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.” 1 Samuel 17:4

• “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:23

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

David is Selected as the Next King of Israel

1 SAMUEL 16:6-23

Dave Reid

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BACKGROUND NOTES

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DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. All human hearts are under the searching eye of God.

2. All evil spirits are under the sovereign control of God.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Listen to hymns in order to soothe your soul.

QUESTIONS

1. Why did Samuel travel to Bethlehem?

2. Why did the elders of the city tremble when they met Samuel?

3. What did anointing with oil symbolize in the Old Testament?

4. How did Saul first come to know David?

5. Do Satan and his angels have complete freedom on this earth?

ANSWERS

1. The Lord sent him to secretly anoint one of the sons of Jesse as the next king of Israel.

2. Samuel was a circuit-riding judge. The elders of Bethlehem thought that Samuel had come to their city to pronounce and execute judgment concerning some matter.

3. Kings and high priests were anointed to symbolize that this person was set apart for God’s holy service.

4. David was called to be Saul’s harp player. He made such a good impression on the king, that he was made Saul’s armor-bearer.

5. No, they are under the sovereign control of God and are only permitted to do what God allows.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. As humans we tend to be impressed by outward credentials, such as good looks or talent. God is not impressed with such outward appearances; He looks at the heart. If you are a parent, how can you teach your children to prioritize heart attitude over outward appearance?

2. While God is not the source of evil, He can use the evil of mankind or fallen angels to accomplish His purpose. Discuss this principle. Refer to Ephesians 1:11.

CHALLENGE

1. Saul’s soul was refreshed when David played his harp. Is your soul distressed by the pressures of life? Try listening to music that contains Scripture to calm your troubled soul.

KEY VERSES

• “For man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

• “And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.” 1 Samuel 16:23

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Lord Tells Samuel to Anoint David

1 SAMUEL 16:1-5

Dave Reid

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BACKGROUND NOTES

3. 
   

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. The Bible never condones lying and deceiving.

2. The Bible sometimes condones secrecy and concealment.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Remember, getting killed is not the worst thing that can happen!

QUESTIONS

1. What test did King Saul fail in 1 Samuel 15?

2. What was the consequence of Saul’s disobedience?

3. Why was Samuel afraid to go to Bethlehem?

4. What did God instruct Samuel to tell King Saul?

5. What are situational ethics?

ANSWERS

1. Saul was given one last chance to obey the Lord, but he failed to utterly destroy the Amalekites as God instructed.

2. The kingdom of Israel would be taken from him and given to a better man.

3. Because if proud and disobedient King Saul heard that Samuel had anointed his successor as king, he would have Samuel killed.

4. That he was going to Bethlehem to offer a sacrifice (which he did!).

5. Situational ethics teach that it is okay to lie in time of war or if you think it is the more loving thing to do.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. Discuss the Bible’s position on lying and deceiving. Consider Samuel here, the Hebrew midwives, and Rahab. The Bible teaches non-conflicting moral absolutes; to make the right choice you do not have to break one of God’s moral laws or choose the lesser of two evils. Consider the example of Jesus.

2. Discuss how creative concealment can be used in order to obey the command of the Lord. For more information, refer to Dr. Dave’s essay, An Exercise in Ethics.

CHALLENGE

1. Bringing God glory by doing the right thing is the highest priority. Remember, getting killed is not the worst thing that can happen!

KEY VERSES

• “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.” 1 Samuel 16:1

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Saul’s Partial Obedience in Failing to Destroy the Amalekites

1 SAMUEL 15

Dave Reid

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BACKGROUND NOTES

3. 
   
   

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. Obedience is better than sacrifice.

2. Obedience is better than repentance.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Don’t build monuments to yourself.

QUESTIONS

1. Why did the Lord call for total destruction of the Amalekites?

2. Did Saul follow God’s command to utterly destroy the Amalekites?

3. How did Saul justify his selective obedience?

4. What was a result of Saul’s disobedience?

ANSWERS

1. a. God did not want the idolatry and immorality of the Amalekites or any of the pagan peoples of the land to infiltrate and corrupt God’s people through intermarriage or other cultural ties.
   b. Because of the Amalekites’ past sin of attacking Israel in the wilderness. This command of God was just and righteous punishment.
   c. All of the battles against the enemies of God’s people in the Old Testament picture the spiritual warfare of believers today.

2. No, he kept alive King Agag and all of the best animals in the flocks and herds.

3. He told Samuel that he planned to sacrifice the animals to the Lord. He also shifted the blame to the people.

4. Samuel told Saul again that God had rejected him from being king over Israel.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. To obey is better than sacrifice. This biblical truth is just as true today. Discuss how it can be lived out in a believer’s life.

2. Obedience is better than repentance. Many Christian leaders who were once greatly used of God have been set aside from their position of leadership, because of disobedience. Even though many have repented and been restored to the Lord, the consequences of their disobedience limit their future ministry. Discuss this sad truth.

CHALLENGE

1. Do you try to build monuments to yourself in the way you describe your good deeds to others? Self-monuments are an indication of pride. Let God build your monuments.

KEY VERSES

• “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” 1 Samuel 15:11

• “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” 1 Samuel 15:22

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

King Saul Makes Two Foolish Vows

1 SAMUEL 14:24-52

Dave Reid

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BACKGROUND NOTES

3. 
   
   

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

1. Foolish decisions result in needless hardships.

2. Foolish decisions result in tragic situations.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

1. Don’t make decisions in the emotion of the moment.

QUESTIONS

1. What title was suggested for 1 Samuel 14?

2. Who was Abner?

3. What rash oath did Saul make on behalf of his soldiers?

4. What tragic situation occurred that night after the battle?

5. What foolish decision did Saul make next?

6. Did Jonathan die that night?

ANSWERS

1. “Faith in contrast to Folly,” the faith of Jonathan contrasted with the foolishness of Saul.

2. Saul’s uncle, and the commander of his army.

3. That they would not eat any food until evening, when they had taken vengeance on their enemies.

4. The people were so hungry they started ravenously slaughtering and eating the animals taken from the Philistines, without first draining the blood. This was a violation of the Mosaic Law.

5. Because God would not answer Saul as to whether to pursue the Philistines further, Saul wrongly assumed that someone had sinned by breaking his foolish fasting vow. He said that even if his son Jonathon had broken the fast, he would surely die.

6. No, God intervened and the people rescued Jonathon, protecting him from Saul.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

1. Foolish decisions result in needless hardships and tragic situations. Consider by yourself decisions that you have made regarding your family, church, and workplace. Did these decisions follow biblical principles of decision-making? You can read about these principles in Dr. Dave’s essay, The Seven C’s of Decision Making.

CHALLENGE

1. Even well meaning decisions made in the emotion of the moment can have sad consequences. Don’t make decisions in the emotion of the moment.

KEY VERSES

• “Cursed is the man who eats any food until evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” 1 Samuel 14:24

• “Now there was fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul.” 1 Samuel 14:52