Most Christians pray sometimes, with some prayers and some degree of perseverance, for some of God’s people. But to replace “some” by “all” in each of these expressions would be to introduce us to a new dimension of prayer.– John Stott
Saul, the new king, fails to follow the Lord. Observe:
If the soul of the believer is in a healthy condition, he will take occasion to frequently come into God’s presence on purpose to have communion with Him.– A. W. Pink
(13) How did Saul disobey God? What excuses does he make?
What do Saul’s actions and excuses tell you about his heart?
(15) How did Saul disobey God? What excuses does he make?
What do Saul’s actions and excuses tell you about his heart?
How would you summarize v22?
How should we apply this verse (and the entire passage) to our lives today?
(13-14) What contrasts do you see between Jonathan and Saul?
What do you learn about Jonathan’s heart?
(16-17) God is going to provide for himself a king. What is God looking for, and not looking for (16:7, see also 9:2, 13:14)?
How might we apply 16:7 to our own lives today (see I Timothy 4:7-8)?
How does David exhibit what God is looking for in chapter 17?
How do David’s actions against Goliath point to Jesus?
(18) Again, what contrasts do you see between Jonathan and Saul?
What do you learn about each man’s heart?
(14, 17) How do Jonathan and David demonstrate the truth found in II Corinthians 12:9-10?
How do we need to apply this truth to our lives today?
Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:
Practical Suggestions for Cultivating Communion with God – Kelly Kapic (Crossway)
But interpersonal relationships are not “things” to be accomplished. They are more about “being” than “doing,” and they need attentiveness, mutual exchange, and care to flourish. Relationships cannot be life-giving sources of strength if we are not present in and to them. Communion with God is a deep need for every human, whether we acknowledge the need or not. Communion with God is how we were made to function, and it is ultimately about a loving and very present relationship with the triune Creator.
The Hidden Power in Every Idol – Tim Challies
If we worship the idol of the perfect body, the sweeping curves or the chiseled abs, we will become as vain and self-focused as the models in the magazines. If we worship the idol of money, we will become as greedy, selfish, and cut-throat as the worst wolf on Wall Street. If we worship athleticism, we will imitate superstar athletes in their arrogance, their moral depravity, their self-obsession. If we worship the idol of power we will mimic the flip-flopping, anything-goes, popularity-obsessed politician. On and on it goes.
5 Reasons Not to Waste Your Leisure Time– Jeff Robinson (TGC)
In today’s work force, some researchers have found the average work week for an American man is creeping beyond 50 hours. Thus, after a long and laborious work week, our finite bodies and minds often stand in need of refreshment. God set a pattern in the created order (evening/morning/end of the day) for six days, and then established a day of rest on the seventh.
Why the Local Church Really Matters – Tim Challies
As we prepare to worship God tomorrow, it may do us good to pause for just a few moments to consider the local church. What is the church? Why has God called us into these little communities? Does the local church really matter? It does! The local church is foundational to God’s plan for his people.
Hope you have a great Lord’s Day with your local church!
We are a church family
All sisters and brothers
Know each one in the Body
And love one another
Together serve faithfully
Always encouraging
And from our hearts prayerfully
Offer our Lord’s blessing
We are the Lord’s family
All children of the King
He pours out His grace freely
Great love of which we sing
Peace with our God and Savior
And with His one Body
To Jesus all our hearts pour
Our love eternally
(To the tune of “The Church’s One Foundation”)
Samuel anoints Saul to be the first King of Israel.
Here are some good posts for Thanksgiving:
The Lost Art of Feasting – David Mathis (DG)
Millions Will Eat, But Miss the Point – Stephen Witmer (DG)
10 Questions to Ask at Your Thanksgiving Gathering – Donald Whitney (Crossway)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Samuel judges Israel, but as he grows old, Israel demands a king to rule over them.
(7) What three instructions does Samuel give in v3? How are they related to each other?
What commentary does this verse give to our culture’s obsession with the call to “just follow your heart”?
How does God respond to their repentance to further woo their hearts in this chapter? How has God wooed your heart?
(8) On what are the hearts of Samuel’s sons set?
On what are the hearts of the people of Israel set in this chapter? Why (v5, 20)?
How are we tempted in similar ways?
Samuel’s warnings of what a king will mean for them falls on deaf ears. What are some examples of people whose hearts are set on something and so refuse to accept warnings?
(9-11) What characteristics does Saul have that might seem to make him a good choice for a king? What concerns might there be? How would you describe his heart?
God’s Spirit comes upon Saul making him a new man with a new heart to lead the people and fight their enemies (10:6, 9; 11:6). So God is ultimately responsible for their victory over the Ammonites, as Saul himself recognizes (11:13). Why is that important for the people to remember? For us?
God touches the hearts of many men of valor to fight with Saul. What has God placed on your heart?
(12) What instructions does Samuel give in v20-25? What incentives are provided?
What are some empty things the world chases after that we might be tempted to also chase after?
What would it look like to serve God with all your heart?
Brian J. Mikul 