Author: Brian

Follower of Jesus, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Pastor

I Samuel 25-31: Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(25) How is David tempted to take matters into his own hands?

What reasons does Abigail give for David to not take vengeance?

What further instructions do you find in Romans 12:17-22?

What application do you see for your own life?

(26) How is David tempted to take matters into his own hands?

Why does David refuse?

What principle is this passage teaching us, and what application do you see for your own life?

(27) Do you think David is taking matters into his own hands in this chapter?  Why or why not?

Why are we tempted to take matters into our own hands?

(28, 31) How does Saul take matters into his own hands?  Why?

What do you think he should have done?

What are the results of his actions (see also I Chronicles 10:13-14)?

(29-30) What does David do when he finds out the Amalekites have kidnapped his family (v5-8)?  Then what does he do?

How does God help David recover his family?

How is David in this chapter a good example for us today?

Reflections on I Samuel 22-24

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Saul continues his pursuit of David.  Note:

  • Standing by – Saul in his jealousy orders the execution of God’s priests who had earlier helped David. Saul’s servants refuse to carry out the orders.  So Saul tells a foreigner to kill the priests, and Saul’s servants stand by while this foreigner commits murder.  Do you think Saul’s servants are free from guilt?  Do you stand by when you see injustice?  What do you think you should do?
  • Good for evil – Saul’s heart desire is to kill David (23:20), but when David has a chance to kill Saul, David refrains. What evil has been done to you that you need to repay with good?  How might you do it?  Ask God to help you.

 

Reflections on I Samuel 19-21

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Saul in his continued jealousy pursues David, but Saul’s son Jonathan has a different heart.  Consider:

  • Saul’s jealousy – The jealousy that began in chapter 18 reigns throughout our passage today as Saul seeks David’s life. Is there jealousy in your heart?  Are you treating someone poorly out of jealousy or envy?
  • Jonathan’s loyalty – Saul’s son remains loyal to David in spite of his dad’s jealousy, and in spite of the fact that David’s life will keep Jonathan from ever being king. Jonathan accepts the lot God has given him and loves David as a brother.  Are you loyal to your friends?  To God’s people?  Even to your own hurt?  Even when others are against them (and may turn against you)?

I Samuel 25-31: Faithful

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(19-24) God is faithful to David.  How does God faithfully guide and protect David?

19:1-7 –

19:8-9 –

19:10-17 –

19:18-24 –

20:1-42 –

21:1-15 –

22:1-23 –

23:1-14 –

23:19-29 –

24:1-22 –

What application do you find for your own life?

(19-20, 23) Despite his dad’s murderous attempts on David’s life, Jonathan remains faithful to David, and David to Jonathan.  How do they show their faithfulness to one another in these passages?

19:1-7 –

20:1-42 –

23:17-18 –

What does it mean that Jonathan “strengthened his hand in God”?  How might we strengthen a friend’s hand in God?

How might we further apply their example to our own friendships?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

Using Self-Examination for Spiritual Formation – Joe Carter (TGC)
The Christian life requires frequent self-examination to ensure we are overcoming sin and growing in obedience.

Fears and Fleeting Faith – Tim Challies
…there is no situation beyond God’s knowledge, no condition beyond God’s control, no circumstance beyond God’s power. The one who holds us in the storm is the very same one who holds the storm.

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Helping the Hurting– Dave Furman (TGC)
No one wants to be like Job’s friends. We have hurting people in our lives, and we want to help them, but how do we manage to not make fools of ourselves? And how can we actually help hurting people without discouraging them even more?

The Best Day of the Week…for Your Kids – Nick Kennicott (TCC)
Here are eight ways we can help our children view Sunday as being the best day of the week…

Hope you have a great best day of the week!