[God] cannot change for the better, for He is already perfect; and being perfect, He cannot change for the worse.
– A.W. Pink
I Samuel 25-31: Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands
(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?
Don’t Stagnate
Without a disciplined life you will stagnate as a Christian.
– Peter Jeffrey as quoted in Ten Questions To Diagnose Your Spiritual Health
Not Beyond Our Worship
The eternity of God is a mystery far beyond the mortal mind. But it is not beyond our worship.
– Philip Graham Ryken in Discovering God
Reflections on I Samuel 22-24
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.
Family Collection
Here are some good posts for dads:
10 Reasons I’m Thankful To Be a Dad – Tim Challies
Dad Enough to Sing – David Mathis (DG)
Why Daughters Need Their Dads – Meg Meeker (Lifeway)
Prayer Quote of the Week
Real prayer, earnest prayer, is hard work. Satan has a special ill-will at praying people.
– Andrew Bonar
Reflections on I Samuel 19-21
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)?
Classic Quote
I am convinced that the first step towards attaining a higher standard of holiness is to realize more fully the amazing sinfulness of sin.
– J. C. Ryle
I Samuel 25-31: Faithful
(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?
Brian J. Mikul 