1 SamuelSample

Devotional:

You have read all of 1 Samuel! Well done! Take a moment and reflect on this book. Who are the major characters, what are they known for? Who are the good guys, the bad guys, who please God, who defies Him? Over the course of this book, you met several characters and saw multiple stories unfold, think back over those things. What would you have done in their shoes?

It is a useful skill when reading scripture to ponder over everything you have read. Looking at the big picture helps us to see God's faithfulness and humanity's mistakes. As the old saying goes, "A wise person learns from his mistakes. A wiser one learns from other's mistakes. However, the wisest person of all learns from others' successes." Through the book of 1 Samuel, the reader watches a powerful king obsess over keeping his throne and make mistake after mistake, never learning. One of the most significant differences you will see in 2 Samuel is how David responds to his shortcomings compared to how Saul responded. Whereas Saul is prideful, never admitting his faults, David humbles himself before God, regularly going to God for forgiveness.

Looking back at the Word

1. Skim back over the last 5 chapters and underline what David does when presented with difficult decisions? (hint: two good moments are chapters 26:9-12 and 30:7-12.)
2. What do you see Saul do near the end of his life when he is confused and scared?

Questions to Consider:

1. As you reflect on the book of 1 Samuel, what are some lessons you have learned?
2. In what ways do you relate to Saul's Story? David's Story?
3. How does this book point to the true and better King Jesus?
4. How do you see your pride affecting your life? Spend a minute or two, asking God for humility.
5. Whom could you tell about what you have learned through this study? Make a plan to do this.

Let's Pray:

Father, as we finish up our study in 1 Samuel, would you help us to retain the lessons we have learned, and apply those to our lives. Would you prepare our hearts to begin studying 2 Samuel!