1 SamuelНамуна

Devotional:

Congratulations on finishing another week of studying 1 Samuel! Last week we were introduced to David and witnessed him being anointed as the next king of Israel. David defeated Goliath, married Saul’s daughter, and we ended with Saul trying to kill David. Thankfully, Jonathan was able to help David escape from Saul.

Take a minute to reread chapters 21-25. As you read, think about the themes in these five chapters.

This week, we covered a few different themes. God’s provision, God’s transformation of relationships, and obedience and disobedience are some of the big moments from these five chapters. Where did you see these themes as you studied? When David ran away empty-handed, God provided everything he needed to stay healthy and safe. We also got to witness David and Saul’s relationship transform throughout the chapters. We began with David running away from an angry Saul who wanted to kill him. Saul was jealous that David was the newly anointed king, which made him angry and aggressive. At the end of this week, David and Saul’s interaction was restorative and transformative. When David had a chance to kill Saul, he chose to be obedient to the Lord and spared Saul’s life. We also saw people be obedient and disobedient to what the Lord was asking them to do. An example of this was when Nabal chose not to help David, but Abigail knew the Lord was asking her to provide for David and his men selflessly.

Looking back at the Word

1. Looking back at each of the moments when God provided for David, determine where David’s heart was. Was he in a selfish place, or an obedient place? Choose three moments to look at closer. Why did God provide in these moments? Was David expecting this provision?
2. Contrast Saul’s demeanor towards David in 1 Samuel 23:7-8 and 1 Samuel 24:16-21. How was it different? What changed?
3. Let’s take a look at Nabal and Abigail. Why did they act differently when they heard that David and his men were in need? How are these two people different?

Questions to Consider:

1. Where have you seen God’s provision in your life? Did you know, at the time, that God was providing for you, or did you notice it when you looked back at your life?
2. When faced with an enemy, how do you choose to treat them and see them as God would? What are some ways that you can love your enemies in everyday life? Think practically!
3. Are there places in your life where God is asking you to be obedient and selfless? How are you responding to the Lord?
4. Whom could you tell about what you have learned this week? Make a plan to do this.

Let’s Pray:

Father, we thank you for a week of learning more about what you did in the life of David, and how we can learn from it. We pray that you would help us remember the things we have learned and apply them to our lives.