Life Of David: Discipleship Lessons From 1 And 2 Samuel .
Life of David: Discipleship Lessons from 1 and 2 SamuelHandouts for Group ParticipantsIf you’re working with a class or small group, feel free to duplicate the following handoutsat no additional charge. If you’d like to print 8‐1/2” x 11” or A4 size pages, you can downloadthe free Participant Guide handout sheets ts.pdfDiscussion QuestionsYou’ll typically find 3 to 4 questions for each lesson, depending on the topics in each lesson.Each question may include several sub‐questions. These are designed to get group membersengaged in discussion of the key points of the passage. If you’re running short of time, feel freeto skip questions or portions of questions. These notes also contain key maps and charts to helpyour students understand David’s life.1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.Introduction to the Life of DavidSamuel Anoints David as King (1 Samuel 15‐16)David and Goliath: Bold Faith (1 Samuel 17)Jonathanʹs Friendship, Saulʹs Jealousy (1 Samuel 18‐20)David Flees from Saul (1 Samuel 21‐23)David Spares the Lordʹs Anointed (1 Samuel 24‐28)David Strengthens Himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 29‐2 Samuel 1)David Becomes King and Conquers Jerusalem (2 Samuel 2‐5)David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6)The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7)Davidʹs Rise, Fall, and Punishment (2 Samuel 8‐12)Rape, Murder, and Conspiracy in David’s Family (2 Samuel 13:1‐15:13)David’s Exile from Jerusalem (15:13‐20:26)The Legacy of David (2 Samuel 21‐1 Kings 2)David’s Psalms of Repentance (Psalms 51 and 32, optional)This series of lessons is based on Life of David:Discipleship Lessons from 1 and 2 Samuel by Dr. Ralph F.Wilson (JesusWalk, 2012), 280 pages. It is available forsale in paperback, Kindle, and PDF f you’re the teacher or facilitator for a small group orclass, it is strongly recommended that you get a copy ofthis book for yourself and the assistant leader. It containsa huge amount of background information about David’slife and times that will help you interpret Davidaccurately to your class.120728 rfw
Life of David: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants2Introduction to the Life of DavidDate for David’s 40‐year reign from about 1010 to 970 BC.Archaeological inscriptions pointing to the historicity of King David’s reign:1. Inscription from an Old Aramaic stela in Tell Dan (dated about 840 BC) refers to the“House of David” in the context of a king.2. Inscription on the stela of Mesha King of Moab also refers to the “House of David” inabout the same period.3. An inscription at Karnak by Pharaoh Shoshenq I records a victory over Rehoboam andJeroboam in 926/925 BC referring to a place name in the Negev or south Judean area asthe “heights of David,” an inscription carved within 50 years of David’s own lifetime.Composition and Authorship of Samuel and ChroniclesOur primary source material for the study of David’s life is found in 1 and 2 Samuel andthe first chapter of 1 Kings, with some supplementary information in 1 Chronicles.First and Second Samuel are actually part of one book in the Hebrew Bible, along with 1and 2 Kings. Composition is seen as the work of one or more editors, perhaps first in the time ofJosiah and then again during the exile. They drew on ancient source documents.1 and 2 Chronicles were probably written sometime after the return from exile, as early as527 BC and perhaps up to a century later.Who Were the Philistines?The Philistines apparently immigrated from the Aegean area in the early to mid‐twelfthcentury BC. They settled primarily along the southwestern coastal strip of Canaan, the name“Palestine” deriving from the name “Philistine.” They seem to have been a loose confederationof five city‐states: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gaza, and Gath (Joshua 13:3b). For the most partthese city‐states waged war singly, but on occasion they gathered together to wage a commonbattle. Gath is probably to be identified with Tell es‐Safi.From Ralph F. Wilson, Life of David: Discipleship Lessons from 1 and 2 Samuel (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright 2012, Ralph F. Wilson pastor@joyfulheart.com . All rights reserved. http://www.jesuswalk.com/books/david.htm Permission is granted to make copiesof these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, with copyright info on each page.
Life of David: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants3Approximate Chronology of David’s LifeDate1040 BC101210101003David’s Age‐ 15‐20 25‐303037 37‐47 47 47 45‐50 47‐52 52‐57 54‐59 56‐61 61970 62 62‐63 65‐67 6970EventDavid bornDavid and GoliathDavid is a fugitive from SaulDavid becomes king at HebronDavid becomes king over all Israel andconquers JerusalemPalace built, Philistine and ArameancampaignsDavid’s kingdom establishedDavid sins with BathshebaAmnon rapes TamarAbsalom kills Amnon, flees to Geshur, stays3 yearsAbsalom returns to JerusalemAbsalom sees David’s face after 2 years inJerusalemAbsalom wins the hearts of Israel over 4yearsAbsalom becomes king in Hebron, Davidflees JerusalemAbsalom killedSheba’s rebellionDavid becomes exhausted in Philistine battleAdonijah and Solomon vie for the throne.David diesReference2 Samuel 5:42 Samuel 5:4‐52 Samuel 5:4‐52 Samuel 13:382 Samuel 14:282 Samuel 14:282 Samuel 15:72 Sam 21:152 Samuel 5:4‐5; cf. 1Kings 2:11From Ralph F. Wilson, Life of David: Discipleship Lessons from 1 and 2 Samuel (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright 2012, Ralph F. Wilson pastor@joyfulheart.com . All rights reserved. http://www.jesuswalk.com/books/david.htm Permission is granted to make copiesof these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, with copyright info on each page.
Life of David: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants41. Samuel Anoints David as King (1 Samuel 15-16)Q1. (1 Samuel 15:22‐23). What is rebellion? Inwhat way is rebellion as bad as witchcraft oroccult practices? What does rebellion have to dowith arrogance? What can we do when we findrebellion against God in our hearts? Whathappens if we do nothing?Q2. (1 Samuel 16:3‐12) How does this storyteach us the importance of listening carefully toGod’s voice? What is our instinctive way ofdiscerning? How is God teaching us to discern?How do we learn to listen to the Spirit?Q3. (1 Samuel 1:13) What is the significance of Samuel anointingDavid? What is the significance of the Holy Spirit coming uponDavid? How does this explain his success? How is the Holy Spiritupon us vital for our own success as disciples?Q4. (1 Samuel 16:14‐23) From Saul’s perspective, why is Davidsummoned to court? From God’s perspective, what seem to be thereasons for this service in Saul’s court? What things tend to preventus from learning from God in the midst of the circumstances in whichwe find ourselves? What might make us more teachable?Discipleship Lessons1. Obedience. Negative lesson from Saul: as we grow asdisciples, we must outgrow our tendency to self‐will andDetail of Jewish kinnor playeris found in a bas-relief in therebellion.palace of Assurbanipal (7052. Listening. From Samuel we learn the importance of listening681 BC) at Nineveh,portraying the fall of thecarefully to the voice of the Spirit.Judean city of Lachish.3. The Holy Spirit. From David: Being responsive to the HolySpirit is the key to success as a king or a prophet – or in any venture God calls us to.4. God’s Arrangements. God uses “chance” opportunities to work out his will. Questionshouldn’t be: “Why, Lord?” but “What do you want me to learn here?”Key Verses“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrificesas much as in obeying the voice of the LORD?To obey is better than sacrifice,and to heed is better than the fat of rams.23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.” (1 Samuel 15:22‐23a)“The LORD does not look at the things man looks at.Man looks at the outward appearance,but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7b)“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from thatday on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power.” (1 Samuel 16:13)From Ralph F. Wilson, Life of David: Discipleship Lessons from 1 and 2 Samuel (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright 2012, Ralph F. Wilson pastor@joyfulheart.com . All rights reserved. http://www.jesuswalk.com/books/david.htm Permission is granted to make copiesof these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, with copyright info on each page.
Life of David: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants52. David and Goliath: Bold Faith (1 Samuel 17)Q1. (1 Samuel 17:26‐30) Why isDavid so upset about Goliath’staunt? Why is Eliab, David’s brother,so upset with David? What does thisteach us about David’s faith? Whatdoes it teach us about Eliab’scharacter?Asiatic or Persian Lion (Felis leopersica). Males 350 to 420 pounds;females 240 to 260 pounds.Syrian Brown Bear (Ursus arctossyriacus). Length up to 8’. Shoulderheight 35‐43”. Males 220 to 660 lb;females 2/3rds.Q2. (1 Samuel 17:34‐37) Whatdoes David’s explanation to Saul ofhis combat experience say aboutDavid’s faith? How lethal is Davidas a warrior? Why do you think Saulallows him to go out to battle Goliath? Does Saul havefaith? If so, what i the source of it?Sling stones from battle of Lachish, limestone, round,1‐3/4 to 2‐1/3 inches, speed perhaps 100 miles per hour!The Battle is the Lords! 1 Samuel 14:6b; 2 Chronicles20:15; 32:8; Psalm 33:16‐18, 20; 44:6‐8; Proverbs 21:30‐31;Hosea 1:7; Zechariah 4:6; Romans 8:31, 37; 1 John 4:4.Q3. (1 Samuel 17:47) Why do we so often forget that“the battle is the Lord’s”? What does that phrase actuallymean? How can we avoid the arrogance of pulling Godinto our battles (“God is on my side”), rather than engagingin His battles (“I am on God’s side”)?Sling stones from the battle of Lachish,Judah (701 BC). British Museum.Disciple Lessons from David and Goliath1. Faith vs. fear. We need to be motivated primarily by our faith, not hindered from actionby our fears.2. God’s glory is more important than our own victory. David is concerned for God’sreputation, not his own.3. The battle is the Lord’s. So often we think we’re alone in what we’re facing. But if we’reliving for God, he is present no matter what is going on in our lives. And if the causeaffects his kingdom and his glory, it is His battle, not ours at all.4. Importance of preparation. Even though we rely on the Spirit, we are not so foolish asto make no preparation. As St. Augustine once said, “Pray as though everythingFrom Ralph F. Wilson, Life of David: Discipleship Lessons from 1 and 2 Samuel (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright 2012, Ralph F. Wilson pastor@joyfulheart.com . All rights reserved. http://www.jesuswalk.com/books/david.htm Permission is granted to make copiesof these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, with copyright info on each page.
Life of David: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participantsdepended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” Faith andpreparation are not mutually exclusive.Key Verses“Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like oneof them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from thepaw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel17:36‐37)“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name ofthe LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45)“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for thebattle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (1 Samuel 17:47)From Ralph F. Wilson, Life of David: Discipleship Lessons from 1 and 2 Samuel (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright 2012, Ralph F. Wilson pastor@joyfulheart.com . All rights reserved. http://www.jesuswalk.com/books/david.htm Permission is granted to make copiesof these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, with copyright info on each page.6
Life of David: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants73. Jonathan’s Friendship, Saul’s Jealousy (1 Samuel 18-20)Q1. (1 Samuel 18:13‐16). Why does Saul send David into battle? What is the result? To whatdoes the narrator attribute David’s success?Q2. (1 Samuel 18:18‐22) Which of the following is David’s chief motive for marryingMichal, in your opinion? Argue for the motivation that makes the most sense to you: (1) pride inhis military prowess, (2) obedience to Saul’s desires, (3) love or desire for Michal, or (4)enjoyment in killing Philistines.Q3. (1 Samuel 19:18‐24) What does it tell us about Saul’s faith that he pursues David evenwhen he has sought the sanctuary of the prophet Samuel? Why do people prophesy when theHoly Spirit comes upon them? What is the relationship between this incident and the Day ofPentecost (Acts 2)?Q4. (1 Samuel 20:35‐42) What is the nature of the covenant between David and Jonathan?What does David receive? What does Jonathan receive? Who benefits the most from thiscovenant? Is it self‐serving – or not? What is the significance that God is witness to thecovenant?Disciple Lessons1. Male friendships. There can be deep, tender friendships between men without a hint ofsexual attraction. This is a lesson that needs to be heard by our culture. Men don’t needto be afraid of or apologetic for their love for other men.2. Fear and jealousy, if we let them have a place in our lives, are evil and can be extremelydestructive to those around us.3. Covenants or promises between people can endure. God, who is witness to ourpromises, calls us to a high standard in keeping them.4. Enemies. Living a righteous life doesn’t make us immune to others seeing themselves asour enemies. We are responsible for our own lives, but we can’t be responsible for others’reactions to us. Our motives may be pure, but that doesn’t keep others from hating us. Ithappens to the best of us – perhaps especially to the best.Key Verses“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and heloved him as himself.” (1 Samuel 18:1)“When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came outfrom all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and withtambourines and lutes. As they danced, they sang: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens ofthousands.’” (1 Samuel 18:6‐7)“Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had left Saul.” (1 Samuel 18:12)“Jonathan said to David, ‘Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the nameof the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants andmy descendants forever.’” (1 Samuel 20:42)From Ralph F. Wilson, Life of David: Discipleship Lessons from 1 and 2 Samuel (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright 2012, Ralph F. Wilson pastor@joyfulheart.com . All rights reserved. http://www.jesuswalk.com/books/david.htm Permission is granted to make copiesof these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, with copyright info on each page.
Life of David: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants4. David Flees from Saul (1 Samuel 21-23)Q1. (1 Samuel 22:2) Why were David’s menattracted to him? What did they have in common?Why kind of men were these? What difficulties doyou think David probably had in leading them?Q2. (1 Samuel 22:20‐23:12) What did Abiatharand the ephod have to do with “inquiring of theLord?” Why did David inquire of the Lord? Whathuge advantage does the person have who seeksGod’s will before acting? How can you find God’swill at key points in your life?Psalms from this time: 31:2‐4; 18:1‐3, 29, 33; 63:1, 4‐8Q3. (1 Samuel 23:14‐18) Why does Jonathanvisit David in the wilderness? What risk is there for David? What risk is there for Jonathan?What do you think it meant to David? Have you ever received a visit from a friend when youneeded it most?From Ralph F. Wilson, Life of David: Discipleship Lessons from 1 and 2 Samuel (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright 2012, Ralph F. Wilson pastor@joyfulheart.com . All rights reserved. http://www.jesuswalk.com/books/david.htm Permission is granted to make copiesof these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, with copyright info on each page.8
Life of David: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group ParticipantsHistorical Ascriptions of the Psalms of DavidPsalm 59. “When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in orderto kill him.”Psalm 56. “When the Philistines had seized him in Gath.”21:12‐15Psalm 34. “When he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who21:13‐15drove him away, and he left.” A beautiful acrostic psalm.Psalm 52. “When Doeg the Edomite had gone to Saul and told him,22:9‐10‘David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.’”Psalm 57. “When he had fled from Saul into the cave.”22:1Psalm 142. “When he was in the cave.”22:122:5; 23:14‐16, 23f Psalm 63. “When he was in the Desert of Judah.”Psalm 54. “When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, ‘Is not23:19David hiding among us?’”Psalm 18. “He sang to the LORD the words of this song when theChapter 22LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from thehand of Saul.”2 Samuel 8:13‐14 Psalm 60. “When he fought Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, andwhen Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites inthe Valley of Salt.”Psalm 51. “When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had12:13committed adultery with Bathsheba.”Psalm 3. “When he fled from his son Absalom.”Chapter 15Q4. (Psalms 18, 34, 54, 56, 58, 59, 142) In these ascriptions to these psalms, how manycelebrate happy occasions? How many arise from struggles? What does this tell you aboutDavid’s relationship with God? What does this tell you about his faith during trials? Which isyour favorite among these psalms? Why?1 Samuel 19:11Lessons for Disciples1. Provision. God provides for his servants, even in times of desperate need, as Davidfound bread and a sword in the house of the Lord.2. God’s fashioning. Every great person has times of seeming failure, as well as times ofsuccess and adulation. Don’t judge too soon that God has forgotten you. He is moldingyou into a finely‐crafted instrument that he can use in his work.3. Leaders. Leaders tend to attract followers when they are struggling as well as whenthey’re on top, as David gathered a band of mighty men in the wilderness. Look for aperson that people are following and you’ll find a leader.4. Learning. Times of struggle are often when you learn the most and do your best work.Don’t discount the difficulties you face in your wilderness as wasted time.5. Guidance. The ability to seek God’s will is a very precious gift. David had this in thepresence of the Urim and the Thummim, the company of a prophet, and his ownprophetic gift. You can find God’s will if you seek him with all your heart, since, ifyou’re a Christian, you possess the Holy Spirit of God who connects you with the verymind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:10‐16).From Ralph F. Wilson, Life of David: Discipleship Lessons from 1 and 2 Samuel (JesusWalk, 2012). Copyright 2012, Ralph F. Wilson pastor@joyfulheart.com . All rights reserved. http://www.jesuswalk.com/books/david.htm Permission is granted to make copiesof these participant handouts, one set for each member of a local group, at no charge, with copyright info on each page.9
Life of David: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants106. Betrayal. Even people you have helped may well betray you, as the residents of Keilahand Ziph will betray David. You will meet disappointment. But don’t despair! You havean unshakable Rock, the Lord your God. He will never leave you or forsake you(Hebrews 13:5)!7. Praise. W
Life of David: Discipleship Lessons from 1 and 2 Samuel Handouts for Group Participants If you’re working with a class or small group, feel free to duplicate the following handouts at no additional charge. .
Bellamy Young Ben Feldman Ben McKenzie Ben Stiller Ben Whishaw Beth Grant Bethany Mota Betty White Bill Nighy Bill Pullman Billie Joe Armstrong Bingbing Li Blair Underwood . David Koechner David Kross David Letterman David Lyons David Mamet David Mazouz David Morrissey David Morse David Oyelowo David Schwimmer David Suchet David Tennant David .
Discipleship . A Guide for Spiritual Mentoring . Discipler Training International "A non-denominational discipleship ministry providing discipleship lessons for spiritual growth, discipling others, and training disciplers." . 3-14 198 A Theological
strong Stewardship /strong Foundations DISCIPLESHIP DISCIPLESHIP DISCIPLESHIP DISCIPLESHIP. RULE OF LIFE (BCP strong P /strong . 555) “Every Christian man or woman should from time to time frame for himself a Rule of Life in accordance with the precepts of the Gospel and the faith and order of the Church; wherein . strong generosity /strong is open to everyone. The offering is part of our
Galatians: Discipleship Lessons. Handouts for Group Participants 2 From Ralph F. Wilson, Galatians: Discipleship Lessons (JesusWalk, 2012).
discipleship, we never move past the gospel; instead, we grow in our knowledge of the gospel, our experience with the gospel, and our application of the gospel. CHARACTERISTIC 2: EXPANDING IN SCOPE A biblical discipleship pathway must emphasize the expansive nature of discipleship in the life of a Christian. John Newton, the slave trader who
One Year Discipleship. course can be used as a discipleship program in churches whereby more mature church members teach others. For this purpose, we recommend that the entire 52 lessons be used. Alternatively, the following 14 lessons for the one-on-one discipling: Repentance . Saving Faith !e Gospel . Evidence of Salvation . Baptism
Like evangelism, the word “discipleship” is not in the Bible.3 By adding “ship” to it, discipleship literally means “the state of learning” or “following a teacher.” Some people like to refer to it as apprenticeship, which we think is a good description.4 At its roots, Christian discipleship means to follow and learn from Jesus.
Artificial intelligence is a new digital frontier that will have a profound impact on the world, transforming the way we live and work. WIPO Director General, Francis Gurry. Preface 7 Foreword 8 About the contributors 10 Acknowl- edgments 12 Executive summary 13 1 Introduction The past, present and future of AI: what research and innovation trends can reveal; the data used in this report and .
