< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Israel’s Defeat by the Philistines and the Death of King Saul Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The Bible does not condone suicide. The Bible does not condemn cremation. PRACTICAL APPLICATION In all your ways acknowledge His and He will direct your paths. QUESTIONS What happened to the Israelites on Mount Gilboa? How did the Philistines boast of their victory over Saul in his death? List some other suicides that ar...
Jan 08, 2022
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS David and His Men Defeat the Amalekites Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God provides help and strength for defeating the enemy. God provides illustrations and principles for Christian service. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Look for solutions, not scapegoats. QUESTIONS Why were David and his men gone from Ziklag, leaving the women and children unprotected? What happened in Ziklag while David was gone? What good choice did...
Jan 07, 2022
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Lord Rescues David from a Major Dilemma Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Moral mistakes of believers always result in greater problems. God sometimes delivers believers from the consequences of their mistakes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Take the way of escape that God provides. QUESTIONS What were the Philistines planning according to 1 Samuel 28? What had God prophesied would happen in this battle? What dilemma di...
Jan 06, 2022
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS King Saul and the Witch of Endor Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Spirit mediums cannot contact departed spirits. Spirit mediums are under God’s sovereign control. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don’t turn to the occult when God doesn’t answer. QUESTIONS In the previous chapter, David fled to the Philistine King Achish for protection from King Saul. What consequence do we see for his lack of faith? Meanwhile, what dilemma ...
Jan 05, 2022
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS David’s Faith Falters Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Believers can make the same mistake more than once. Believers should not justify the means by the ends. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Try to see your dilemmas coming before they face you. QUESTIONS What is the major theme in this second half of 1 Samuel? Where do we find David at the beginning of this chapter 27? Where did we previously see David seek protection from ...
Jan 04, 2022
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Lord Delivers David Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The Lord will test the righteousness of every believer. The Lord will reward the righteousness of every believer. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Expect to be tested again! QUESTIONS This is the third time David had the opportunity to take his own revenge. When were the previous two times? Why did Saul so easily break the promise he made in 1 Samuel 24:17-22? How did ...
Jan 03, 2022
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS David’s Dealings with Nabal and Abigail Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God allows the Nabals to test our faith and patience. God provides the Abigails to save the day PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let God handle the Nabals. QUESTIONS Who was Nabal? What did David request of Nabal, and what was Nabal’s response? How did David then respond to Nabal’s insult? How did Abigail intervene and save the day? How does the story o...
Jan 02, 2022
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS David Spares Saul’s Life Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The godly let the Lord plead their cause. The ungodly say one thing and do another. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Wait for the Lord in all areas of life. QUESTIONS Where is En Gedi? When did David have the opportunity to retaliate against King Saul? What did David do in the face of this opportunity? How did Saul respond when David revealed himself and showed the co...
Jan 01, 2022
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS God’s Continued Protection and Encouragement for David Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The Lord provides protection during times of trouble. The Lord provides encouragement during times of trouble. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don’t assume that every opportunity is from the Lord. QUESTIONS What report did David hear while he was hiding in the wilderness from King Saul? In what unique way did the Lord communicate to Davi...
Dec 31, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS David and his Ragtag Army Hide in the Wilderness Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Following the right leader leads to eternal rewards. Following the wrong leader leads to tragic results. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let’s be willing to admit our mistakes. QUESTIONS Why did David take his parents to the land of Moab? Who was Gad? What kind of men gathered themselves around David? Why were 85 priests and many women, childr...
Dec 30, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS David Seeks Provision from Ahimelech and Protection from Achish Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The testimony of believers is compromised when they lie to fellow believers. The testimony of believers is compromised when they turn to the world for security. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let’s learn from our mistakes. QUESTIONS What painful decision did David make in 1 Samuel 20? Who was usually allowed to eat the showbrea...
Dec 29, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Painful Separation Between David and Jonathan Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) There will be painful decisions in the life of faith. There will be painful separations in the life of faith. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Use 1 Samuel 20:42 instead of Genesis 31:49 as a blessing. QUESTIONS What sort of painful decisions was David facing at this point in his life? Were these painful decisions the result of something David...
Dec 28, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS David is Protected from King Saul Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God can use natural means to protect His servants. God can use supernatural means to protect His servants. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let’s be peacemakers like Jonathan. QUESTIONS What was David’s status in Israel in the beginning of the chapter? What was the bad news for David at this point? Why was there an idol in David’s household, as we see in vers...
Dec 27, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Jonathan’s Friendship with David and Saul’s Jealousy Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) There will always be people who honor the Lord’s servants. There will always be people who are jealous of the Lord’s servants. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don’t miss the spiritual picture of Jonathan’s love for David. QUESTIONS What were the results of David’s victory over Goliath? How did Saul respond to David’s popularity? How did Jo...
Dec 26, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS David’s Victory Over Goliath Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God is not confined to conventional methods in spiritual warfare. God can use a believer’s former experience in spiritual warfare. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don’t practice fanciful interpretation of Scripture. QUESTIONS Why does it seem at the end of the chapter that King Saul didn’t know David? Who do David and Goliath represent as an illustration of spiri...
Dec 25, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Goliath Presents a Challenge to the Army of Israel Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The enemy will always have his Goliaths. The Lord will always have His Davids. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let’s fight the Goliaths and not our brothers! QUESTIONS Where is the Valley of Elah? How tall was Goliath? How much did his armor weigh? How much did the head of his spear weigh? What was Goliath’s challenge to the Israelites? What...
Dec 24, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS David is Selected as the Next King of Israel Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) All human hearts are under the searching eye of God. All evil spirits are under the sovereign control of God. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Listen to hymns in order to soothe your soul. QUESTIONS Why did Samuel travel to Bethlehem? Why did the elders of the city tremble when they met Samuel? What did anointing with oil symbolize in the Old Testa...
Dec 23, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Lord Tells Samuel to Anoint David Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The Bible never condones lying and deceiving. The Bible sometimes condones secrecy and concealment. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Remember, getting killed is not the worst thing that can happen! QUESTIONS What test did King Saul fail in 1 Samuel 15? What was the consequence of Saul’s disobedience? Why was Samuel afraid to go to Bethlehem? What did God ...
Dec 22, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Saul’s Partial Obedience in Failing to Destroy the Amalekites Printed version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Obedience is better than sacrifice. Obedience is better than repentance. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don’t build monuments to yourself. QUESTIONS Why did the Lord call for total destruction of the Amalekites? Did Saul follow God’s command to utterly destroy the Amalekites? How did Saul justify his selective obedience? What was...
Dec 21, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS King Saul Makes Two Foolish Vows Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Foolish decisions result in needless hardships. Foolish decisions result in tragic situations. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don’t make decisions in the emotion of the moment. QUESTIONS What title was suggested for 1 Samuel 14? Who was Abner? What rash oath did Saul make on behalf of his soldiers? What tragic situation occurred that night after the battle? ...
Dec 20, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Jonathan’s Victory Over the Philistines Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God can bring victory against all odds. God can cause confusion in the enemy camp. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Thank the Lord for the armor bearers He provides. QUESTIONS Where was King Saul’s capital in Israel? What was the Israelites latest problem with the Philistines? What sign did God use to direct Jonathon and his armor bearer? What is one in...
Dec 19, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS King Saul’s Disobedience Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Disobeying the Lord is never justified by circumstances. Disobeying the Lord results in loss of status. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Give credit where credit is due. QUESTIONS How does archeology back up the teaching of 1 Samuel 13:19? Should we be concerned by the two manuscript discrepancies in 1 Samuel 13? Why were the men of Israel scared as they faced battle ...
Dec 18, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Samuel’s Farewell Address to Israel Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God’s people need to be reminded about the proof of God’s faithfulness. God’s people need to be warned about the possibility of their own unfaithfulness. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let’s not sin by failing to pray for others. Let’s remember to remember! QUESTIONS Why did all the people gather at Gilgal? Now that all the people affirmed Saul’s kingship...
Dec 17, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Saul Defeats the Ammonites Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) The enemy will attack God’s people where they are vulnerable. The enemy will blind God’s people if they compromise. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let’s be angry for God’s sake. QUESTIONS Where was Jabesh Gilead? Were the Ammonites the same as the Ammorites? Why would the men of Jabesh Gilead be helpless without their right eyes? Why was Saul so motivated to go an...
Dec 16, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Saul is Anointed as the First King of Israel Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God will show His people the paths they should follow. God will show His people the leaders they should follow. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Expect support and opposition if you are God’s chosen leader. QUESTIONS Describe how Saul met Samuel from the human perspective and from the divine perspective. Why were people anointed with oil in Old Tes...
Dec 15, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Saul Will be the First King of Israel Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God is sovereign over the details of His will that He chooses to use in His plan. God is sovereign over the details of His will that He chooses to reveal to His people. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Praise the Lord! He does not forget about the lost donkeys! QUESTIONS What is a theocracy? What kind of man was Saul? How was Saul to be brought into conta...
Dec 14, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Israel’s Demand for a King Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) Believers can not pass on their spirituality. Believers can settle for God’s permissive will. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Watch out for the “We want to be like other nations” syndrome. QUESTIONS What was the state of the priesthood at the time of Samuel? Did Samuel’s sons carry on his lineage? Can you guarantee your child will grow up spiritually healthy and ac...
Dec 13, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS Israel Returns to the Lord Under Samuel's Leadership Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God gives victory to His people when they return to Him. God restores losses to His people when they return to Him. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let’s follow Samuel’s Ebenezer example. QUESTIONS Where was the Ark of the Covenant taken after it returned from the Land of the Philistines? What was Samuel’s role in the nation of Israel at t...
Dec 12, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS The Ark of the Lord Returns to Israel Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God shows mercy when people are ignorant of His laws. God holds people accountable when they are not ignorant of His laws. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Let’s trust God to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think. QUESTIONS Who was in possession of the Ark of the Covenant when this chapter begins? Why were they so frantic to send the A...
Dec 11, 2021
< 1 Samuel Index Next Talk > TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS God Makes His Presence and Power Known Printed Version BACKGROUND NOTES DOCTRINAL POINT(S) God will not be reduced to a “small g” god. God will not be appeased like a “small g” god. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Don’t prop up your idols. QUESTIONS Review the background events of this chapter. What were the five main cities of the Philistines? What did the Philistines do with the captured Ark? Who was Dagon? What happened to the image of Dag...
Dec 10, 2021
