Sermon Questions - February 28, 2016

The Rock of Escape

1 Samuel 23:1-29

February 28, 2016

Study Questions

1. Read 1 Samuel 23:1-5. At the beginning of this chapter, David was residing in “the forest of Hereth” where he heard that the Philistines were attacking the people of “Keliah.” Using a study Bible or Google, find these places on a map.

2. Given that David grew up in Bethlehem, how familiar do you think he was with this area? What was his first action after hearing of the attack on Keliah? How did David’s men react? What did David then do? Did the Lord fulfill his word?

3. Read 1 Samuel 23:6-14. Who was Abiathar and what important item did he have with him? What did Saul plan to do and why? When David learned of Saul’s plans, what did he do? What did the Lord say and what actions did David therefore take?

4. For the moment Saul called off the search and David went into the wilderness of Ziph. After that, how often did Saul seek David? How do you suppose this made David feel?

5. Read 1 Samuel 23:15-18. Where was Horesh? Why did Jonathan come there and what did he do and say? What was the final outcome of this meeting?

6. Read 1 Samuel 23:19-24a. Who betrayed David and why? What specific words did Saul speak and what does this teach us about how “the man of flesh” sanitizes his evil plans?

7. Read 1 Samuel 23:24b-29. How do you suppose David heard of Saul’s plans? What did David do and why? What finally drew Saul away from this area? What, then, was that place called and how does its name help us interpret the story?

8. As you meditate on this chapter, what lessons do you learn about the Lord’s work in the lives of those who are under constant attack? How does this relate to the Christian life? To your life?

9. Spend some time in prayer and ask the Lord to strengthen for the war that is the Christian life.

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