Tag Archives: 1 Samuel 18:12

Focus on the “With”

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A Phone Tree Bible Study Group ACTion Article

Reading Assignment: 1 Samuel 18:12A (EXP)

“The Lord was with David but had ·left [departed/withdrawn/turned away from] Saul…”

(Go back and review 1 Samuel 18-20 again in its entirety. Be sure to view the content through the lens of the LORD being with and the LORD not being with the noted people highlighted in the reading.)

Personal Reflection ACTion Statement:

The LORD has made it abundantly clear that He is with His beloved children. In fact, He has repeatedly reinforced this message time and time again throughout His Word. But what happens to those who elect to exist without the LORD’s presence in their lives? What happens to those who decide to deny, neglect, disobey, and/or refuse God and His will?

Bible Study Questions to Consider:

1) What had Saul done previously that made the LORD regret making him king?

2) What was Saul’s attitude, actions, and behavior like in the featured chapters in this week’s reading?

3) How did Saul act when he was disturbed by the troubling/distressing spirit from the LORD?

4) Why did Saul fear David?

5) What can be said about David’s life, considering that the LORD was with him? Provide examples from the Scriptures.

6) How did Jonathan and Michal’s favor toward David align with the idea that the LORD was with him [David]? Discuss.

7) How did the LORD being with David affect David’s relationship with Saul? (Really focus on settling into this question. In the coming chapters, be sure to notice how David chose to respond to Saul’s actions and attitude toward him. Try to understand why David acted in the manner that he did.)

8) What was the difference between Jonathan and David’s relationship versus Saul and David’s relationship?

Meditative Scripture:

Going Further: New Covenant Considerations Related to Being a Disciple of Christ

  • What does the LORD being with us mean and what does it guarantee?
  • Are we, as Christians, required to do anything to show that we are with the LORD?
  • What does the LORD not being with us mean, and how would that even come about?
  • What separates us from the love of the GOD?
  • Is the holy LORD able to maintain a relationship with an unholy being?

Photo Credit: A Reason for Hope