Week 10, Chapter 13: The King Who Had It All

Week 10, Chapter 13: The King Who Had It All

Associated Scripture: 1 Kings 1-8; 10-11; 2 Chronicles 5-7; Proverbs 1-3; 6; 20-21

This session is the first session I taught.  My very first time leading a study group…sigh.  To be honest, I don’t remember a THING.  It was a great study session; thank you ladies. 

I made Michelle (sorry girl—the vomit was a-building up)  open in prayer and I closed and I felt as though my prayer was lame.  Ok—this is an honest feeling-nothing wrong with that.  But deep down, I felt great.  I felt as though I mumbled through this session but God was with me.  He was there; thank you God.  It wasn’t as bad as I thought.  To be honest, I was so worried about presenting that I didn’t write a single note.  Feel free to add any of this blog discussion via the comment below.  To honor the discussion questions in the book, I wanted to share with you a site that I found, after I realized I took no notes as the leader.  It is a great read to the questions.  But first, let’s watch a review video of this week’s chapter 13: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVGeWzMA1-8

Discussion Questions:

1.       Why was Solomon’s request for wisdom and discernment so pleasing to the Lord?

2.       How is wisdom different from mere knowledge and intellect?

3.       Why is it vital to become wise?

4.       What can you do to gain more wisdom?

5.       How did pride and lust contribute to Solomon’s fall?

6.       What can you do to guard yourself against these sins?

The answers are above.  Let’s read this week’s study via another church… http://www.dnbc.co.za/uploads/1/0/7/3/10734267/the_story_ch_13.pdf

Video Discussion:

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-I1nX28MEQ

1)        Our culture can be a little like the kettle and we can become the frogs plopped into the water..if we are not careful.  Name some examples of dangerous and incremental changes happening around us that we can fail to notice. What can we do to wake up, notice and resist these changes?

For me, let’s look at the schools.  Public schools no longer are the same as when I was in school.  WE are so careful not to offend anyone.  I never thought of school as offensive.  I specifically remember learning evolution and not being offended…Evolution is just that; growth.  Heck, I have certainly evolved as a Christian woman…with that said, I also remember learning big bang and the biblical versions too.  I was in public school.  You know, where you once got punished for saying ugly things and feared the principal.  The place where I learned to be a person who was forgiving rather than expecting…I wish society would notice that some of the very proverbs in the bible are natural good vs evil; right vs. wrong and just take a stand.  Yeah, that may mean a paddle in the hallway but heck, if you were good you didn’t have to receive a paddling.  Soap box. 

2)      As David neared the end of his life, he gave a charge to his son Solomon.  What were his specific exhortations and how do these words reflect what David and learned from his personal choices in life?

Do not idolize any other Gods.  The importance he placed on his many wives were considered his “other Gods” which his focus away from  the one and only God.    As I remember this, I think personally back to the same thought.  As soon as I worry about something that really I have spent too much time worrying on—I have just idolized that “thing.”  I need to place my worry in God’s hands and things will get better.

3)      God appeared to Solomon in a dream and engaged him in the “If you could have anything you want” conversation.  What did Solomon ask for and what did he refrain from asking for?  What can we learn about prayer from this account in Solomon’s life?  Wow is all I can say.  He asked for wisdom.  He did not ask for money.  He did not ask for materialistic things.  He asked for things that would glorify God through him.  What a great and self-less request.

4)      As Solomon’s wisdom grew, the Holy Spirit inspired him to write and collect wise sayings.  According to Proverbs 1: 1-7, what is the purpose and value of the proverbs and why are they needed just as much today as they were in ancient times?  If you want to lead a disciplined and successful life—follow these proverbs.  Enough said.

5)      The Story includes many examples of proverbs.  Respond to one of the questions below about this collection of wise sayings:

a.       What do they teach us about fearing God?

b.      What do they teach us about God-honoring relationships?

c.       What do they teach us about how to handle our finances wisely?

d.      What do they teach us about how we use our words?

You can look up each one.  For this post, I decided to mention the “God Fearing” by selecting Proverbs 4:10 and 11: My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.  I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.”  This is the same as with our own children.  We, as parents, give them the wisdom they will need to do as we say as parents and be: parent-fearing.  If you mind me, all will be well because I am your teaching and all you have to do is as I say.  God is the same.  He has his book to tell us how to be God fearing and if we mind—we will be most fruitful.

6)      As the temple was dedicated, Solomon prayed and spoke to the people of Israel.  What do his words teach us about God?  What does he ask for himself and for the people and how can his prayer inform the way we speak to God? This prayer is below.  You will know the answer when you read it yourself.  Read the passage.  Answer the question.

Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication

22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven 23 and said:

“Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. 24 You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.

25 “Now Lord, the God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father the promises you made to him when you said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your descendants are careful in all they do to walk before me faithfully as you have done.’ 26 And now, God of Israel, let your word that you promised your servant David my father come true.

27 “But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built! 28 Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day. 29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ so that you will hear the prayer your servant prays toward this place. 30 Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.

31 “When anyone wrongs their neighbor and is required to take an oath and they come and swear the oath before your altar in this temple, 32 then hear from heaven and act. Judge between your servants, condemning the guilty by bringing down on their heads what they have done, and vindicating the innocent by treating them in accordance with their innocence.

33 “When your people Israel have been defeated by an enemy because they have sinned against you, and when they turn back to you and give praise to your name, praying and making supplication to you in this temple, 34 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them back to the land you gave to their ancestors.

35 “When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, and when they pray toward this place and give praise to your name and turn from their sin because you have afflicted them, 36 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance.

37 “When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when an enemy besieges them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, 38 and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel—being aware of the afflictions of their own hearts, and spreading out their hands toward this temple— 39 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know every human heart), 40 so that they will fear you all the time they live in the land you gave our ancestors.

41 “As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your name— 42 for they will hear of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when they come and pray toward this temple, 43 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name.

44 “When your people go to war against their enemies, wherever you send them, and when they pray to the Lord toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name, 45 then hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause.

46 “When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to their enemies, who take them captive to their own lands, far away or near; 47 and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captors and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly’; 48 and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their enemies who took them captive, and pray to you toward the land you gave their ancestors, toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name; 49 then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. 50 And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you, and cause their captors to show them mercy; 51 for they are your people and your inheritance, whom you brought out of Egypt, out of that iron-smelting furnace.

52 “May your eyes be open to your servant’s plea and to the plea of your people Israel, and may you listen to them whenever they cry out to you. 53 For you singled them out from all the nations of the world to be your own inheritance, just as you declared through your servant Moses when you, Sovereign Lord, brought our ancestors out of Egypt.”

54 When Solomon had finished all these prayers and supplications to the Lord, he rose from before the altar of the Lord, where he had been kneeling with his hands spread out toward heaven. 55 He stood and blessed the whole assembly of Israel in a loud voice, saying:

56 “Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses. 57 May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. 58 May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. 59 And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, 60 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God and that there is no other. 61 And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”

7)      After Solomon’s prayer and charge to the people, God spoke.  What promises did God give the people?  How did these promises give both hope and sober awareness of their need to follow God closely?  Just read the passages to sober you:

1 Kings 9 New International Version (NIV)

The Lord Appears to Solomon

9 When Solomon had finished building the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, and had achieved all he had desired to do, 2 the Lord appeared to him a second time, as he had appeared to him at Gibeon. 3 The Lord said to him:

“I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me; I have consecrated this temple, which you have built, by putting my Name there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.

4 “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, 5 I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’

6 “But if you[a] or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you[b] and go off to serve other gods and worship them, 7 then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. Israel will then become a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. 8 This temple will become a heap of rubble. All[c] who pass by will be appalled and will scoff and say, ‘Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple?’ 9 People will answer, ‘Because they have forsaken the Lord their God, who brought their ancestors out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—that is why the Lord brought all this disaster on them.’”

8)      At the end of his life, the wise King Solomon did some very foolish things.  What did he do and what were some of the consequences?  How can we avoid fishing poorly?  “Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.”  Solomon’s weakness was women.  He really began trying to please the many women that he had.  This became idolatry and took away Solomon from the Lord even after many warnings from God.  He was such a good leader and still he failed in the end.  He finished poorly.  We can each prevent this.  WE can.  Remember the Proverbs.  Follow these rules.  Pray and have the relationship with God—and listen to what He has to say.

Week 9, Chapter 12: The Trials of a King

Associated Scripture: 2 Samuel 11-12; 18-19; 1 Chronicles 22; 29; Psalms 23; 32; 51

A music video to start:

Though You Slay Me by Shane and Shane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyUPz6_TciY

Savior Please by Josh Wilson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiHSDcx_3IE

Discussion Questions:

1)      What were some factors that led to David’s sin with Bathsheba?  Whoa, he had a lustful heart by coveting another man’s wife.  Also, though, in my opinion, maybe Bathsheba should have covered herself a little more…Regardless, David should not have watched her and lusted after her.

2)      Both Saul and David sinned against God, yet how did their responses differ?  What was the result of their responses?  There are huge differences between Saul and David.  David continued to repent to the Lord when he made his mistakes.  Saul indeed loved the Lord but seemed to make choices and rationalize those choices to benefit himself.  David longed for the grace and love of the Lord.

3)      How did David’s sins affect the future of his family?  Greatly.  This is apparent as we read through this chapter of the bible.  Ultimately, we really need to think how our choices affect others.  It does not just affect our single life but can also affect those of our loved ones too. 

4)      David was allowed to plan the temple, but God told him that his son would be the one to actually build it.  How do you think David felt about that?  How did David respond?  David responded with dignity—a normal flesh reaction.  Even though it felt as though it were punishment (and it was), David continued to worship in the Lord.

5)      Do you, like David, give God credit and praise for your successes and accomplishments?  Wow, wouldn't it to be easy to say yes?  I say “wow, I did that” all the time.  But did I do it alone?  No.  Not at all.  It is so easy sometimes to forget how we made accomplishments.  I will say though, now that I have joined this study, I consider the Lord every day in my decisions.  I continue to realize though each day still, that my accomplishments were not my own.  They were accomplished through His Perfect Will.  Thank you, God.  Thank you. 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-I1nX28MEQ

Video Discussion:

1)      As chapter 12 of The Story begins, we see David enter into sin and become a domino effect of other sins that followed.  Identified each of David’s sins and how it led to another sinful choice or action in life.  I really feel like we cover most of these in the next question below.  But I really think the intent of this question is to point out how one decision, each of us makes, WILL affect the future and each person your life touches.  Don’t you, like me, experience those close call moments of life.  I feel that is God saying…yep, that just happened.  Realize woman, that I am in control!!!!

2)      David’s sins did not just affect him but others around him.  Note the effects on the following:

a.       Bathsheba?  David coveted her.  The initial result was the death of her husband and the child created by that sin.

b.      Uriah?  Yep, he was murdered.

c.       The prophet Nathan?  David loved him.  Nathan had to be the one to call his friend out.  How hard must that have been?  Imagine you calling your bestie out—how hard that must have been but was much needed. 

d.      The military commander of Joab?  He was a secondary party to MURDER.  He was a really great soldier but he put the sward to Absolom.

e.      Other soldiers under Joab’s command.  Wow, they all had to step back and assist in the killing of David’s son Absolom.

f.        The baby conceived by Bathsheba?  Became sick and died. 

3)      Once Uriah was dead, David seemed to think he had gotten away with his coveting, adultery, lying and murder.  But when Nathan confronted him, David realized that God knew everything.  What are some of the ways we can deceive ourselves into thinking we have covered our tracks and hidden our sins (from ourselves, others, an even God)?  This is something for you to answer.  But, once you try to hide from the truth you will realize how hard it is to maintain the single lie that started it all.  It gets complicated and nearly impossible to keep it up with—don’t’ do it. 

4)      King Saul (when confronted by Samuel the prophet) did not admit his sin, repent and really seek forgiveness…he made excuses.  That is why God rejected him.  How is David’s response to facing the reality of his sinfulness different from Saul’s?  Saul would rationalize his Sin!  Well, I did “this” because of “that.”  David would be confronted and would immediately repent and ask for the Lord’s forgiveness.

5)      God forgave David, but there were still consequences to his sinful actions.  What were some of the consequences David faced immediately and over the long term because of his sinful choices?  Why is it important that we walk in God’s grace but still realize we might face real consequences of our sins?  We have almost talked this to death at this point.  No matter what decision we make without consulting with God first, we must realize that there will be those consequences. 

6)      What do we learn about the holiness and heart of God when we consider Nathan’s interactions with David?  Each of us should pay that role that Nathan did and hold our friends accountable for their actions—if it gets to that point.  Calling a friend on a situation where they may have made an inappropriate decision or response is our duty as Christian women.

7)      If you could have asked David at the end of his life, “What advice and insight would you give me about temptation and sin?”    What might David say to you if you were dabbling in sin?  David might say…STOP!!  One small bad thing is a gateway to a bunch of very bad things.  J

8)      Randy pointed out that David’s life, even with his falls and frailties, still pointed people to God.  How can god use our lives—the good and the bad—to show his presence, love, and grace to the people around us? 

We need to be that model for Christ.  Remember, you may be the only bible others get to see so we need to be the best representation of Christ we can be as women, wives, mothers, friends, children, etc.

Week 8, Chapter 11: From Shepherd to King

First of all, wow, how did I get this far behind.  I just taught Chapter 15.  I apologize for the delay.  I have been crazy busy.  Wait, aren't we all??  My agenda is to get one done per night to get caught up for sure.  I could not make this session.  Please feel free to add as necessary to any of these questions by adding a comment below...I will add to the session.  If you participated in the Session at Michelle's House, please also add to-

Again, forgive... :-)

Week 8, Chapter 11: From Shepherd to King

Associated Scripture: 1 Samuel 16-18; 24; 31; 2 Samuel 6; 22; 1 Chronicles 17; Psalm 59

Discussion Questions:

1.       Why was David chosen to be the next king of Israel?  David was the youngest of his brothers and therefore was the least likely to be chosen as King.  Even David’s father was sure one of his oldest would be offered--  We should never assume we know God’s next choice for us.  We should instead pray for his wisdom and trust in what our future holds.

2.       What obstacles did David face to become the king he was anointed to be?  I can think of two at the moment.  When David was chosen as the next king, even his brothers would not accept it.  They in turn were very jealous.  The very brothers he loved so much now instead loathed him.  They did not value the King he would become.  Another would be the obstacles between Saul and he.  Saul tried so many times to kill David from the jealousy of David’s reign and popularity.

3.       How was David able to face a gain when so many others gave way to fear?  Wow, David had faith in God.  David was so very small compared to the Giant.  Yet, he knew his faith would pull him through to win over the Giant and that exact faith is why God gave him this power.  I can think of all the times, I have felt a problem weighing in on my shoulders but also found that when I turned it over to the Lord, He would pull me through it.  I do NOT think this is a coincidence.

4.       Why did David spare Saul when he had the chance to be free of Saul’s attempts to kill him?  What would you have done?  Amazing story.  Just when you think David finally gets the opportunity to pay Saul forward for all the cruel things and attempts to kill David—David chose to let him live.  He knew that God needed Saul to be King even though he also knew he would be king next.  He trusted in God’s judgment and therefore spared his life.  I love the fact that even Saul knew David could have killed him if he tried.  What would you have done?  This is personal but I think this question is to target each of our own hearts in this way—just because you (or I) feel that I must change a destiny because I feel it is right—I should do just as David did and put my trust in the Lord.  I think we are so accustomed to wanting and answer now and not waiting—but the bible is teaching me that I DO NOT KNOW all the answers because I am not supposed to know them.  I just need to speak to the Lord in Dialogue.  What does that mean?  It means, not only speak to the Lord, but let him speak back.

5.       David had a single goal (that the God of Israel would be glorified) because he had a single love (the God of Israel).  What can you do to cultivate a heart like David’s?  I think I kind of answered this above a little but really we need to have a one-on-one relationship with God.  If we can better our relationship with Him, then we are glorifying God.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-JgRqf-ClU

Video Discussion

1.)     In this chapter of The Story, many different people think they have David figured out.  How did each of these people view David when they looked at him?

a.       His father, Jesse:  The smallest of his sons and less mature of them all.  Just a farm boy who watched after sheep.  The youngest. 

b.      The Prophet Samuel?  Samuel thought the Lord would choose Eliab due to his height and appearance.  But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord does not look at the things people look at.  People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

c.       His Brother, Eliab?

d.      King Saul?  He looked at his brother in anger.  He sees him a conceited

e.      Goliath?  He would not believe that this man would attempt to fight him without armor and sticks.  He was offended by him.

2.)    God saw David quite differently from everyone else.  In light of this chapter how did God see David?  God saw David as a very faithful man.  He was beautiful in the heart. 

3.)    This chapter includes two powerful prayers of David: one from Psalm 59 and another from 2 Samuel 22:1 7, 47; Psalm18.  What do you learn about David’s heart from these honest passionate cries to God?  David put all his faith in the Lord.  He constantly praises the Lord in his prayers and continues to tell the Lord that He is his rock and his fortress.  He exalts the Lord from his heart and soul.

4.)    Randy said, “God put David through spiritual boot camp to chisel him and refine him into the kind of man who truly trusted God.”  Tell about a time God send you to spiritual boot camp (or has presently enrolled you).  How did God use this time to refine, strengthen, and grow you?  Our group feels we are constantly put into these situations so that we can grow.  Will you turn to God in this turmoil?  In all the instances we have turned to our Savior Jesus Christ we are delivered from the pains, suffering, decisions, etc. 

5.)    David had to wait fourteen years between being anointed and actually sitting on the throne.  Have you ever had a lengthy wait to receive something you felt God had planned for your life?  What kept you hopeful during the wait?  This is a personal question but think of that time, think of what got you through that wait…and then THANK God for the wait.  It wasn’t time yet.  Mine wasn’t.  But, eventually, I did get what I really wanted and planned. 

6.)    Reading the Story we discover that David had his share of struggles and sins.  But through it all he was a man whose heart sought after God.  What are the things that tend to distract your heart and pull it away from God?  What can we do to keep our hearts focused on God and growing more in love with him?  This is another personal question.  There are so many distractions these days.  Facebook.  Texting.  Work.  The daily routine.  For me, I finally had to work God in.  Yeah, I was lazy.  It takes energy and time to study God’s word—my excuse.  There are ways we can keep our hearts focused on God.  This study is one example….but so is daily prayer.  Even I don’t remember to pray every night. 

7.)    In this sessions DVD segment Randy made a provocative statement:  “God can use our disobedient lives as effectively as he uses or obedient lives in the Lower Story to work out his Upper Story plans.”  Do you agree with that statement?  Give and example from the Bible that supports what Randy says?

8.)    The Story recounts that many of God’s children had long seasons of waiting (often in tough times and sometimes in a desert).  How can God use times of waiting and challenging seasons of life to prepare us for greater things in our future?  Yes, if we wait for OUR time, we will gain these greater things in life.  We all have had “waiting” periods and “challenging seasons of life.”  And there are so many whether it be…wanting to get pregnant, losing a loved one, quitting smoking, cutting ties with bad influences, etc.  They are there.  How do we chose to deal with them?