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Bible Study: June 12, 2016


NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.

This week’s Bible study is adapted from the YOU! curriculum.

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 13:5-14

Discussion Questions: What are your fears when you see difficulties and obstacles in your way? Where is your safe haven during conflict; in God or in yourself? How can impatience lead to self-sufficiency?

Food for thought:

We’ve all heard ourselves say, “I know what you said, but I thought…” Our spouse gave us advice, but we thought our way was better. Our friend told us we were driving in the wrong direction, but we thought we were taking a short cut. The Lord gave us a clear command from Scripture, but we surely know our lives better than He does. We are challenged to remain obedient even when we are under pressure, facing obstacles or think we know a better way.

Saul’s anointing was in response to the people’s demands for a king. He was an impressive candidate for Israel’s first king (1 Samuel 9:2). He had the people’s full support in the beginning, and he began to win battles immediately. But there came a time when King Saul and his troops found themselves up against great odds in the form of the Philistine army. The men of Israel were so afraid they ran and hid in obscure places. They did not think of God’s power. They only thought of their human weakness. Fear can disrupt our ability to think clearly and can lead us to disobey God’s commands.

The pressure from the Philistines tempted Saul to disregard God’s clear command to wait for Samuel. Saul needed God’s power. He could see his defeat, and he was afraid. His fears produced impatience. He took matters out of God’s hands and placed them into his own hands. He was disobedient. We have all been there. Although Saul was allowed to remain king for additional years, God eventually replaced him as king with another man who was obedient.

Some people reason, I know what You said, God, but I thought … . Then they proceed to do what they think is right or best. However, God didn’t give us the authority to decide what was right or the option to think our way is better. We can learn from Saul’s disobedience so that we don’t have to experience unnecessary grief down the road. When God asks for our obedience, let’s give it!

YOU!
YOU! intentionally focuses on urban and multicultural believers. It’s biblically based with culturally relevant lessons to help your members connect, grow, serve, and ultimately be engaged in impacting the world for God. YOU! is a flexible quarterly resource that offers short weekly Bible study for leaders and learners, devotionals, teaching plans, and articles on hot topics, missions and more. More information can be found at LifeWay.com/YOU.

Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
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    About the Author

  • Staff/Lifeway Christian Resources