Kings of Israel-Saul: “How We Finish Matters!”

Wk 5: Keep Praying, God is Working

1 Samuel 14:15-30

9/22/24

Justin Scarberry

Message Notes for Week 5

1 Samuel 14:15-30 NASB

¹⁵ And there was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even the garrison and the raiders trembled, and the earth quaked so that it became a great trembling.

¹⁶ Now Saul’s watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude dissolved; they went here and there. ¹⁷ So Saul said to the people who were with him, “Look carefully now and see who has left us.” And when they had looked, behold, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there. ¹⁸ Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For at that time the ark of God was with the sons of Israel. ¹⁹ While Saul talked to the priest, the commotion in the camp of the Philistines continued and increased; so Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” ²⁰ Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and came to the battle; and behold, every man’s sword was against his fellow Philistine, and there was very great confusion. ²¹ Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines previously, who went up with them all around in the camp, even they also returned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. ²² When all the men of Israel who had kept themselves hidden in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines had fled, they also closely pursued them in the battle. ²³ So the Lord saved Israel that day, and the battle spread beyond Beth-aven.

²⁴ Now the men of Israel were hard-pressed on that day, for Saul had put the people under oath, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food before evening, and before I have avenged myself on my enemies.” So none of the people tasted food. ²⁵ All the people of the land entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. ²⁶ When the people entered the forest, behold, there was honey dripping; but no man put his hand to his mouth, because the people feared the oath. ²⁷ However, Jonathan had not heard it when his father put the people under oath; so he put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened. ²⁸ Then one of the people responded and said, “Your father strictly put the people under oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the man who eats food today.’” And the people were weary. ²⁹ Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See now that my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. ³⁰ How much more, if only the people had freely eaten today of the spoils of their enemies which they found! For now the defeat among the Philistines has not been great.”

First 3 kings of Israel:

1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________

Saul chooses religion rather than God in bringing in the Ark.

Items that were in the ark (at some time):

1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________

Saul continues to walk away from God and to trust in himself.

Proverbs 16:18 NIV

Pride goes before ____________________________ , a haughty spirit before a fall.

Defense Against Pride

1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________

• Dan Hall is the transition team lead.  Please contact him with any questions.
• Interim pastor is in place.
• Transition Team Needs
  • Areas that still need to be covered. If interested, contact Dan Hall
    • Janitorial—help clean the building once every 3 weeks.
    • Tech—Audio/Video and worship lyric technician.
    • IT/Hardware—manage the various connections of the service IT components.
    • Greeter—greets people upon arrival and when leaving the church.

• Kari will be replacing Christine as bookkeeper.

• A Search Team will be put together to start the process of finding a new pastor.
  • The typical time to replace a Pastor is 12-18 months. Please wait on the Lord with us!
  • The team will update the church regularly

• Prayer is a critical part of this process! Please pray continually for the board’s guidance in seeking God’s will.

1. Who are the first 3 kings in Israel who were ordained by God?

2. Considering what we’ve covered so far in what are the positive attributes of Saul?

3. Read 1 Samuel 14:15-18, who is Jonathan? What is the “ark of God” in verse 18?  What do we know about it from scripture?  Why do you think Saul would want to Ark brought into the battle?

4. What is an idol in the Bible? What are some “idols” we may have in our lives?

5. Read 1 Samuel 14:19-23, what is the context of the battle that is going on?

6. Are there times that is not good to share about God? Why or why not?

7. What are some of the spiritual weapons we have to use?

8. Read 1 Samuel 14:24-30, should we make oaths? Why or why not?  Why do you think Saul would bind the people to an oath?

9. What are some ways we can defend against pride in our lives?

10. Please pray for God’s continued guidance for the church and it’s leadership.

Colossians 3:17 NASB

¹⁷ Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

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