Who was David?King David, was the second king of the united kingdom of Israel and successor to King Saul. His life and reign are recorded in the Old Testament books of 1 Samuel (from chapter 16 onwards), 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 2 Kings (to verse 4). He is depicted as the most righteous of all the ancient kings of Israel although not without fault as well as a great warrior, musician and poet. He is traditionally credited with the authorship of many of the Psalms. 2 Samuel 7:12-16 states that God was so pleased with David that He promised that the Davidic line would endure forever. Jews therefore believe that the Jewish Messiah will be a direct descendant of King David. Christians trace the lineage of Jesus back to him through both Mary and Joseph. Read about DavidGrab your bible (or nearest bible app) and look up these verses about King David. In your journal take notes of what you observe. 2 Samuel 7:8-16 Acts 3:22 2 Samuel 7:29 1 Samuel 26 2 Samuel 12:13 2 Samuel 24:10 2 Samuel 17:1 1 Chronicles 18 Psalm 4:8 Psalm 37:11 Journal PromptIn a Journal answer: -How are you similar to David? -How are you different from David? -Where did David get his worth and identity? (Hint: Acts 3:22) Read Psalm 23. Take time to reflect on God as a shepherd. Write, in your journal, how the ideas and words of David strike you? Is it hard to believe? Is it hard to live out? Why? Comment below your thoughts and reflections!
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Who was SaulSaul was best known as the first King of Israel around 1046 BC. Saul was a King and biblical figure born in the land of Benjamin in Israel. He became the first King of Israel where he united tribes and defeated enemies such as the Ammonites, Philistines, Moabites, and Amalekites. After disobeying God, elder Samuel anointed David as his replacement. Jealous of being pushed aside and the accolades bestowed upon David for slaying Goliath, Saul made several failed attempts to take David’s life. Read about SaulGrab your bible (or click the links below) and look up these verses about King Saul. Take note of observations 1 Samuel 10:23-24 1 Samuel 18:6-8 1 Samuel 15:23 1 Samuel 20:30-32 1 Samuel 22:11-29 1 Samuel 14:44 1 Samuel 18:9 1 Samuel 15:10-31 1 Samuel 17:11 1 Samuel 18:22 1 Samuel 16:14 To Learn More About Saul Visit: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/king-saul/ - In what ways are you similar to Saul?
-In what ways are you different from Saul? -Where did Saul find value and identity? (hint: 1 Samuel 18:6-8) -Draw a picture of what you imagine Saul looked like. Along with what you read above, consider the description of what you read in 1 Samuel 9:2.
From our first section of Philippians, we know that Paul is in prison. His situation does not change his mood or view of his goals. He is still seeking to advance the kingdom of God. In this next section (Philippians 1:12-26) Paul is speaking to the concern of the Philippian Christians. These people are worried and concerned about Paul. Paul writes to them by sending a report of his state. He can tell the people about how his imprisonment was allowing the Messiah to be proclaimed. In this section, Paul speaks to his confinement as either further service or death. In all of these things, he can rejoice. He understands what is important- the gospel.
Before going any further take some time to read Philippians 1:12-26 on your own.
In our own lives we claim that we prioritize certain things like family, friends, God but if we take a step back would that actually be the case. If we evaluate our time and how we spend our money, we may realize the priorities we claim to have are actually much further than what we claim. Paul is showing what his priorities are. He is not focused on his situation instead he is more concerned about how the situation is spreading the story of God.
Take a look at your phone's screen time, what apps or amount of time is a priority for you why? As a secondary experiment for the next day, or a week, keep a tracker of how you spend your time. Is the information surprising, unbelievable, or is it what you expected?
Paul is convinced that he will one day leave the prison. There are two ways that can happen. He can either be freed to continue to share the gospel or he could die and gain community with the God he loves. Either option is fine with Paul. Either the story of God is proclaimed further and longer or he gets to finally be with the author of creation. The priority for Paul though is not to get out of prison but to continue sharing the story of God. Paul makes these priorities know to those around him and those reading his letter. Outsiders know what he values and he sticks to those values.
If a friend, or stranger, looked at your life what would they say are your priorities?
God has given each of us a place. For some it is school, others have a specific roommate, some have a job in a specific field, still, others may be stay at home parents. No matter the situation God has placed you in your area for a reason and for a purpose. Paul was placed in prison for a reason and he mentions that his imprisonment allowed the imperial guards to hear of God.
Beyond the simple and easy answer (to share the gospel), why do you think God has put you where he has?
Who are the people you are supposed to reach out to? Why does it make sense for you to be that person
Finally, Paul speaks of his situation. He speaks to honoring and glorifying Christ throughout the entire situation. His prison time, maybe death, and his life leading up to those points can be and are used to bring glory to God. His entire life and perspective show that his priorities are not from selfish ambition or manipulation of others. Paul’s only goal both in life and death is to seek God and make him known.
Think again about the situations God has placed you in. Where do you find yourself afraid to share him?
What areas of your life are you unwilling to give up to God? What does this reveal about your priorities in the situation Remember: Share the storyA Review of: Welcoming the future church |