The Books of Samuel: From Madness to Monarchy-A Survey of the Bible
The Books of Samuel: From Madness to Monarchy
A Survey of the Bible
For the bulletin in PDF form click here.
Context: Who, When, Where, and Why?
• Who composed 1 & 2 Samuel?
• When did he write?
• Where were he and his audience?
• Why was he writing?
Content: How and What?
• How are the Books of Samuel organized?
- Major Characters:
• Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1-7:1)
• Saul (1 Samuel 7:2-2 Samuel 1:27)
• David (2 Samuel 2:1-24:25)
- Major Topics
• Contrasting Spiritual Leaders: Eli and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1-4:1)
• Contrasting Strategies: Using the Ark and the God of the Ark (1 Samuel 4:1-7:1)
• Contrasting Political Leaders: Samuel the Judge and Saul the King (1 Samuel 7:2-15:35)
• Contrasting Kings: Saul and David (1 Samuel 16:1-2 Samuel 1:27)
• Contrasting Consequences: The Rise and Fall of David (2 Samuel 2:1-20:26)
• Contrasting Careers: Reflections on Saul and David (2 Samuel 21:2-24:25)
• What is the message of 1 & 2 Samuel?
Conviction: So What?
• What should we believe?
- Even spiritual leaders can be very corrupt.
- Humans judge based on outward appearances but God examines our heart.
- It is easy to start strong and finish poorly, especially when you have power.
- The consequences of sin are inevitable and significant.
- The Lord will always accomplish His plans and fulfill His promises.
• How should we behave?
- Focus more/exclusively on the condition of your heart than popularity in your community.
- Confess your sins boldly and claim full forgiveness in spite of ongoing consequences.
- Lean toward God rather than making excuses when you fail.
- Take a long range view of living your life. Do what it takes to end well.
• Where does this fit?
- A transition from a chaotic tribal confederacy guided by warlords to a centralized theocracy with a king.
- A focus on the Davidic Dynasty with a clear covenant promise to establish an eternal reign through His descendant.
Next Steps
• Prioritize your passion for Jesus over your popularity with the world.
• Confess any sin you are aware of and embrace the grace of forgiveness.
• Make a long-term goal of finishing well.
This week’s Growth Guide
God’s Word is both central and critical to your spiritual growth. We invite you to utilize the Growth Guide during the week to further your application of the Truth from the message.
•. Monday - 1 Samuel 1
•. Tuesday - 1 Samuel 17
•. Wednesday - 2 Samuel 7
•. Thursday - 2 Samuel 11-12
•. Friday - 2 Samuel 22
Home Church
Our Home Churches meet weekly to facilitate quicker relational depth, study the same passage taught
Sunday to help apply Scripture in the context of community, and pray with one another. Home Church helps our body seek God’s best for one another.
Home Church Questions
• Read 2 Samuel 7.
• Was there anything new or insightful in this message?
• Was there anything you know you can or should immediately apply?
• What did you struggle with in this message? What did not make sense or cause you to evaluate your own life more deeply?
• How would your life personally, or the life of your family be different if you fully live out the truths in this message?
• Samuel is imposing, Saul is a buffoon, and David is passionate. Who do you identify with most and why?
• The Israelites seem to think they can use the Ark of the Covenant like a Magic Trick to win their battles. How do we do the same thing with God and the things of God?
• David is a tragic hero with great moments of triumph (Goliath) and disappointing moments of failure (Bathsheba and Uriah). Do you like him or distrust him? Why?
• David experiences full forgiveness when he confesses his sin. Yet, there are grave consequences which last throughout his life and for generations to come. How have you experienced forgiveness with consequences? Does forgiveness matter if there are still consequences?
Finances
Weekly Budget 31,390
Giving For 01/22 23,353
Giving For 01/29 131,379
YTD Budget 973,082
YTD Giving 1,023,530
OVER/(UNDER) 50,448
Get Connected in a Home Church - Fellowship’s desire is for everyone to be relationally connected.
The primary way we do this is in Home Churches – small groups that meet in living rooms to apply God’s Word, pray, and to serve together. Go to fellowshipconway.org/home church for more information.
New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you joined the Fellowship Family to worship this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.
Bethlehem House Soup-er Bowl Food Drive | Sunday, February 12!
Let’s join together to help bless others through our Soup-er Bowl Sunday! Go to fellowshipconway.org/register for a list of items to help restock the pantry of Bethlehem House. Bring the items with you to church Sunday, February 12th.
Father-Daughter Dance | February 18, 7-9:00 p.m. - Renewal Ranch
Dads, grab your dancing partner for “Boots and Bling”(5th-12th grade) and plan an evening featuring country line dancing, instructor-led. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.
Fellowship Kids Baptism Class
February 5, 12, 26 and March 5 - 10:45 a.m. - Room 2202
Is your child asking questions, or have they decided to follow Christ? Join us for our baptism class. Contact Heather McKinney for more information at hmckinney@fellowshipconway.org.
Fellowship Equipping
The Gospel of Opportunity - Mondays, February 6 - March 20, 6:00 p.m. Room 2110 For more information and to register fellowshipconway.org/register
Men’s Muster
Men, April 21-23 is the date for this year’s Men’s Muster, and the place is Shepherd of the Ozarks. More details to come!
Yard sale
In 2023, Fellowship is taking a team to the Czech Republic (April 29 -May 9) to serve missionaries. Drop your items by the Fellowship Ministry Office during the week. For more information go to fellowshipconway.org/register
Parents Night Out Czech Fundraiser
Parents, this is an excellent opportunity for you and your kids while supporting a great mission. February 24, 6-8:30 p.m. here at Fellowship, there will be games, movies, and snacks (dinner will not be provided). Donations will be accepted and welcomed to help support the team headed to the Czech Republic from April 29-May 9. Go to fellowshipconway.org/register to register your child(ren) and/or make a donation.