I. Intro
Big Idea: Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving.
II. Into Our Hands
A. Jonathon was willing to risk. 1 Samuel 14:1-5
B. Jonathon acted based on the greatness of God. 1 Samuel 14:6-15
III. The LORD Saved
A. God can confound our enemies. 1 Samuel 14:16-23
B. Instead of obeying God, Saul became more religious. 1 Samuel 14:24-30
IV. Ransomed
A. Saul didn’t learn from his past. Leviticus 17:11; 1 Samuel 14:31-35; Judges 11:1-40
B. It’s good to repent of dumb oaths. Judges 11:1-40; 1 Samuel 14:36-46
V. Strong
A. Outward success is not always a sign of genuine faith. 1 Samuel 14:47-48; Colossians 3:4-6
B. We all live in a world that calls us to have faith. 1 Samuel 14:49-51; 1 Corinthians 10:13

​The Next Step
§ What’s something from 1 Samuel 14:1-52 you found convicting, compelling, or encouraging?
§ What are some things that are admirable about Jonathon’s faith in this passage?
§ What can we learn from Saul’s negative example in this passage?
§ How does God work in unexpected ways in 1 Samuel 14:1-52? What does this teach us about Him?
§ How can we respond differently than Saul when we find ourselves out of step with God?
§ What’s something you need to stop doing or start doing based on God’s clear commands in Scripture?

I. Intro
Big Idea: Only waiting on the LORD leads to deliverance.
II. Summoned
A. The LORD established Saul as king. 1 Samuel 13:1-2
B. Israel went on the offensive. 1 Samuel 10:5-8; 13:3-4
III. Hard Pressed
A. Saul knew morale was low. 1 Samuel 13:5-7
B. Saul performed a religious act. Leviticus 6:8-13; 1 Samuel 10:8, 13:8-9
IV. Foolish
A. Saul blamed Samuel for his disobedience. 1 Samuel 13:10-12
B. Disobedience has consequences. 1 Samuel 13:13-14
V. Counted
A. Desperate times call for genuine faith. 1 Samuel 13:15-18; Romans 6:23, 8:16-18
B. God can turn the tide in a moment. 1 Samuel 13:19-23

​The Next Step
§ What’s something you have a hard time waiting for?
§ Can you relate to Saul in this passage? If so, how?
§ What do you think was the primary cause of Saul’s disobedience?
§ Considering this passage, why is it good news that Jesus is our worthy King?
§ How do churches in America today can fail to follow God’s battle plan?
§ What are some specifics ways we can encourage each other to wait on the LORD?
§ What’s something you need to give to the LORD and trust His timing for?

I. Intro
Big Idea: Remember and proclaim the faithfulness of our true King.
II. Testify
A. Samuel demonstrated God’s faithfulness. 1 Samuel 12:1-2
B. Samuel was the opposite of a Godless ruler. 1 Samuel 12:3; 2 Corinthians 1:12
III. Evidence
A. God revealed His righteousness through Samuel. 1 Samuel 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 4:4
B. Grace doesn’t deny truth. 1 Samuel 12:6-13
IV. Awe
A. God gives us the ability to choose. 1 Samuel 12:14-15; Ephesians 2:8-9
B. Fear can be good. 1 Samuel 12:16-19; Jeremiah 32:40
V. Great Things
A. God rescues. 1 Samuel 12:20-22; Isaiah 53:5-6
B. God leads us. 1 Samuel 12:23-25
​
​The Next Step
§ Who’s someone whose faith has caused you to want to grow in faith?
§ Read 1 Samuel 12:12. Why do you think the people wanted a king when they felt threatened by Nahash?
§ How did God causing the people to fear Him through the thunder storm help them?
§ Even though Samuel would no longer be their leader, how might it have encouraged them that Samuel would continue to pray and intercede for them?
§ If all Scripture points to Jesus (Luke 24:25-27), where do you see Him in this passage?
§ In what ways has God been leading you in His righteousness lately?
§ What’s a specific way you can respond to 1 Samuel 12:1-25?

I. Intro
Big Idea: Relying on the LORD always leads to triumph.
II. Besieged
A. We live on a battleground. 1 Samuel 11:1; John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8
B. Don’t let your enemy render you in effective. 1 Samuel 11:2-3
III. As One
A. Saul was unproven. 1 Samuel 11:4-5
B. Saul’s leadership led to unity and action. 1 Samuel 11:6-8
IV. Rescued
A. The people of Jabesh Gilead trusted God’s plan. 1 Samuel 11:9-10
B. Saul executed a God-empowered plan. 1 Samuel 11:11; James 1:5
V. Celebration
A. The battle belongs to the LORD. 1 Samuel 11:12-13; 2 Chronicles 20:15
B. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. 1 Samuel 11:14-15; 2 Corinthians 10:4

​The Next Step
§ What’s something you found challenging or encouraging from Sunday’s message on 1 Samuel 11:1-15?
§ What’s the danger of not realizing we live on a battleground?
§ Read 1 John 1:9. How can confession and remembering Jesus is our righteousness help us to face our daily battles?
§ How can our trust in God’s salvation, amid daily conflicts, help us to point others to Christ?
§ What were some specific ways Saul showed good leadership in 1 Samuel 11:1-15?
§ Read 2 Corinthians 10:4. How can using the weapons God gives us like prayer and worship help us to overcome our struggles?
§ What’s a battle you’re facing this week in which you need to experience the LORD’s deliverance?