1st And 2nd Samuel (2015)

Grief. How should Christians handle it? Listen to this lesson to learn biblical principles for grieving the loss of someone or some thing close to us. Understand that emotion is not a sin but that some of our reactions to loss can lead to sinful actions. Find out how Jesus grieved in the Garden of Gethsemane and when His friend, Lazarus, died. See how David’s grief for his rebellious son, Absalom, was harming the nation and how he accepted reproof and turned it around. Accept that everyone suffers loss but that we can trust that God’s plan is best when we suffer loss.

What happens when a Christian tries to bring about his own will instead of God’s? Listen to this lesson to learn about a time when David forgot his responsibility to the people he ruled and told the army to protect his rebellious son, Absalom. Hear about the death of Absalom in the victorious battle and how David took this news. We, too, need to avoid putting family or anything else above God’s will.

Is there a pattern between David’s flight from Absalom that parallels Christ’s journey on His last night before the Crucifixion? Find out eight points that show the similarities. See how Hushai cleverly counters Ahithophel’s advice to kill David and what he urges David to do. See Ahithophel’s tragic end when he realizes what has happened. Today, we need to realize that we are being provided for by God just as David and his followers were cared for during this difficult time.

When all around you is uncertain, where should you turn for help? Listen to this lesson to hear about a time when David appeared to be in a hopeless situation. Find out how God worked behind the scenes for him as his former counselor, Ahithophel, gave Absalom excellent advice which should have been followed. When we face a crisis, we need to accept that God is sovereign and we can trust Him to provide the help we need.

Did you ever have someone close to you turn against you? Listen to this lesson to hear how not only David’s son, but also his trusted advisor overthrew him and sent him fleeing from Jerusalem. In this chaotic atmosphere David had to decide whether to give in to fear and despair or to believe God’s promises. Today we face tremendous upheaval and we, too, need to remember that God is sovereign and His plan is being fulfilled in the world.

When a person or culture reject God’s truth, where do they turn for their values? Listen to this lesson to learn about mankind’s sin nature that results in arrogance without the truth of God’s Word. Find out about six arrogance skills that lead to a downward spiral of destruction. Hear about Shimei’s disrespectful, arrogant confrontation with David and how David responded in humility. Be on the alert for the deception of your own sin nature that must be countered by studying God’s Word.

What is the grace of God and how can you orient your life to it? Listen to this lesson to learn that grace is when God does not give us what we deserve but treats us in Divine love. See that He always gives us what we need, whether blessing or discipline. Find out that we are to apply grace in our own lives to others and it is a skill that can be learned by means of studying God’s Word through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Recognize that God’s grace is always working in our lives to conform us to the character of Christ.

What is the purpose for the rebellion of Absalom’s being revealed in the Word of God? Listen to this lesson to learn about seven scenes of his revolt and six different situations where David has to make decisions based on either divine viewpoint or human viewpoint. See that these decisions were tests for David’s spiritual growth. Accept that we will go through tests where we, too, must either trust God or trust in our own efforts.

Lambs and sheep are such cuddly creatures that most people love them. Listen to this lesson to learn six facts that show that sheep are helpless, stupid animals who cannot survive without a shepherd and that throughout the Bible believers are called sheep. Find that that God is our Shepherd on whom we must constantly depend for protection and provision. Hear an in-depth study of Psalm 23 where it describes the wonderful ways that God cares for us so we never lack anything we need and need never fear any danger.

How can we stop being afraid in times of disaster? Listen to this lesson to learn that trusting in God is always the solution to fear. Hear some of the attacks on David discussed in Psalm 64 and how his enemies are gloating. See that God is going to turn the tables on these wicked people. Find out the difference between making foolish decisions and wise decisions in times of danger and be ready to explain the hope and confidence you have to those around you who are falling apart.

Has the COVID-19 virus or some other sudden crisis turned your life on its head? If so, how do you recover? Listen to this message to hear timeless, biblical principles that help us to do the responsible thing as we trust in God. Find out how we are to pray during disastrous times following David’s example of laying out his complaint before God and displaying confidence that God would answer. Accept that we need to believe in God’s deliverance even when He is not answering us the way we want.

Do you struggle with worry and anxiety when facing unexpected troubles? Listen to this lesson to learn the secret to peace, contentment, and joy in your life when everything seems against you. Hear how David recovered from the treachery of his son, Absalom, by remembering who was in control. Instead of slipping into self pity, he began to focus on how God had promised to be his shield and defender whatever happened. We, too, need to remember that nothing takes God by surprise and He has already determined the course of our life so we can relax and trust in His providential care.

When you’re hit by an avalanche of troubles, do you panic? Listen to this lesson to learn how David handled a situation that looked hopeless in Psalm 3. See how he first poured out his troubles to the Lord and then turned his thinking to an appreciation of God as his Deliverer. Hear about three adversaries we face in the Christian life and the way to handle them. Be challenged to have peace and stability when everything in your life is falling apart as you put your trust in God.

When facing a crisis, are you wise or foolish? Listen to this lesson to learn about David’s wisdom and humility when he was forced to flee his home and his throne in face of the treachery of his son, Absalom. Find out about the tests he is facing as those who are loyal to David leave with him. See photos and maps of Jerusalem where David had to decide how to care for the people fleeing with him. Learn what David prayed at this time and understand that the only way to handle every crisis in your life is with humility and trust in God’s provision.

Tricky politicians are nothing new. Listen to this lesson to hear about Absalom and the methods he used in scheming to become the next king of Israel. Hear the deceitful practices he employed as he ran down his father, David, and played into the hands of the people by telling them what they wanted to hear. Find out that he even used religion as a ruse to get his way. See the contrast between Absalom who acted on the basis of the arrogance of his sin nature and David who confessed his sins and was “a man after God’s own heart.”

What causes an individual, family, or nation to implode? Listen to this lesson to hear how a lust for power wreaks havoc in David’s family. See Absalom’s desire to become the next ruler of Israel and how David, who has lost his moral authority, is unable to effectively discipline his son. Learn about the many facets of Joab’s role during this time. Hear the deception of the widow from Tekoa and how Joab’s part is revealed. See the importance of recognizing our own lust patterns so we can apply the wisdom needed to control them.

Explore the tragic story in graphic detail of David’s children as they deal with the consequences of sin. Hear about the rape of Tamar by her half-brother Amnon and the two-fold motivation for Absalom’s murder of Amnon. See how this story touches all of our own lives as we deal with our sin natures and the importance of controlling our lusts as a part of personal responsibility.

What causes us to rush headlong into doing things we know we shouldn’t? Listen to this lesson to learn how everyone is born with a sin nature. Find out about our lusts and lust patterns and how they influence our behavior. Hear eight facts about lusts and biblical examples of those who gave in to these lust patterns. Find out the solution to handle the temptations that come from our sin nature.

Does God have favorites that He loves more than others? Listen to this lesson to learn a wide range of meanings for the words “love” and “hate” and how they refer to nations rather than individuals in some cases. Find out the connection between these people who are said to be loved and the role they have been selected to play in the plan of God to bring the Messiah into the world through the House of David. See that this has nothing to do with their salvation. Complete this section of 2 Samuel by learning how David finally conquers the Ammonites.

How is God involved in the human life found in the womb? Listen to this lesson to learn biblical terms that discuss when God is either directly or indirectly involved in events. Find out if the fact that God is indirectly involved makes it less significant. Find out the part God’s omniscience plays in what happens to the child in the womb, even before the baby has its soul. See a number of Bible passages discussing these subjects and understand that every life has significance and meaning.