"The Harder They Fall" / 2 Samuel 21:15-22 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – In this passage, David and his men face 4 more giants. Where did the giants come from? Why are they so dangerous? Why are they opposing David?

2 – In verse 15, David grows weary. Why? Did Jesus ever grow weary? Do we? How will we have success in the battle, while weary in the body?

3 – In verse 19, who killed Goliath? (see 1 Sam 17:50; 1 Chron 20:5)

4 – David didn't kill these 4 giants, but he was the first who did. What does this tell us about spiritual leadership? About brotherly support? About struggling against a common enemy together?

5 – What giants do you face now? What is the risk in fighting them? How are you able to defeat them? Are you going to?

6 – How are we strengthen through battle?

7 – How does this passage help illustrate and anticipate the similarities between David and Jesus?

"The Harder They Fall" / 2 Samuel 21:15-22 /

Jim Rosenquist

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" Promise Breakers" / 2 Samuel 21:1-14 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – In verses 1-2, what wise thing did David do when he suspected something spirititual connected to the drought? What answer did he get?

What had Saul done to violate the covenant made with the Gibeonites? What may have been his reason?

2 – In verse 3, David asked the Gibeonites what solution should be done to make them whole again. What should he have done instead?

3 – In verses 4-9, What do the Gibeonites want? Why? Was this God's suggestion?

David's?

Why does David give them what they ask for? Why does he spare Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth?

Who is Rizpah? (see 2 Sam:3-7) Who is Merab? (see 1 Sam 18:17-19)

4 – In verses 11-14a, What did David do when he heard of Rizpah's vigil? How did David's action honor Saul and his family?

5 – In verse 14b, When did the people start praying? About what? What happened to cause God to respond to their prayer?

Although the sacrifice of these men for Saul's sin was the Gibeonite's suggestion, not God's, how does it prefigure Christ's substitutionary sacrifice for you? How should this influence your prayers?

" Promise Breakers" / 2 Samuel 21:1-14

Jim Rosenquist

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"Fierce Friends" / 2 Samuel 19:40 – 20:26 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – In verses, 19:40–43, who first considered bringing David back to his throne? (v.9-10) Who initiated the action with Judah? (v 11-15) Who finally acts to welcome David as king? (v 40)

Why are the 10 tribes of Israel angry with Judah? (v 41) What is their defense? What does it mean that the words of Judah were, "fiercer." (v 43)

2 – In chapter 20, in verses 1-2, what do we know about Sheba? Why is he so quick to complain and lead a rebellion? Why do the men of Israel so quickly follow him?

In verses 4-13, Who is Amasa? (see 2 Sam 17:25, 1 Chron 2:13-17, 2 Sam 19:13) Why is he the head of David's military? Why not Joab? Why does Joab murder Amasa?

In verses 14 and following, Who is still standing with, and supporting Sheba when he hides out in Abel? Why is Joab determined to destroy the city?

What does the wise woman say to change Joab's plans? What does she do to save her city?

Joab was loyal to David and fiercely defended his kingdom, but he was not obedient to his king? He does not try to replace David as king, but he is unsubmissive when he thinks he knows better. Read Mt 7:21-23. What does Jesus say about people like that? Can Jesus be your savior, but not your lord? What does that mean?

Fierce Friends" / 2 Samuel 19:40 – 20:26 ** Audio begins at 1:30 **

Jim Rosenquist

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"Erchomai" / Mark 1:9-13 / Hanson Rosenquist

In this passage Mark continues his gospel of Jesus Christ and the answer to the question of the

identity of the man on the middle cross. Keep this context in mind as you discuss these questions.

1. Following vv. 1-8, how significant is the identity of the person coming in v. 9? Who are we anticipating?

2. What's the significance of so many Old Testament passages being referenced in regard to Jesus of Nazareth?

3. Read Isaiah 40:3-5; 42:1-4; 53:4-7; 61:1. What do these passages tell us about the Messiah?

4. How does Jesus of Nazareth fulfill these messianic expectations?

5. Why does John the Baptist call Jesus of Nazareth the Lamb of God in Jn. 1:29-30? (See also 1 Cor. 5:7)

6. Read Hebrews 9:11-14 and 10:19-23. As our Passover Lamb, what does the Lord Jesus Christ accomplish?

7. Why was the Lord Jesus driven into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan? What does that mean for us?

8. Why are the words, "In those Jesus came..." the most significant words in history?

"Erchomai" / Mark 1:9-13

Hanson Rosenquist

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"Kerysso" / Mark 1:1-8 / Hanson Rosenquist

In this passage Mark begins his gospel of Jesus Christ and begins to answer the question of the

identity of the man on the middle cross. Keep this context in mind as you discuss these questions.

1. What significant descriptions of Jesus does Mark give in verse 1? Why are these descriptions important? What do they mean?

2. Read Ex. 23:20, Mal. 3:1, and Is. 40:3. What do these verses prophesy?

3. Who does the messenger prepare the way for? Why is this significant?

4. What similarities does John have with Elijah (see Mal. 4:5 and 2 Kings 1:8)? What was similar with their message?

5. Read Matthew 17:12-13 and Luke 1:11-17. How does the Bible affirm that John the Baptist is the awaited-for Elijah?

6. What do we learn about the "One" to come from the verses referenced in Question 2 and from verses 7-8 of our passage?

7. Why is it important to know who the man on the middle cross was?

8. How does it encourage you to know that God fulfills His promises, and that these events are rooted in actual historical events with thousands of eyewitnesses?

Kerysso" / Mark 1:1-8

Hanson Rosenquist

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"Despicable Me" / 2 Samuel 19:8-30 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – In verses 8-10, why were the people arguing about reinstalling David?

What reasons might they have to be afraid or reluctant?

2 - In verses 11-15, why does David take the initiative to reunite with Judah? What was the essence of his message?

Why might David want the rebel general, Amasa, as head of the armed forces in place of Joab? How was this enticing to the elders?

David meets the leaders at Gilgal. What significance does Gilgal have to David and Israel? (see Josh 5:10-12; 1 Sam 7:16 and following; 1 Sam 11:14 and following)

3 – In verses 16-23, what had Shimei done that he is now ashamed of? Why does he seek forgiveness from David?

What does Abashai think Shimei deserves? Is he right?

Why does David forgive him? Why does Shimei expect David will forgive?

4 – For what reason should we forgive those who don't deserve it? (see Eph 4:32) Should we forgive only if the offender repents and apologizes? Is our repentance sometimes self-serving? Is it always sincere? On what basis does the King extend forgiveness to you?

"Despicable Me" / 2 Samuel 19:8-30

Jim Rosenquist

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"Between Two Doors" / 2 Samuel 18:1-33 / Jim Rosenquist

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES - No sermon audio this week

1 – In verses 1-5, what two "doors" is David between when he sends his army against Absalom? Why might his orders to "deal gently" with Absalom be confusing and problematic?

What treatment did Absalom deserve? Why?

2 – In verse 9, how did Absalom manage to get his head stuck in a tree? Why didn't anyone help him?

Why was he left there when David's men discovered him?

What was Joab's former relationship to Absalom? (2 Samuel 14:1, 21, 23, 29, 31, 33)

3 – In verses 14-24, why did Joab impale Absalom? How did he die? (v14)

Why did Joab call a retreat when they were winning? (v16)

How is Absalom's burial an indignant insult? (v17)

What does Joab know that Ahimaaz does not? (v19)

What "two doors" is David standing between when the runners arrive? (v24)

4 – In verse 33, why is David distraught when his troops were victorious, delivered by God, and his kingdom restored and secured? What remedy does David wish for? Why would this not be in the best interest of the kingdom?

"The Wrong Side of History" / 2 Samuel 17:1-29 / Jim Rosenquist

1 - In verses 1-4, what is Ahithophel's plan to eliminate David and establish the kingdom for Absalom? Why is it such great plan? Why was it likely to succeed? What advantages does Ahithophel forsee?

2 – In verses 5-14, Why does Absalom ask Hushai's opinion? Why might Absalom be suspicious of Hushai's divided loyalty? What does Hushai know going into the meeting? What does he learn from Absalom? What is Hushai implying when he says, (v7) "This time Ahithophel's counsel is not good?" How does Hushai appeal to fear, caution, and flattery? Why would Absalom and his advisors go against Ahithophel's advice? (v14)

3 – In verse 15-22, How is David's intelligence network organized? What problems and dangers arose? Why is it critical to get information to David in a hurry?

4 – In verses 23, Why did Ahithophel commit suicide? How does scripture portray the man? Was he wrong to be outraged at David's behavior? Why did he end up on the wrong side of history?

5 – In verses 24-29, who were Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai? Why are they unlikely allies? What was at stake for them? Why did they help David even though he might lose?

What motivates us to take a stand against powerful enemies of Christ? How do we know that we are on the right side of history?

"The Wrong Side of History" / 2 Samuel 17:1-29

Jim Rosenquist

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"Coda pt. 2" / Hebrews 13:15-25 / Hanson Rosenquist

In this passage the author of Hebrews gives his final admonition, benediction, and farewell. Keep

this context in mind as you discuss these questions.

1. What is the significance of the phrase "Through him"? What is through Him?

2. Read Psalm 50. What is a sacrifice of praise and how is it greater than other types of sacrifice?

3. What are some common misconceptions of elders? What does the Bible say elders are and do (See Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-3; 1 Thess. 5:12-13)?

4. Why do we need biblical elders? What happens when biblically unqualified men get onto an elder board (See 2 Tim. 4:1-4)?

5. The Bible commands Christians to obey and submit to their elders (v. 17). What does this mean in practice? What does it not mean?

6. Why does the author ask for prayer in vv. 18-19?

7. In his benediction, what do we learn of the author's hopes for his readers?

8. How has the book of Hebrews exalted the Lord Jesus Christ to you? What, to you, is the significance of the phrase, "through Jesus Christ"?

"Coda pt. 2" / Hebrews 13:15-25

Hanson Rosenquist

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"Coda pt. 1" / Hebrews 13:7-14 / Hanson Rosenquist

In this passage the author of Hebrews continues to explain what is meant by "acceptable

worship" in 12:28. Keep this context in mind as you discuss these questions.

1. The word "worship" in 12:28 means "works of service" in the original koine Greek. How is remembering leaders and those who spoke the word of God an expression of worship?

2. What are the three "action commands" of v. 7? How do you practically obey them?

3. How does verse 8's proclamation of Jesus Christ's unchanging nature (immutability) relate to the commands of verse 7?

4. How does this proclamation relate to verse 9?

5. What's wrong with "diverse and strange teachings"? What are some examples?

6. Read Galatias 1:6-10. Can the gospel be changed? Why or why not? How serious is the Bible about any changes to the gospel?

7. Read Hebrews 10:1-14. How does this passage relate to verses 10-12 of our passage?

8. How should verse 14 inform your life outlook?

"Coda pt. 1" / Hebrews 13:7-14

Hanson Rosenquist

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