"Hupomone" / Hebrews 10:32-39 / Hanson Rosenquist

In this passage the author of the book of Hebrews encourages his readers to keep faith, endure suffering, and to sacrifice for the sake of Christ, knowing there is a greater reward in heaven. Keep this context in mind as you discuss these questions.

1. In what ways is life harder since becoming a follower of Jesus Christ? What are some examples of hardships you've experienced because you are in Christ? (As opposed to just being an obnoxious person who is also a Christian.)

2. How is enduring loss, reproach, and hardship for the sake of knowing Christ worth it? Read Philippians 3:7-16. Does what Paul says here resonate with you? Do you feel the same as Paul? Why or why not?

3. What do you regularly choose over Christ Jesus? (Be honest. God already knows.)

4. Why do you pick these things over the Lord Jesus? What do you think they'll provide you that He won't or can't? How is the Lord Jesus more lovely than these?

5. What promises does the Bible have for those who suffer and endure for Christ's sake?

6. How does verse 39 connect and relate to Hebrews 10:26-31?

7. When does verse 36 tell us we will receive what God has promised? What does this mean? (See Eph. 2:10)

8. Jim Elliot said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Was Jim correct? What does this mean for you?

"Paroxysmos" / Hebrews 10:23-31 / Hanson Rosenquist

In this passage the author of the book of Hebrews continues his teaching on the necessary responses to the truths he's been teaching, which includes meeting together as a church. He also issues a severe warning for those who reject the gospel and continue in sin. Keep this context in mind as you discuss these questions.

1. What are different responses people have to God's Word? Is it possible to have no response? Why or why not?

2. What are the appropriate responses for followers of Jesus that the author of Hebrews lists in vv. 22-25?

3. What are some other appropriate responses that the New Testament teaches?

4. What are some reasons Christians have for neglecting to meet together? Which reasonsare valid, and which are sinful?

5. Why is it necessary for Christians to regularly meet together?

6. How does the author of Hebrews link v. 25 and v. 26? Why does he link them?

7. What does it mean to sin "deliberately"?

8. Read 1 Jn. 4:7-8; 19-21. What does this passage say about continuing in sin? How serious is unrepentant sin?

9. Discuss verses 30-31. What does this tell us about God, and about His attitude toward our sin?

"Giant Slayer" / 1 Samuel 17:38-58 / Jim Rosenquist

1 - In verses 38-40, Saul had David try on his armor. He was trying to help David have the best chance for success. Besides not fitting him, why were Saul's armor and weapons not useful to David? In what ways does the church today try to fight the Lord's battles with the world's weapons?

2 – In verses 41-44, why was Goliath angry to be challenged by David? What result does he expect?

3 – In verses 45-47, why was David so confident he would win? What purpose would his success serve? What action does David predict in verse 46?

4 – In verses 48-51, how did David cut off the giant's head armed with only a sling and a stick? Why doe he? What weapons do we fight with? ( see 2 Cor 10:4 and Eph 6:10-18) With what result?

5 – What giant's do you face in your Christian walk? Why are you still intimidated? What action should you take? What success can you expect? Why don't you?

"Back Story" / 1 Samuel 17:1-37 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – Giants? Really? Read Dt 9:12; Nu 13:22,33; Josh 11:22, 15:13-14; 1 Sam 17:4.

2 – In verse 8 and following, what is representative combat? Why would anyone agree to fight Goliath? What is the essence of the challenge? Why is it shameful that Saul is "dismayed and afraid?" (verse 11)

3 – In verses 12-20, why was David at the battle line? What had been promised to anyone would fight Goliath? Why didn't anyone accept? Why should they?

4 – In verse 26, for David, what is at stake? Why is he surprised that no one is willing to fight Goliath?

5 – In verse 33, Saul doesn't think David could possibly prevail. Why? Does David think he will? Why? Cross reference 1 Sam 14:6b, "by few or by many."

6 – Why does Saul agree to let David fight Goliath? What outcome does he expect?

7 – How has David been in training for this day all of his life? Why does he expect to be victorious? Who is he fighting for? Why? How might God be using your present situation as training for something great?

8 – How are Saul and all of the soldiers of Israel "practical atheists?" How are so many Christians today "practical atheists?"

"Summoned to Court" / 1 Samuel 16:14-23 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – In verse 13, what does it mean, "the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David?" Cross reference Judges 14:6, 19, 15:14. 1 Samuel10:10, 11:6. How is David's experience in the Spirit different? (1 Sam 16:13)

2 – In verse 14, the Spirit departed from Saul. How would seeing this later affect David? Why? (see Psalm 51:11) How does the Holy Spirit come on us? Why? Can we lose it? What does Jesus mean in John 14:17 that the Holy Spirit dwells "with you" and will be "in you?" Is He in us now? How? Why?

3 - Samuel 16:14 says, "a harmful spirit from the Lord." Is God the source of evil? Is God sovereign? Why does He allow this to happen? How did Saul's servants recognize this as a spiritual rather than a mental or emotional condition?

4 – Why would music have an effect on an evil spirit? How about David's lyrics? What might these lyrics be? What does this suggest about the music we listen to or use in church?

5 – Why might David be concerned about being summoned to Saul's court? (see 1 Sam 16:1) Have you ever been summoned to court, not jury duty? What court will each of us, eventually, be summoned to appear? (see 2 Cor 5:10)

"Second Round Pick" / 1 Samuel 16:1-13 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – In verse 1, why was Samuel grieving for Saul? How is this not God's will?

2 – In verse 2, why would Samuel fear Saul? In verse 4, why were the elders in Bethlehem alarmed? Did they have cause?

3 – In verse 6, how is God's choice to not choose any of Jesse's seven sons an example of divine election? Why was David not invited by his family to join in the sacrifice, feast, and encounter with Samuel?

4 – What is common between Saul's and David's anointing? What is the significance, in each case, of the infilling of the Spirit of God? How is the filling of the Holy Spirit different in the new covenant? Today? Why?

5 – What about David would make him not appear as a good choice for Israel's king? What about David showed that he was?

6 – In what way can God still use you for his kingdom? What makes you a poor choice? If he calls you, will you respond?

"The New and Living Way" / Hebrews 10:19-23 / Hanson Rosenquist

The New and Living Way, Hebrews 10:19-23In this passage the author of the book of Hebrews begins to pivot toward the "so what" of everything he's been teaching in the letter thus far. He addresses the question: "Since all these things about the Lord Jesus are true, how should we then live?" Keep this context in mind as you discuss these questions.

1. This passage begins with the word "Therefore." What has this letter taught its readers up to this point?

2. What are the "holy places"? (In this context the author is referring specifically to the "Holy of Holies" [see 9:1-14], but what is that and what is its significance?)

3. What are the conditions for entering the holy places (see Lev. 16)? Who can go in? Why can't anyone go in?

4. What's changed? How can we "have confidence to enter the holy places"?

5. What is "the new and living way"? "New and living" as opposed to what?

6. What was the significance of the curtain which barred the way to the Holy of Holies? Why was it torn, when was it torn, how was it torn, and who tore it? And "so what" that it was torn?

7. Why and how should we "draw near" to God? (How, as in, in practice.)

8. Discuss verse 23. What does it call Christians to do? What does it mean? What reason does it give for calling us to "hold fast"?

"No Spin Zone" / 1 Samuel 15:1-35 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – Verses 1-3 – What authority did Samuel have to send Saul on a mission against the Amalekites? What authority does God have to extinguish a people? Why not do it himself like at Sodom and Gomorrah? Why are non-combatants included in the annihilation?

2 – Verses 4-9 – What reasons does Saul have for not obeying the annihilation command? What does he do instead of obeying? Why?

3 – Verses 10-11 – How can God have regret? (verses 11, 29, 35)

4 – Verses 12-13 – Why is Saul so pleased with himself?

5 – Verses 14-19 – What evidence does Samuel see that negates Saul's claim? What spin does Saul put on his disobedience? Is Samuel convinced?

6 – Verse 20 – Again, Saul explains by spinning the facts. What does he say?

7 – Verse 22 – "To obey is better than sacrifice." How is that to be applied today? How is partial disobedience the same as total disobedience? If we are saved by grace and not by works of the law, then what are we supposed to be obedient to do?

"The Taste of Honey" / 1 Samuel 14:15-46 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – Verses 15-20 - As the passage opens, what is happening in the Philistine camp? Why? What action prompted God to intervene?

2 – Verse 24 – Why would Saul mandate that his army not eat until evening? Verse 27 – What does Jonathan mean when he said he ate the honey and his eyes brightened? Verse 29 – What is Jonathan's assessment of his father's edict regarding fasting?

3 – Verse 32 – Saul's men waited until evening to eat, as he ordered; so, why was it wrong for them to slaughter and eat the captured enemy's livestock? Whose command had they violated? Why was it wrong? Why did Saul care?

4 – Verse 36 – The priest wants Saul to inquire of God before proceeding. Why? Why now? Saul gets no answer from God, what does he conclude? Whose sin is God concerned with? Why? Why does Saul dictate a death sentence without knowing the crime?

5 – Verse 41 – Why has God given Israel a great victory? Why is Saul upset because God is silent? Why is Saul so determined to execute his son?

6 – Does God still act in miraculous interventions today? Where, how and why? Why do wThe Tase seldom see it?

"Heart and Soul" / 1 Samuel 13:15-14:15 / Jim Rosenquist

1 – 13:15 – In 1 Samuel 10:7-8, Samuel tells Saul to attack the Philistines then go down to Gilgal and wait for him to give further directions. A year later, Jonathan attacks and Saul goes to Gilgal. Impatient, Saul offers the sacrifice himself. Does he get direction from Samuel?

2 – Why do the Philistines send out raiding parties? Why doesn't Saul try to stop them?

3 – How does the blacksmith situation keep Israel in subjection to the Philistines?

4 – 13:23 – How is the Philistine detachment at Michmash resemble the Spartans at Thermopylae?

5 – 14:1-15 – Why does Jonathan, on his own, decide to attack the Philistines? What can he hope to accomplish? Why? What is King Saul doing?

6 – Jonathan is motivated by faith. Saul is motivated by fear. What motivates the armor bearer? What does he say? How does this strengthen and encourage Jonathan? What does Jonathan know about God's will and purpose for Israel? What historical examples is he aware of? What does he conclude in verse 6? Is Jonathan convinced of success? ( See Dan 3:18)

7 – What reason do we have to risk big things for God? What results can we expect? Why risk it?