Be A Good Friend!

Background passages 1 Samuel 17-23
Key verses: 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19:1-2, 4-7; 20:41-42; 23:16-18

This week’s lesson focuses on the friendship that Jonathan (King Saul’s son and therefore, prince of Israel) and David shared. In studying their relationship, we can see some of the qualities needed to be a good friend. Check out the entertaining video below set to the Randy Newman song “You’ve got a friend in me.” (Warning: this video scores extremely high on the cuteness scale and will definitely make you want to visit the humane society!).


In 1 Samuel 17, David confronts and slays the Philistine warrior Goliath. Goliath was over 9 feet tall, wore brass armour that weighed 125 pounds and wielded a spear with a shaft weighing 17 lbs and a spear head weighing 15 lbs! He was one big man. Nevertheless, as Israel’s army looked on, David courageously confronted and defeated the giant in the name of the Lord Almighty (17: 45). After meeting with King Saul following his victory, he is met by Jonathan.

1 Samuel 18:1-4
v. 1 Jonathan became one in spirit with David. The best friendships usually have a common interest. In this instance, both men loved the Lord. Jonathan had previously attacked the Philistines against overwhelming odds, having faith that God would give him victory (14:6). Here, Jonathan is deciding that David’s interest will be his interest. David’s desire will be his desire. They will work together toward a single goal and David will set the agenda (as is further evidenced by the gifts that he gives David).

Jonathan loved David as himself. Again, Jonathan will put David first throughout their friendship together. We are to do this habitually as Christians (Mt 22:39; Lk 10: 25-28; Romans 13: 9-10; Gal 5:14; James 2: 8-9) and it is a vital part of having a deep friendship.

v. 3 Jonathan and David made a covenant before the Lord. They valued their relationship and were serious enough about their commitment to each other that they implored God as a witness! We should take our friendships seriously. Are you a fair weather friend? Do other things come before your friends? Do you try to meet their needs only when it is convenient?

v.4 Jonathan gave David his robe (a royal robe) and his military equipment. Remember that at this point, Jonathan is the prince (even though David has been anointed by Samuel). This act is important because Jonathan is symbolically giving David a place of strength and power greater than his own. Jealousy and envy have no place in a good friendship. We should seek to honor our friends and promote their welfare even if it is at our own expense!

1 Samuel 19:1-2 Jonathan learns of his father’s order to kill David and warns David of the plot. He doesn’t just stop there either. He places himself in harms way for his friend.
A good friend will warn of danger. Our first commitment to our friends should be to share the gospel with them. We should warn them of danger if we know of it (wrong decisions that they are on the brink of making, information about children or family that they might find painful but still need to know, etc.). Part of this means holding a friend accountable for improper actions/ behavior. Proverbs 27: 6 says that wounds from a friend can be trusted. Sometimes, the truth hurts but a friend will provide it nonetheless.

1 Samuel 19:1-4
Jonathan defends David against the accusations that the king has made. A friend will defend. When we hear about gossip regarding others, do we join in or stand up for them? Do we stand up even when it could mean danger for us? Jonathan defends David not only in this encounter but also later while he and Saul are eating. During the second meeting, Saul actually tries to kill Jonathan because of Jonathan’s defense of David. Proverbs 16:28 says that a gossip separates close friends. Beware of it!

1 Samuel 20: 41 Here, Jonathan has given David the news that Saul is again angry and seeking to kill David. It is best for David to flee. They weep together. A good friend will feel the pain of the other, weep together, and provide comfort. Jonathan reminds David of their covenant friendship and this certainly must have been comforting to David. How lonely he must have felt as he hid among the rocks waiting for word from Jonathan. How fearful he must have been knowing that the king wanted him dead. Jonathan’s commitment must have helped. We need to express genuine emotion and provide comfort to our friends.

1 Samuel 23: 16-17 A friend provides encouragement. David is running for his life and is hiding in the desert. Jonathan goes to David and “helps him find strength in God.” Certainly, if most of us were in David’s place, our faith would be tried. Perhaps he was beginning to have doubts about God’s providence and protection. Here Jonathan encourages his faith and confidence that God’s plan for David to be king will be fulfilled. Jonathan could not immediately fix David’s present circumstance but he could bolster his friend’s soul. I am reminded of the physician’s prayer in my office (which Robin cross-stitched for me when I finished residency). It says that I will not be able to cure every medical problem that I encounter. However, I should always be able to improve the condition of the patient that I am treating. Sometimes, that improvement is emotional or spiritual. This is the role that Jonathan played here.

We need good Christian friendships in our life. In order to foster them, we should examine our commitment to our friends and not keep a "running tally" of their acts of service toward us. We need to be willing to put their interests above our own when we know that doing so is God’s will (just as Jonathan did). We need to demonstrate a willingness to protect, defend, comfort, and encourage our friends.

Pray for your friends this week and look for tangible ways that you can demonstrate your commitment to them today!

When Your Dreams Are Shattered...God Cares For You! (Class notes from 10/12/08)

Background Passage: 1 Samuel 15: 34 through 16: 7
A Story of Hope
Losing three members of her family (husband, father, uncle) in a two week period of time, Donna Lucado shares how her faith is sustaining her through the dark and confusing days of grief. Watch the video below.

All of us have dreams. Life is great when they are realized. However, frequently, life becomes hard with twists that we do not expect. Our hopes and our dreams for the present and the future are shattered; and we are thrown into despair.

Today, we are continuing our study of 1 Samuel. Last week, we read about Samuel's anointing of Saul as king. Imagine Samuel's excitement as he met and then anointed God's man as king. Imagine the dreams and hopes that Samuel must have had for his nation as Saul began his reign. Then imagine the disappointment that must have come when Samuel realized that Saul would not fully obey God. Instead, he would become self centered and would lead Israel away from God...back down a road that Samuel had worked years to convince the Israelites not to travel.

I Samuel 15:34-35
In 15:34, Samuel and Saul part company. In 15:35, we learn that Samuel never went to see Saul again but that nonetheless, Samuel went to his home and mourned for Saul.
We have all been there. Life takes an unexpected or undesired turn and it hits home. Our marriage ends. Our finances become strained or collapse altogether. An illness is discovered. Death occurs. A hidden sin is revealed. Life wasn't supposed to be like this and it feels like we have been punched in the stomach. Time seems to stand still and accelerate at the same time. We are in pain and we feel alone. Reflexively, we withdraw; and our grief feels as if it will overwhelm us. We become paralyzed.

1 Samuel 16:1
God finds Samuel in his mourning and asks , "How long will you mourn since I have rejected him (Saul) as king over Israel?" Notice that God gave Samuel time to grieve initially. Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us that there is "a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." Mourning is not wrong. God expects us to have emotions including sadness. He created us that way! Matthew 5:4 tells us that those who mourn will be comforted. Isaiah 43: 1-2, 4-5a assures us that God will not allow our circumstances to overwhelm us!
However, just as He reminds Saul that Saul needs to have God's perspective, He expects us to seek His will and to try to look at circumstances from His viewpoint.
In Matthew 11:28 (referenced last week as well) Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me.
God gives Saul a job. Likewise, even when we have been buffeted by life, God does not cast us aside. He has a job for you and a job for me. When we are at our lowest moment, we need to seek His will.

I Samuel 16:2-3
Excuses will come. Notice that Samuel initially makes excuses about why he cannot do what God asks. He is fearful of what will happen. What God asks seems to be too much. Likewise, when the Lord initially finds us in our grief and gives us a new job, excuses will flood our mind. "I can't because" will fill our thoughts.
God will support us! In verse 3, God responds to Samuel's excuses. He doesn't chastise Him. He doesn't punish an already grieving man. God assures Samuel that He will show Samuel what to do. God will lead him. He will not abandon Samuel. 1Peter 5: 6-7 tells us to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand that He may lift us up in due time (which of course is just the right time!). We are to cast all our anxiety on Him becasue He cares for us!

1 Samuel 16: 4
We must go. At some point, Samuel got up, filled his horn with oil, and left his home as God instructed. The Bible does not say what his state of mind was at that point. I believe that he was still hurting. However, he was obedient nonetheless. I wonder how many times Samuel thought about pulling the cover over his head on the day of his departure. I wonder how many times Samuel thought of turning around and going back home during the first mile of his journey. I wonder how many times Samuel was ready to quit as he journeyed to anoint yet another man king. When we take the first step forward from our grief, it will be hard. It will initially hurt (remember the Rocky tape showing how hard it was for him the first day of his training. It hurt and he was alone as he ran through the streets). No one can do it for us. We may feel alone. However, at some point we must take the inital step forward.

1 Samuel 16:7
Keep God's perspective. As Samuel looks at Jesse's sons, He begins to see the world around him again. He sees kingly appearing young men and is ready to anoint one king. You can almost feel the hope and excitement returning in Samuel. God reminds Samuel to trust Him because He knows "the real score". Eventually, David is revealed as God's chosen man and as we will learn, He becomes Israel's greatest king. As we emerge from our grief, we often are able to look back and see exactly how God has supported us and cared for us during our hardest times. We become energized and are ready to charge ahead. We need to wait for God during these times and trust His judgement. If we do, He will certainly bring good things our way.

As you pray this week, thank God for understanding your pain, loss, and grief. Thank Him for caring for you and for the assurance that He will raise you up in the due time. Thank Him for being willing to give you a new task and for lovingly moving you forward even when it seems that you don't have the strength for it.

In Love, Mark

Don't forget the music videos!

Don't forget the music videos in the sidebar to the right. These change each week and I have found them to be uplifting. I posted the video that Dan referenced in his sermon this week (Does anybody hear her? by Casting Crowns). It is the fourth video down in the list and is worth watching.

All is Well When We End Well (class notes from 10/5/08)

Background passage: 1 Samuel chapters 9 -- 15

We are continuing our study of first Samuel. Last week, we saw how the Israelites felt they needed a king like other nations around them, thereby rejecting God's leadership. This week, we are introduced to the first king (Saul) and, through his actions, we get some insight into what God values and desires from us.

1 Samuel 9: 1 -- 2, 21; 10: 1, 8 -- 9

In these verses, Saul is introduced.

1. We learn that he is from the least important clan and the smallest tribe of Israel (Benjamin).

2. He also is unique in that he is "a head taller" than everyone else around him.

3. He is anointed king by Samuel (10:1)

4. He is given a specific and seemingly simple instruction (10:8). He is supposed to go to Gilgal and wait for Samuel to arrive in 7 days. At that point, Samuel will tell him what to do next.

5. Significantly, in verse 10: 9, Saul is changed by God so that he has the qualities necessary to be king.

1 Corinthians 5:17 says that when we become a Christian, we are a new creation. 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11 says that the Holy Spirit decides what gift we should be given in order to serve effectively in the body of Christ. 2 Timothy 2:16 -- 17 says that scripture perfects us so that we are thoroughly equipped for every good work. God does not give us a job to do without giving us the tools necessary to succeed!

1 Samuel 13: 3 -- 7, 8 -- 9, 10 -- 12, 13 -- 14

At the time Saul was annointed king, the Philistine nation was coexisting with Israel. Israel had regained territory and was not actively at war with the Philistines. However, Jonathan (Saul's son) attacked a Philistine outpost, angering the Philistines and causing them to marshal troops against Israel. Saul, who had gone to Gilgal as Samuel instructed, had also commandeered an army but it was small (13:15 says that Saul counted 600 men with him). The Philistine army had 3000 chariots (the largest recorded chariot force in the Old Testament), 6000 chariot soldiers and other soldiers that were as numerous as the "sand on the seashore". Saul certainly must have been worried as he saw this large army assemble against him. As Saul remained at Gilgal waiting for Samuel, his men became increasingly frightened. They began hiding in caves, wells, pits, among the rocks, and scattering throughout the countryside. They began quaking with fear.

Samuel arrived later than Saul expected so Saul decided that he would do Samuel's job and made a burnt offering and Fellowship offerings. (Verse 9)
When Samuel arrived and confronted Saul, Saul made excuses. He blamed the situation that he was in on Samuel for being later than expected in his arrival. (Verse 11, 12). As a result of his disobedience, Saul loses his kingship.

When Saul was initially anointed king, he was given a seemingly simple instruction by God. He was to go to Gilgal and wait one week for Samuel to arrive. Samuel would offer burnt offerings and Fellowship offerings at that time and then tell Saul what to do next (after asking God for instructions). Certainly, Saul had no idea that within one week, he would be facing one of the largest armies recorded in the Old Testament. Because of the circumstance, he compromised his principles and became disobedient to God's command (taking it upon himself to make the offerings instead of waiting for Samuel). He rationalized his behavior and certainly, most of us can understand his reaction. We also receive instructions from God that sometimes seem simple (because they are simple). However, given the right circumstances (usually ones that we do not foresee), we are tempted to compromise, "bend the rules", and thereby become disobedient. We start well and mean well but we compromise in order to get out of a tough situation. As a result, just like Saul, we miss blessings that God intends for us to have. We must finish what God instructs us to start. Partial obedience is really not obedience at all.

1 Samuel 15: 1 -- 3, 7 -- 9, 13 -- 16, 20 -- 21

Saul is instructed by God to destroy the entire Amalekite nation (this is God's judgment on the Amalekite nation). Saul is to kill every person and destroy all of their livestock. However, Saul spares the Amalekite king (taking him captive) and brings back the best of the livestock. When Samuel learns of Saul's partial obedience, he confronts Saul (13 -- 14). Saul's response is to blame his soldiers and states that it was his intention to use the sheep and goats as offerings to God (verse 15, 20). He insists that he completed the mission the Lord assigned him (verse 20).

We need to understand that when God gives us instruction, He does not expect us to keep only the portions of the instruction that please us. He does not expect us to keep only the portions of his commands for which we can fully understand his reasoning. He expects is to keep his entire instruction/command without deviation. Blaming other people or rationalizing our actions is no excuse for our disobedience. Remember, He clearly is aware what our future situation will be when He gives us the instruction. We need to trust Him (that's called faith).

1 Samuel 15: 22 -- 23

Which is more important, offerings or obedience. Obedience is the right answer.

God expects us to be fully obedient. (If we are, the offerings will obviously follow)

1. Ecclesiastes 12:13 reports that the whole duty of man is to fear (have reverence for) God and keep his commands.

2. In John 14:15, Jesus says "if you love me, you will obey what I command."

3. In John 13: 34, Jesus gives us a new command -- "love one another."

4. 2 John: 6 says that walking in obedience to the Lord's commands is love.
5. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus instructs us to take His yoke upon ourselves (let Him steer us) and to learn from Him.

6. Remember, God's commands are not meant to deprive us of anything. They are given as a blessing to us. Following them leads to joy (John 15: 11), increasing value (Exodus 19: 5 -- 6), abundance and protection (Deuteronomy 7: 12 -- 15).

Take a few moments today to evaluate your present state and commitment of obedience to God. Have you allowed your circumstance to lead to compromise/partial obedience? If so, recommit yourself today to following God's instruction no matter what!

Check out the video below of former Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs discussing obedience.

Join our class facebook group!

Hi everyone,

I don't know about all of you but so far it's been a very busy week. However, I have been working on the problem of how we can communicate with each other (post notes, obtain phone numbers, and chat with each other) through this blog.

The answer is that we really can't. However, I have learned about a solution. If you look to the right side of the blog (under the How to Become a Christian entry), you will see a link to a class facebook group that I have created for us. You will need to join facebook (It is not hard) in order to use this tool. Go to http://www.facebook.com and create your profile. Then you can search for our group (Mark Brewer Sunday school class (FBC Thomasville)) and request membership. I have to give you permission to join once you request membership. Obviously since I don't sit at the computer 24/7, it will take time for permission to be granted. However, once you have joined, you will be able to post notes, pictures, videos, or look up info about class members simply by clicking the link at the right and using your password (I think).

Only the people that have permission to access the site can see the information that is contained on it so it is a safe medium for posting your personal contact information (unless you would rather our class not have it which is fine), prayer requests, pictures, etc.

Therefore, I will continue to post general class information on the Blog but the facebook site will allow all of us to "chat" and offer words of encouragement to each other during the week. Pretty cool from my viewpoint.

Please continue to pray for the Barwicks. Ken and Leigh, we love both of you!

Choose God's way...life is better when you do! (Class notes from 9/28/08)

Background passage: 1 Samuel 7: 2 -- 8:22

This week, we are continuing our study of 1 Samuel. Last week, Keith discussed chapter seven focusing on the importance of avoiding idolatry. In chapter seven, we see the Israeli people turn back toward God after a long period of rebellion. As a result, the Philistine rule under which they have been living is lifted. They regain their freedom and their lands are restored. Samuel travels the country on a regular basis as judge of the nation. They are at peace and they are prospeous (chapter 7:13-- 16). However, a problem is looming that leads to uncertainty in the mind of the Israelites...Samuel, there earthly leader, is growing old (chapter 8: 1).

1 Samuel 8: 3 --5

Samuel's sons are corrupt and the elders of Israel become concerned about their future. They have been prosperous and they do not want to lose what they have gained. Therefore, they think that it is best to move away from the priestly leadership that they have followed up to that point and moved to a monarchy, just like the pagan nations that surround them. Notice that instead of relying on God's plan, they begin to follow the model of non--believing people around them. Keep in mind also that it is God's plan for them to eventually have a great King (Jesus). However, their timing is wrong.

At the present time, our country seems to be facing the same type of situation. We have generally been prosperous for a number of years and currently, we seem to be facing increasing corruption and decay. Many of our own class members have been working hard for several years to provide for our families and save for the present/future. We worry about losing what we have gained or stored up (much like the Israelites in Samuel's time). Our job is to seek God's will for us and to trust Him with the outcome. Whose voice and whose example do you find yourself following when trouble seems to be on the horizon? Are you listening to an unsaved financial advisor, following the example of a lost neighbor, seeking help from Oprah, or reading secular self--help books for your answers?

Read Psalms 37:1-- 2. Remember that God is in control of both good and evil men. He makes the rain to fall on both the good and the bad. He raises up governments for His purposes. Praise Him for His power as you go through the day today and commit to following HIM even in uncertain times.

1 Samuel 8: 9-- 19 Samuel reports the request of the Israeli people to the Lord. God instructs Samuel to explain to the people what life will be like under rule of the king that they are requesting. Life will be difficult. A king will take their property, their children, their goods, and will eventually enslave them. Knowing all these things, they ask for a king anyway.

As Christians, we also face a choice. We can use the freedom that we have obtained through our faith in Christ however we choose. God gives us that choice!

Read Galatians 5: 13-- 16. In these verses, Paul encourages us to use our freedom to serve each other in love. He encourages us to follow the teaching and leading of the Holy Spirit. Choosing to follow our own worldly "king" leads to immoral acts (Galatians 5:19--21) and I am sure we can all think of instances where we have travelled down this path. Recall the remorse and pain that you felt along the way (or the guilt afterward). On the other hand, following God's plan and the direction of the Holy Spirit leads to love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self--control (Galatians 5:22). Obviously, these qualities lead to fulfillment and contentment!

Make a commitment today to trust God with your future, even in the face of uncertainty. His way is the best way. He loves us. If he says turn left, it is because it is not in your best interest to go in any other direction. Read Psalm 37 this week. Pay attention especially to verses 3--5, 7-- 8, 18-19, 23-24, 30-31, 34, 37, 39-40.

I love you all and thanks for reading the Sunday School Letter!!

When troubled... (class notes from 9/7/08)

Background passages: I Samuel chapters 1 and 2

Focal passages: I Samuel 1: 1-11.

This week, we are starting a study of first and second Samuel. First Samuel covers a period of time that lasts approximately 115 years. It starts with the birth of Samuel who was the last judge of Israel. He was born in1085 B.C. which was the same year that Samson began to judge Israel. Therefore, the events that take place in today's focal passage occurred during the years prior to Samson's judgeship. Israel at that time was under the control of the Philistine nation. Since this occurred during a time of rebellion, many of the people would not have been very devoted to God. Elkanah, however was not one of these. He was devoted to God.

1 Samuel: 1 -- 3

A. The family unit

1. Elkanah (the husband): he was devout. Even during a time when many of his neighbors were in rebellion against God, he was faithful. 1 Chronicles tells us that his family lineage was that of a Levite (the priestly line). However, there is no mention of him serving in the temple in any official capactiy. Most likely, he was a common man (just like us) . V. 3 says that he went to worship and sacrifice at Shiloh yearly and that this continued to be his custom. He brought his offerings even though the priests Hophnis and Phinehas who received the offering were corrupt (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22). However, he was not perfect. He had married two wives. In his commentary, Matthew Henry writes, " Thus are men often beaten with rods of their own making." I think Elkanah found this statement to be true.


2. Hannah: likely Elkanah's first wife. She was blessed in that Elkanah loved her. (V.5) However, this blessing wasn't enough. She, like most of us, focused less on her blessings and more on what she lacked... children. Make a list of blessings God has given you. Post it in a place that you will see it during the week. Take time to thank God for your blessings!


3. Peninnah: Elkanah's second wife. She was blessed with many children. However, instead of this blessing leading to compassion and thankfulness, she became haughty and insolent. She began lording her fertility over Hannah "to irritate her" (v. 6). She wanted to inflict pain. Her actions intensified whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord (v.7). Think of people that you know are suffering some type of pain or loss. Do something today to help show compassion toward them.

B. The problem: Hannah is barren and becomes so distraught that she allows her lack of fertility to become the overriding concern in her life. She is incapacitated by her grief (v.7) to the point that she weeps and will not eat. This occurred at a time when she should have been worshipful (she had gone up to the house of the Lord to give her offering). Contrast this to Paul's response last week during the midst of the storm. He stood in chains, encouraging his captors, and offering prayers of thanksgiving to God.

C. The solution: First, Elkanah played a role in helping. He knew that his wife's barrenness was troublesome to her. Therefore, he gave her a double portion (v.5). He was assuring her of her value to him. Even though she was not perfect, with this gift he was telling her that it did not matter. He loved her anyway. He did not wait for her to ask. He simply acted. He also provided encouragement when she was in her deepest time of despair. He lovingly, with empathy, inquired about her pain. He did not condemn her but does remind her of her blessing (v. 8). None of us have perfect spouses. However, we need to take steps to assure them that we love them and will stand by them no matter what. This is how we demonstrate unconditional love. Second, Hannah stands up and in a moment of true worship, prays for help. Her prayer is deeply sincere but simple (V.10-11). She has a sense of grief as she prays. We also need a sense of grief in order to pray effectively. James tells us that we should grieve, mourn, and wail over our sin. Jesus instructs us in the Lord's prayer to ask for forgiveness for our sin. If we are to find help with our troubles, we must deal with the sin in our life and trust God with the rest of the plan. This is exactly what Hannah did. (v.10-11).