Life of David
Discipleship Lessons from 1 and 2 Samuel


Free E-mail Bible Study Bible study Faith of Abraham (Genesis 11-25)

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James J. Tissot, David Slings the Stone (1896-1900), gouache on board, The Jewish Museum, New York.
James J. Tissot, "David Slings the Stone" (1896-1900), gouache on board, The Jewish Museum, New York. Larger image.

Why do people love David’s story?

  1. David’s story is exciting. David and Goliath, caves and deserts, beautiful women and palace intrigue, last-minute escapes and pursuits by two kings. It’s exhilarating!
  2. David’s story is inspiring. David is both a committed believer and a prolific singer-songwriter. He has learned to trust Yahweh in the depths of depression, the extremes of danger, and the heights of jubilation.
  3. David’s story is human. We watch this flawed man fall very low, find repentance, grace and forgiveness, and is ultimately be restored and redeemed.
  4. David’s story is manly. Do real men do God? Oh, yes! This great warrior and leader of men integrates faith into his own life and his whole career.
  5. David’s story is morally challenging. He lives in a world far from our own – with palaces and harems as well as giants and fierce hand-to-hand combat. But underlying the differences are the moral guidelines that keep us steady.
  6. David’s story is ongoing. He is the ancestor and type of the Messiah, the Son of David and Son of God -- Jesus of Nazareth. To understand Jesus, you need to start with David.

The study contains:

  • 15 maps

  • 3 genealogical charts

  • Historical and geopolitical notes

  • Probing discussion questions to stimulate your thinking and spiritual growth

We’re covering 43 chapters in 12 lessons – 1 Samuel 14 to 31, all of 2 Samuel, plus 1 Kings 1-2. As a result, we’ll move more quickly over much of the narrative material, but slow down when it comes to key events and important spiritual lessons.

I hope you'll sign up below and join us when this study begins on September 9, 2012.

Yours in Christ’s service,
Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Lesson Outline

Preface
Introduction to the Life of David

  1. Samuel Anoints David as King (1 Samuel 15-16)
  2. David and Goliath: Bold Faith (1 Samuel 17)
  3. Jonathan's Friendship, Saul's Jealousy (1 Samuel 18-20)
  4. David Flees from Saul (1 Samuel 21-23)
  5. David Spares the Lord's Anointed (1 Samuel 24-28)
  6. David Strengthens Himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 29-2 Samuel 1)
  7. David Becomes King and Conquers Jerusalem (2 Samuel 2-5)
  8. David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6)
  9. The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7)
  10. David's Rise, Fall, and Punishment (2 Samuel 8-12)
  11. Rape, Murder, and Conspiracy in David’s Family (2 Samuel 13:1-15:13)
  12. David’s Exile from Jerusalem (15:13-20:26)
  13. The Legacy of David (2 Samuel 21-1 Kings 2)

Here's how we'll study together.

  • Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
    This is our 37th online Bible study since 1996. If you've participated in one before, you know how God can use them in your life. If not, then you have a treat in store for you. This is an cross-denominational study designed to help you grow as a disciple of Christ. -- Dr. Ralph F. Wilson. About the leader.
    Each Saturday I'll e-mail you the lesson for the week    . Then you'll read the Bible passage and use my notes to help you understand it better.
  • If you sign up for the daily questions version, on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday you'll receive a question from that week's lesson to think about and answer. This is designed as a "total immersion" approach to Bible study, since I believe God wants to use these lessons to work real and permanent change in your life. (You can opt out of the daily questions if you like, however, and just receive the weekly lessons.) You'll be thinking about these passages constantly over these weeks -- long enough for God to work his Word into your life and lifestyle.
  • You can respond to the questions and exercises using the Joyful Heart Bible Study Forum -- and read others' answers to reinforce your own understanding.
  • With each lesson you'll receive a link to a 20- to 30-minute audio teaching that sums up the passage you've been studying that week. Some who learn better from hearing than from reading really appreciate this.
  • Life of David, Discipleship Lessons in 1 and 2 Samuel, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
    Available as a book in paperback, Kindle, and PDF formats.
    Then on Saturday, I'll send you the next week's lesson.


Sign up now!

To sign up, start by clicking on your e-mail frequency preference:

You'll receive your first lesson the Friday after you sign up. There is no cost to participate in the study, though donations are encouraged so we can create more studies and reach more people.

We respect your privacy and never sell, rent, or loan our lists. Please don't subscribe your friends; let them decide for themselves.

Please don't sign up for more than one of my Bible studies at one time. There's no penalty, but each of them is pretty intensive. If you try to do too many studies at the same time without adequate reflection, you'll miss out on God speaking to you.

Life of David Bible Study: Discipleship Lessons

 

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