Lesson #11

1 SAMUEL 11
Lesson #11
PRINCIPLES OF UNITY AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

• Memory Verse: Rom 12:5, 16

• Read 1Sam 11:1-15 The Test for Unity
• The Ammonite threat:
• Who were the Ammonites?
• These people were the descendents from Lot. (Gen 19:38)
• What was the test for the Israelites?
• The test was a unity of spirit. Would all the tribes follow their new king?
• The Ammonites threatened the city of Jabesh-Gilead.
• The Israelites offered to surrender and serve the Ammonites without a fight, but the Ammonites threatened to put out the right eyes f all their warriors.
• Besides the humiliation, it would disable their warriors for their impaired vision would make them useless as archers. The left eye would be behind their shields.
• Nahash, the Ammonite, agreed to a 7 day delay probably because he was not ready to take possession of the city. He did not expect that reinforcements could come to the city from other Israelites.
• Saul’s righteous indignation:
• Where was Saul?
• Saul had gone back to working in the fields.
• Saul was angry after the Holy Spirit came upon him. (6)
• Saul and Jabesh-Gilead:
• During the Benjamite wars in the book of Judges (Jdg 20-21), the Israelites had sworn that they would not give any of their daughters as wives to marry with the daughters of the tribe of Benjamin.
• In order to supply wives for their men who survived the battle, the Benjaminites captured 400 young virgins from Jabesh-Gilead. It is possible that Saul was descended from one of these forced marriages.
• Saul tests the tribes:
• Why did Saul use slaughtered oxen?
• Oxen are stubborn animals that are raised in pairs from birth so that the two would get to know each other well. They are carefully trained together to wear a yoke so that they will work together.
• The yoke is a symbol of commitment to unity.
• Saul threatened to kill the oxen of anyone who would not commit themselves to unity against the Ammonite threat.
• The “fear of the Lord” fell on the Israelites. (7)
• The fear of the Lord is important in establishing the kingdom of God..
• Principles of the Law of Unity:
• There is an often over-looked principle that operates in the kingdom of God.
• The definition of spiritual unity:
• An agreement in harmony of purpose to work toward the common good. (Gen 1:26)
• Unity is not conformity or uniformity.

 

Biblical Principles of the Law of Unity:

God, Himself, operates in unity. Jesus indicated the unity of the Triune God. (Joh 17)

Great creativity occurs where there is unity. (Gen 1)

God’s unfathomable power is released where there is unity in harmony (Gen 3)

Unity of judgment came upon mankind when Adam and Eve broke that unity with God. (Mat 6:10 Mat 18:19-20)

Unity in the invisible world governs the visible world. (Deu 32:30)

There is compounding multiplication factor in unity. (Act 1:14)

Unity is what the Holy Spirit uses to expand the church while disunity causes the spirit to flee. (Gen 11:1, 4-8)

Unity always produces strength whether for good or for evil. (Jam 1:6-8 Psa 57:7 Mat 6:24)

Unity begins with the individual within himself. (Eph 5:25)

Collective unity brings greater strength and power. (Pro 11:29)

Disunity produces weakness. (1Cor 12:4-7)

God does not insist on or even desire uniformity because variety and diversity are God’s plan.

• What was the Israelite response to the call to arms?
• 300,000 warriors assembled at Bezek.
• Saul’s military leadership:
• Saul divided his forces into 3 groups and initiated a surprise attack during the morning watch between 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• What do we learn about Saul’s character in this chapter?
• Saul exhibited strong leadership qualities. (7)
• Saul exhibited strong military qualities. (11)
• Saul showed mercy. (12-13)
• Saul gave God the glory (13)
• Review and Overview:
• There was a private anointing of Saul where God indicated His choice for a king. (10:1)
• There was a public installation of Saul as king but not a public acceptance. (10:24)
• There was a test of allegiance (11:7)
• There was a unity of the kingdom. (11:14)
• Finally there was a public acceptance. (11:15)
• Discussion:
• In what ways have you seen God use diversity in unity to further the Kingdom of God?

 HOMEWORK
1 SAMUEL 12
This is a self-study. Please do not send homework answers to the teacher forcorrection.

• Application of 1Sam 11
• Examine your own life in light of the principles of unity in this lesson.
• Do you have unity within yourself?
• Read Jam 1:6-8 (Are you single-minded working toward a single, supreme goal?)
• If your answer is, no, what will you do this week to help achieve unity in your life?
• Do you have unity within your family?
• If not, what will you do this week to help achieve family unity?
• Do you have unity within your church organization?
• What will you do this week to help achieve unity in your church?
• Preparation for 1Sam 12
• Read 1Sam 12:1-25
• We have previously discussed the difference between God’s perfect will and His permissive will. As Christians, we often live short of His glorious provision in His perfect will.
• If you find yourself in God’s permissive will, what should be your response to that situation? (Base your answer on principles you see in 1Sam 12.)

Memory Verse: 1Sam 12:22