Bible Study Lessons

Church of the Living God

Bible Study Lesson

Presenter: Overseer Ennis F. Tait

 

Date:   Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Series: Staying Strong in the Midst of Your Storm

Reference Scripture:  I Samuel 30:1-19

Focus Verses: I Samuel 30:8  

Today’s Discussion:    “Authorized Warfare”

Who gives us permission to engage in warfare?  What individual/group/delegation has the authority to wage war on another individual/nation/faction? What is the criterion that supports any decision to execute an attack against a perceived enemy/adversary?

All of these questions require legitimate answers.  Some body has to take responsibility for initiating battles or waging wars which will end in human casualties.  Consequently, the same rules apply in spiritual warfare.  Warfare for the Children of Israel was more of a physical encounter. However, for the NT church the warfare is more spiritual.

(II Corinthians 10:4)

The lesson aim is to show how we should respond to a surprise attack.  More importantly, we must always come before the Almighty God to seek HIS will and to receive divine instructions.

It is no secret who we are in God.  Everybody knows that we belong to God.  Even those that have refused to live under the divine theocracy are keenly aware of the hedge of protection that covers us. (Joshua 2:9-11; 5:1)  David’s popularity and purpose was known throughout the region.  His claim to fame came following his single-handed victory of the Philistine champion, Goliath. Because of his confidence in God and his courage to contend with the giant God exalted him to become the military might for the children of Israel.  (I Samuel 18:5) From this day forward David learned how to deal with his enemies.  When God anoints us to represent HIM, we become a moving target internally and externally.    

Now, let’s fast forward to I Samuel 30.  David is leading a small regimen of soldiers under the banner of deception and conspiracy.  Thus, we can conclude that there are some battles we have forged that were not in the will of God.  Therefore, we suffer defeat even after God has promised to give us victory.   However, David’s actions in verses 7 and 8 are a great example of how we should respond unexpected storms in our lives.  David gives us the steps to victory.

1. prepare yourself
2. pray to God for instructions

What steps have you taken to win your next battle?