2024 Sunday School Discussion Guide

Together we will read through the Old Testament in 2024!

Here are some helpful discussion questions for your Sunday School class or small group!

June Bible Reading Discussion Questions

June 2 - Week 21 – The Old Testament

1 Samuel 23-31 ~ 1 Chronicles 1, 10 ~ 2 Samuel 1-4

Family Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What were the best three days in your life so far?

Use these questions for personal prayer, reflection, study, journaling, or small group discussion.

1.     While Saul sought to entrap and destroy David on multiple occasions, David repeatedly demonstrated his trust in the Lord’s sovereign plan and justice by not killing Saul himself. (1 Samuel 24, 26). In what areas of life do you struggle to trust God’s plan? How do we know the difference between proper human responsibility and taking things “into our own hands” instead of trusting the Lord? What might be a biblical way to pray in the midst of a dilemma of suffering?

2.    What can we learn from 1 Samuel 23:14? “And David remained in the strongholds in the wilderness, in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand.” Who seeks to destroy us every day? How does God protect us? How should we live, knowing that “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4)?

3.    Before David makes a battlefield decision (1 Samuel 23:1-5), he asks the Lord what to do. Those around him question the decision, and David again asks the Lord for confirmation. How have you experienced something similar in your prayer life as you’ve sought to head the voice of the Lord above the voice of man?

4.    In the story of Abigail, we see a godly woman married to a wicked man (1 Samuel 25). As Abigail takes action (1 Samuel 25:18-42), what can we learn from her interactions with David?

5.    In 1 Samuel 28 we see Saul disguise himself and approach a witch/medium/necromancer in the town of En-dor, even after he had previously cast them out of Israel. When we find ourself trying to do something in secret, why is that a likely sign of sin? What motives do people have when they seek supernatural information (divination) by consulting demonic powers through fortune-telling, magic eight balls, Ouiji boards, palm reading, horoscopes, consultations with the dead, etc.? What other modern-day examples of divination are you aware of? Did you ever participate in such things before, whether in ignorance or rebelliousness? Why does God consider such practices so serious? How should we respond when convicted about past practices? How should we guard ourselves from future temptations?

6.    When David learns of Saul’s and Jonathan’s death, how does he respond? (2 Samuel 1 & 2) Should he have responded that way over Saul? How should we biblically respond when an enemy of ours dies? Why is it often a mixture of emotions?  What can we learn from David’s grief over Jonathan? Who is the friend or family member that you have grieved most deeply over? Why did that loss impact you so significantly?

7.     David continues to “inquire” of the Lord throughout his life (2 Samuel 1:1). When do we find ourselves inquiring of the Lord most consistently? When do we find ourselves tempted to act without consulting Him? How can we more regularly seek the Lord in the small and significant decisions?

8.    In 2 Samuel 2 we see one of the first rebellions against David’s leadership. What sorts of resistance do we see in churches against leadership? When is such confrontation necessary and biblical? How should we respond in such times? What are ways you have seen disagreements handled well within church leadership? Why do you think Satan attacks church unity so fiercely? How can we proactively protect the peace and unity of our church family?

9.    1 Chronicles 1 & 10 overlap some of the history of 2 Samuel (and later we will see overlap with 1 & 2 Kings). Why are these overlapping books sometimes difficult to follow? Why is it important to study all the overlapping information? How is God growing you in Bible study this year?

June 9 - Week 22 – The Old Testament

1 Chronicles 2-9, 11-15 ~ 2 Samuel 5-6

Family Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What was the most difficult three days in your life so far?

Use these questions for personal prayer, reflection, study, journaling, or small group discussion.

1.     Who is someone in your family lineage that you are proud of? Are there any members of your family lineage that you are ashamed of? Why do you think God lists so many family lineages (genealogies) throughout the Bible, like in 1 Chronicles 1-9?

2.    Did anyone stand out to you among the genealogies of the beginning of 1 Chronicles? How do you want to be remembered by your descendants?

3.    How does your society define success? In 1 Chronicles 5:23-24, the half-tribe of Manasseh is described as “very numerous” with “mighty warriors” and “famous men.” While this sounds like success, they are then described as “But they broke faith with the God of their fathers, and whored after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them.” (1 Chronicles 5:25) How does this description reveal God’s priorities for us? What is the warning for us? What does it mean to have a “breach of faith” (1 Chronicles 9:1; 10:13-14)?

4.    Beginning in 1 Chronicles 10, we read about King David. What are some of your favorite parts of his story? What are some of his most well-known victories and successes? What are some of his most well-known sins and failures?

5.    Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10) was popularized in recent history as a means for praying for “health, wealth, and prosperity”. Can it be biblical to pray for health, wealth, and prosperity? Why is it dangerous to focus on “health, wealth, and prosperity”? What are some modern-day examples you have seen of the false gospel of “health, wealth, and prosperity”? How can you recognize them? Why are their teachings so appealing to many? Why are their teachings so spiritually deadly?

·      See “What does the Bible about false teachers?” www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-false-teachers

·      See “What does the Bible say about money?” www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-money

6.    How is it possible for David to be called by God, “a man after my heart, who will do all my will” (Acts 13:22), when we are aware of his many failures and sins: bad parenting (not punishing Amnon for his rape of Tamar, not adequately punishing Absalom for murdering Amnon), transporting the ark without the priests (1 Chronicles 13:5-14), lust/adultery/rape of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:2–4), deceit/murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:1-17), pride (numbering Israel 1 Chronicles 21:1, 8), asking his son to murder (asking Solomon to kill Joab and 1 Kings 2:5,8-9), and polygamy (2 Samuel 5:13  contra Deuteronomy 17:17)? What other failures did you notice in the descriptions of King David?

7.     Read Psalm 51. How do we see David’s humility here? How does God show His grace to David repeatedly?

8.    David ignored God’s command about marriage (Deuteronomy 17:17) and had multiple wives (2 Samuel 5:13). What were his consequences? What are some ways we ignore God’s commands for marriage today? What are our consequences? Why is it always better to follow God’s plan for marriage rather than our own? What are some of God’s commands about marriage that you think Christians may not be aware of? Why is this a touchy issue? Should it be?

·      See “What does the Bible say about marriage roles?” www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-marriage-roles

·      See “What does the Bible say about sexual sin?” www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-sexual-sin

·      See “What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage?” www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-divorce-and-remarriage

·      See “What does the Bible say about LGBTQ?” www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-homosexuality

·      See “How to improve your marriage in 30 days!” www.trustworthyword.com/30days-improve-marriage

9.    Many historical accounts only portray a positive image of their kings and rulers. The Bible however describes the failures of many of Israel’s leaders.  How does that show us the trustworthiness of Scripture?

10. Several times David “inquired of the Lord” (2 Samuel 5:19) before making a leadership decision. What happens when we act without seeking the Lord? How is David’s example different than Saul’s (1 Chronicles 10:13-14)? Why is seeking the Lord so important? Should we seek the Lord only in the seemingly significant situations of life? Explain your thoughts.

11.  When David experiences a victory over the Philistines, he is sure to burn the enemy’s idols and not try to keep them as some sort of trophy or for idolatry. (1 Chronicles 14:12) What sort of idols are you surrounded with? How can we protect ourselves from their

12.  What stands out to you when you read of David’s mighty men? (1 Chronicles 11:10-12:18) Do some of their descriptions seem exaggerated or impossible? How does Mark 10:27 point us from those seemingly impossible victories to the amazing victory of Jesus over Satan, sin, and death?

13.  In what ways are we called to be mighty warriors? (2 Timothy 2:3-4, Romans 8:37-39) What are the weapons of our warfare? (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:10-20) How do we become strong (2 Corinthians 12:10)? How can we be of courage even when we feel surrounded and outnumbered? (1 John 4:4, 1 Chronicles 22:13; 28:20)

14.  When David first transports the ark, he does so without the priests and uses the method of the Philistines (a cart) and subsequently Uzzah dies (1 Chronicles 13:5-14). What does David do differently the next time he tries to move the Ark (1 Chronicles 15:2, 12-15)? How might we fail to take seriously the holiness of God? What steps can we take to treat Him with great respect?

15.  What is the purpose of worship music in church? How did David use music? (1 Chronicles 15:16, 22, 25-29) What was Michal’s thoughts on worship in song? (2 Samuel 6:20-23) What are strengths of worship in song at your church? What are ways to improve?

·      See “What does the Bible say about worship through singing?” www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-worship-through-singing

16.   Read Psalm 103:8-14 describing David’s experience of God’s mercy and grace. What is your favorite part of this passage? How does this resonate with your own experiences and understanding of God’s amazing mercy and grace?

17.  Read Psalm 40:8. Should this be a true statement for every Christian? Why or why not?

June 16 - Week 23 – The Old Testament

1 Chronicles 16-20 ~ 2 Samuel 7-16

Family Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is something about your future that you look forward to?

Use these questions for personal prayer, reflection, study, journaling, or small group discussion.

1.     What do you think it would have been like to see the ark brought into Jerusalem? When was a time you experienced worship of God in a passionate and intimate way? What sort of obstacles get in the way of our worship of God? (1 Chronicles 15-16)

2.    Read David’s “song of thanks” in 1 Chronicles 16:8-36. What is your favorite verse? Why?

3.    Read David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 17:16-27. What stands out to you? How is his prayer similar or different to our own prayers? How can his prayer inspire our own?

4.    In response to God’s covenant promises, David prays says “Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.” (2 Samuel 7:22 ) What does this verse mean? How have you experienced God in such a way? Why should we pray in a similar way of gratitude?

5.    How does a telescope work? What is the coolest thing you have seen through a telescope? In a similar way, how are we called to be “telescopes” by magnifying the name of the Lord to those who are far away from Him? (2 Samuel 7:26) What are practical ways we can do that?

6.    Why do you think the Lord “gave victory to David wherever he went”? (1 Chronicles 18:13) In what ways does the Lord provide us “victory”? What responsibilities do we have in return?

7.     David is described as administering “justice” and “equity” (1 Chronicles 18:14, 2 Samuel 8:15) to everyone under his authority.  Where do you see injustice and inequity where God has placed you? How can you make both an earthly and eternal difference where you live?

8.    In 2 Samuel 9 we see David show extra-ordinary kindness to his deceased friend Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. Why is loyalty among friends so important? Who is someone who has shown you long-term friendship and kindness?

9.    Mephibosheth is described as “lame in both his feet” (2 Samuel 9:13). What kind of challenges do you think that created? How would his life be more difficult than most? How can we do a better job of considering the challenges that orphans, widows, disabled and elderly people uniquely face? How can we do a better job of helping them in their needs?

10. 2 Samuel 11 describes the story of David’s sin against Uriah and Bathsheba. What small steps of sin did David take along the way? What opportunities did he have to escape his temptations? What long term consequences did he face as a result of his sin? Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. How can this verse, and David’s failures, guide us in the future temptations that we face?

11.  When confronted by Nathan about his sin, David confesses that “I have sinned against the LORD” (2 Sam 12:13; read Psalm 51 for the longer version of David’s confession) and “I have sinned greatly, in that I have done this thing” (1 Chr 21:8a). What emotions and temptations do you think David faced in the midst of this confrontation? What feelings do you think he experienced when he heard, “the LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die” (2 Sam 12:13)? How does this inspire you to be quicker to confess your own sins?

12.  Read 2 Samuel 12:21-23. When David and Bathsheba’s child dies, David realizes he will be united in heaven with his child one day.  What is hard about this passage? What is comforting from this passage? Have you struggled with the loss of a child by miscarriage, stillbirth, or at a young age? How did you handle that loss? What did God teach you through that season?

a.     See “What does the Bible say about the death of babies and children?” www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-the-death-of-babies-children

June 23 - Week 24 – The Old Testament

2 Samuel 17-24 ~ 1 Chronicles 22-27

Family Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is something about your future that scares you?

Use these questions for personal prayer, reflection, study, journaling, or small group discussion.

1.     David’s sons Amnon and Absalom cause him, his family, and his nation serious problems.  What parental regrets do you think David had? If you could change something in your parenting past, what would it be? In spite of your parenting shortfalls, how have you seen God show you and your family mercy and grace?

2.    In spite of Absalom’s rebellion, David still grieves deeply for the loss of his son (2 Samuel 18:31-33). Why did David grieve so deeply for someone who did so many evil things against him? Have you experienced, or seen someone experience, a wayward and rebellious child? What was that like for them? Do you think God grieves over us in our waywardness? Read 2 Peter 3:9 and 1 Timothy 2:4. How do these verses expose God’s heart for us?

3.    In 2 Samuel 19:16-23 David shows mercy to Shimei, but then later tells his son Solomon to kill him in 1 Kings 2:9. Have you ever struggled with showing someone mercy? Why is taking vengeance so tempting sometimes? Read Romans 12:18-21. What can we learn from this passage? Who are practical “enemies” you need to forgive? To entrust to the Lord’s justice?

4.    2 Samuel 22 is almost identical to Psalm 18. What is your favorite verse? Why?

5.    2 Samuel 23:1-7 gives us some of David’s final words. Is it what you would expect? Why or why not? If you got to say only a few simple things to your friends and your family before you died, what would you say? If you knew you were going to die in the next month, what are some things you would need to say? Ways to get your “house in order”?

6.    Read 2 Samuel 24:1, 10, 15 and 1 Chronicles 21:1 about David’s numbering of Israel. What is God’s role? Satan’s role? David’s role? Who is still guilty of the sin? Why? How can you reconcile these truths together? How does it parallel the deep truths of Romans 9?

7.     What do you think it would have been like to see an angel executing God’s judgment? (2 Samuel 24:17) What are some of the names of angels you have seen across the Bible? What are some of their works and abilities? What are they like? What fascinates you about angels? What wrong depictions or statements about angels have you heard?

a.     See “What are the names of angels?” www.spiritualwarfare.blog/names-of-angels

b.    See “What are the works of angels?” www.spiritualwarfare.blog/works-of-angels

c.     See “What are angels like?” www.spiritualwarfare.blog/character-of-angels

8.     We see David build an altar to the Lord (2 Samuel 24:18-25) on Mount Moriah (Araunah/Ornan’s Threshing Floor) that would later become the place of the temple (and where Abraham offered up Isaac to the Lord (Genesis 22)). 2 Samuel 24:25 says “the Lord responded to the plea.” How desperate do you think David was praying to God? Do we pray as desperately and dependently as we should? Why or why not?

9.    David prepares for the building and provision of the temple by the next generation (Solomon) in 1 Chronicles 22. He also organizes the Levites, priests, musicians, gatekeepers, and other officials for the activities of the temple (1 Chronicles 23-26). In what ways are you working hard to lead the next generation closer to God? How are you serving in your church with the gifting and time that God has given you? How do you want to serve more in the future? How did others invest in and prepare for your journey to be closer to Jesus?

June 30 - Week 25 – The Old Testament

1 Chronicles 28-29 ~ 1 Kings 1-4 ~ 2 Chronicles 1 ~ Song of Solomon 1-8

Family Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What was one of your favorite hobbies as a child?

Use these questions for personal prayer, reflection, study, journaling, or small group discussion.

1.     In 1 Kings 1:5-10 we see Adonijah’s conspiracy to take over as king in place of his father. How does Adonijah’s actions remind you of modern-day politics or government? What can we learn from this story? Does man’s evil thwart God’s plans? What does 1 Timothy 2:1-4 call us to do for our leaders?

2.    1 Kings 1 finishes with the Lord using Nathan and Bathsheba’s interventions to ensure Solomon becomes king. How does Romans 13:1 affect our perspective on governments and rulers? For what purposes might the Lord allow evil rulers to reign? For what reasons might God bring good rulers into power?

3.    David’s parenting failure of Adonijah is described in 1 Kings 1:6, “His father had never at any time displeased him by asking, ‘Why have you done thus and so?’” In what ways do we spoil our children? Fail as parents? How could David have done better? How do we want to do better?

4.    Look at David’s instructions to Solomon in 1 Kings 2. How do the first 4 verses seem like a perfect encouragement to the next generation? In a similar way, what instructions would you leave to your children on your deathbed if you had the opportunity? In 1 Kings 2:5-9 David asks Solomon to arrange for the deaths of Joab and Shimei. Although we may not have the full picture, what do you feel about David’s actions here? In some ways it seems like David may be passing his “unfinished business” onto his child out of laziness, vengeance, or fear? Why is it important for us to have our house “in order” so that our children don’t have to “clean up” after our “own mess”? What are some ways you can better have your house “in order” to be better prepared for the day of your death?

5.    In 1 Chronicles 28 & 29 we see David’s charge to Solomon regarding his rule and for his construction of the temple. In what ways have you sought to prepare and provide for your descendants to have a successful future in serving the Lord?

6.    Why did the Lord warn kings in Deuteronomy 17:16-17 against acquiring many horses, wives, and wealth? Why did God not want Israel to turn back to their former place of slavery, Egypt, for help? When Solomon decided to make a “marriage alliance” with Egypt, what temptations was he exposing himself to?  Why do you think God instructions Christians to seek a spouse who is a Christian, or “in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39)? What is the danger of being married to a nonbeliever?

7.     King Solomon is described by his love of the Lord and obedience to God’s commands (1 Kings 3:3). Why is that a worthy goal for our own lives?

8.    What stands out to you from Solomon’s encounter with God in a dream? (1 Kings 3:4-15) How does this example encourage your own prayer life? How do we see the importance of humility and gratitude? What specific request would you prioritize with God? Read James 4:2-3. How does this guidance encourage our prayers? Warn us about selfish prayers?

9.    1 Kings 4:29 describes the gift of wisdom that God gave Solomon.  What are some of the gifts that God has given you? How are you trying to use those gifts to glorify God?

10, The “Song of Solomon” or “Song of Songs” is a book of love poetry in the tradition of King Solomon’s wisdom. What stands out to you from this love story? How do you think it connects with the love of God for us? How did sin change things from the Garden of Eden to this garden? What can we learn to apply to our relationship with God today? What can we learn from it for our own marriages?

July Bible Reading Discussion Questions

July 7 - Week 26 – The Old Testament

2 Chronicles 2-8 ~ 1 Kings 5-9 ~ Ecclesiastes 1-3

Family Life - Small Group Warm Up Question:

What are some of your favorite memories of your mother? What spiritual influence did she have on you?

Use these questions for personal prayer, reflection, study, journaling, or small group discussion.

1.     2 Chronicles 2:1 explains that “Solomon purposed to build a temple for the name of the LORD, and a royal palace for himself.” What purposes do you think God has called you to serve for His name? For the sake of your family and self?

2.    In 2 Chronicles 2:11-12, Hiram the king of Tyre acknowledges the God of Israel as Creator. When and how have you seen non-Christians acknowledge your faith? Read Romans 1:19-20. When and how have you seen non-Christians acknowledge the existence of a Creator.  What are some reasons you think people try to deny Yahweh, the one true God? What are some reasons you think people try to claim to be atheists or agnostics? According to Romans 1:19-20, does God believe in the existence of atheists? Why does verse 20 finish the way it does?

3.    King Solomon’s temple construction (2 Chronicles 3-5, 1 Kings 5-7) clearly gave to God the best he had in terms of resources, finances, time, workmanship, and attention. In what ways should we give God our best? How do we do at that? How do we want to improve? Why do we want to improve? What sacrifices must we make to give God our best? Why does Jesus say, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35)? How have you experience the blessing of giving? Why is working hard mentioned as essential to helping those in need?

4.    In 2 Chronicles 5 (1 Kings 8) we see an amazing celebration as the ark is brought into the temple. Why was this so significant of an event? What verse did they sing? (2 Chronicles 5:13) What ways of celebration stood out to you? What kind of emotions do you think they were experiencing? When are some times of spiritual celebration that you have experienced in church or among your Christian family? How did you all rejoice? Why were they such significant experiences? What emotions did you experience?

5.    In 2 Chronicles 6 (1 Kings 8:12-61), King Solomon blesses the people of Israel and dedicates the temple by prayer. What can we learn from this prayer? What is your favorite verse from this prayer? Why? What situational examples of suffering or struggle are given? How can we apply this example of prayer to our own prayer life?

6.    Read 2 Chronicles 7:1-3. What do you think this would have been like to witness and experience? When was a time when you experienced God’s glory in a powerful way?

7.     Read 2 Chronicles 7:14. Why is this such a popular verse today? Although this was specific to Israel at the time, what lasting truths can we apply to our culture and country today?

8.    In 1 Kings 9:1-9 God responds verbally to King Solomon’s dedication and prayer. Why do you think Solomon needed this warning? Did he heed it? In what ways is the Bible a warning to us?

9.    Ecclesiastes is a book of God’s wisdom through King Solomon. Read Ecclesiastes 1:2. What does “vanity” mean? Why does this book start this way? What can we learn from this verse? How would you summarize Ecclesiastes?

10. In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon explains how he kept himself from “no pleasure”, and pursued every form of satisfaction in the world. What was the result? (Ecclesiastes 2:11) In what ways have you sought out pleasure in the world? How did you experience its “vanity”? In what ways do you see worldly pleasure promoted today?

11.  Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. What wisdom do you see in this? Why is it such a helpful perspective?

12. What else stands out to you from Ecclesiastes 3? A favorite verse? Why do you find it helpful?