February 2015 - November 2020
The quote from the title slide is from the words of a young David in 1 Samuel 17:37, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine”, that we derive the central theme for this study of 1st and 2nd Samuel, THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’s.
We all face overwhelming circumstances in our life and the only thing that can give us strength to overcome those horrific circumstances is a realization that it is not by our might or power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the only way that we can overcome and address the challenges that we have in life.
One scholar has praised the writing of Samuel: “It is no exaggeration to say that the author of Samuel produced what is still the best book ever written in the Hebrew language.”
In this series we will cover an array of significant biblical teachings on everything from how to face and surmount the giants in our lives, to biblical worship and praise, to the divine viewpoint of politics and leadership, to the importance of the Davidic Covenant and Messianic prophecies, and so much more. An understanding of these key teachings in Samuel is foundational to the rest of the Old Testament, the arrival and mission of the Messiah, the gospel, and many passages in the New Testament. Every believer should have a thorough understanding of the material covered in this series.
Note: Classes in this series are arranged with the most recent class appearing first.
Video DVDs of these lessons can be ordered here and here.
To view all video Bible studies in the 1st and 2nd Samuel series, click here (Vimeo) or here (YouTube).
Tuesday, November 03, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Samuel 7:4-17
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 59 mins 55 secs
Whoops! You’ve done it again. You’re a Christian and you’ve disobeyed God. Now what? Listen to this lesson to hear how confessing our sins to God can turn us back to the right path for our life. See what Samuel told the Israelites they needed to do to get serious about trusting God. Learn the significance of the water at Mizpah and of Samuel’s burnt offering for the people. Find out how God won the battle for them against the Philistines. When you’ve failed, realize that you are to confess your sin and walk by means of the Holy Spirit, abiding in Him again.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Samuel 1-7
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 3 mins 12 secs
If you’re looking for help in studying the Bible, listen to this lesson. Go through the different sections of Samuel seeing what you can learn about four aspects: what does this section say about God, what does it say about man, what does it say about salvation, and what does it say about problem solving? Focusing on these questions, see important truths about how God is always working in human history. Much like our land today, Israel in those days was suffering from the outcome of their wrong decisions, but we see that God did not desert them. Hear promises from God’s Word that we can apply to our lives today.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Samuel 8
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 58 mins 46 secs
What does the Bible say about human government? Listen to this lesson to learn that God instituted government for two basic functions but that unbelieving mankind corrupts it for its own selfish aims. Learn that our founders followed biblical principles and stressed that the preservation of our country depended on integrity. See that Israel’s government was a theocracy but the people wanted a human king. Understand that as believers we need to seek leaders who understand freedom.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Samuel 8
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 2 mins 41 secs
“But everyone else is doing it, Mom.” Most kids use this line to try to get their way at some time. Listen to this lesson to learn that the people in ancient Israel asked the prophet Samuel for a king so they could be like the other nations. Understand that God instituted government and that its success depends on a responsible, moral people and their leaders. Hear the requirements for choosing the right leader and find out the importance of a righteous value system to modern civilization. Apply principles of the Bible as you exercise your right to choose our leaders.
Tuesday, December 01, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Samuel 8
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 55 mins 8 secs
What is the most serious responsibility given to government? Listen to this lesson to learn that capital punishment for those who commit murder was delegated to human governments. See that God instituted government and learn seven points about it. Learn the importance of not protecting people from their own mistakes and sins but allowing them to fail. Find out about our dual citizenship and our responsibilities, especially in this time of our country’s decline.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Samuel 8:6-22
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 5 mins 15 secs
What did God do to protect His creation? Listen to this lesson to hear about Divine institutions established by God that would allow mankind to live successfully. See that Israel wanted a change in government after they had created a cultural mess by rejecting God. Observe why a literal interpretation of the Genesis account of creation is necessary to understand God’s sovereignty. See the biblical meaning of evil. From Israel’s example, learn not to substitute anything for God in your own life.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Samuel 8-15
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 2 mins 25 secs
Can we trust our inner desires to bring us happiness? Listen to this lesson to see that our wants are not always what’s best for us. Gain an overview of the life of Saul, the king that God permitted for Israel even though he was not what they needed. See a broader use of the term prophecy. Find out three validating events concerning Saul’s choice as king. Learn about an event that reveals Saul’s character flaws when he disobeys Samuel. Remember from the reign of Saul that God is pleased with those who learn His Word and obey it.
Tuesday, January 05, 2016
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Samuel 9:1-25
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 8 mins 9 secs
Tall, dark, and handsome! In other words, a perfect king. Listen to this lesson to learn that while Saul seemed to have everything going for him, he was not the king that would prosper Israel. Find out that outward appearances can be deceiving and it’s what a person is like inside that counts. See the comparisons between Samuel and Saul. Learn about how spiritually dense Saul was. For your own life, realize that what you think will make you happy and fulfilled may not be God’s answer for the plan for your life.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Samuel 10:1-16
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 8 mins 19 secs
Imagine if you found out God had selected you to be the king over His people. Listen to this lesson to learn about a young man named Saul who was anointed by Samuel to become the commander of Israel. Find out what Samuel told Saul would specifically happen to confirm his selection. Understand the meaning of ecstasy and how the pagan view of religion differs from Christianity. See the role of the prophet and how it involves announcing God’s Word rather than any mysticism.
Tuesday, February 09, 2016
by Robert Dean
Passage: 1 Samuel 10:6-26
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 7 mins 20 secs
Was Saul chosen by God to be king of Israel? Listen to this lesson to hear how Saul was anointed and underwent a transformation that enabled him to rule Israel. See how Saul sang with the prophets but showed no signs of being spiritually inclined at this point. Understand the significance of what occurred at Mizpah and the importance of Ebenezer. See how Saul was hiding and had to be brought out to be presented to the people of Israel and what meaning his height conveyed. As we see these events from the Old Testament, let us understand that if a nation turns back to God, it can recover from its downward spiral.
