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 14, 2017
by Robert Dean
Passage: Psalm 18:20-26
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 0 mins 45 secs
What does it mean that God blesses, recompenses, and rewards us? Listen to this lesson to see that David in Psalm 18 is not talking about salvation but about our fellowship with God after we are saved. Find out the importance of fellowship with God. See that God distributes blessings to us when we have the capacity for them and how this capacity is developed. Learn five basic things we need to know about rewards. Keep in mind that when we come to the end of our lives, all that will matter will be our relationship with the Lord.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
by Robert Dean
Passage: Psalm 18:25-30
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 2 mins 37 secs
Is Thanksgiving just a day for lots of good food and being with family for you? Listen to this lesson to learn that David shows us in his psalms that we should be thankful to God every day of our lives. Find out what is necessary to enjoy fellowship with God and how to be sure that our prayers are heard. See that only God can build a church or a family and that it’s not through our own efforts. Learn the meaning of humbling ourselves when we come under adversity so God can exalt us.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
by Robert Dean
Passage: Psalm 18:31-50
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 58 mins 49 secs
How should we handle our battles in this life? Listen to this message to hear the lessons that David had learned about trusting God in the midst of all his adversities. See the importance of learning the characteristics of God so we can appreciate the provisions He has for us. Find out the necessity for training to be prepared for whatever happens. Understand that God trains us when we study His Word. As we conclude this psalm we should be reminded that God is sovereign and His justice will ultimately prevail.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
by Robert Dean
Passage: 2 Samuel 1:1-27
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 10 mins 17 secs
What can we learn from the death of Saul and David’s response? Listen to this lesson to learn that the events in the Old Testament are relevant to what is happening in our world today, including political intrigue, lies, and religious motivations. Learn the details of Saul’s death that ended in his suicide. Hear about a messenger who came to David to tell about these events and the lessons we can apply to our own lives. Hear David’s expression of his respect and love for Saul’s position as king and for Jonathan.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
by Robert Dean
Passage: 2 Samuel
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 57 mins 47 secs
Get ready for a quick overview of the book of 2 Samuel centering on David as the king of Israel. Learn that it is divided into three basic parts: blessing, discipline, and six episodes. Like any modern drama, hear about power lust, intrigue, and murder, but see how throughout it all David keeps his loyalty to God and is dependent on prayer. Learn about the center of the book involving two events that shape the rest. Hear six provisions of the Davidic Covenant and the eternal aspect of it. Find out the importance of kindness and graciousness which David showed to his enemies.
The outline for 2 Samuel is available in the Notes link below.
Tuesday, January 02, 2018
by Robert Dean
Passage: 2 Samuel 2:1-7
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 9 mins 24 secs
Are there any decisions that are too small to bother God about? Listen to this lesson to learn that David sought God’s guidance in everything. See the contrast between the wisdom of David and the foolishness of Saul and his followers. Find out that the providential sovereignty of God is always working behind the scenes but never interfering with man’s volition. Find out that we no longer have special revelation but need to rely on the wisdom we find by learning God’s Word and applying it to our lives.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
by Robert Dean
Passage: 2 Samuel 2:8-11
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 7 mins 29 secs
Note that the initial blue screen on the video incorrectly identifies this class as lesson #177 instead of #117.
Why does the Holy Spirit pull back the curtain on the chaos and sinful events conspiring after Saul’s death? Listen to this lesson to learn what happens when sin natures are in control. See the contrast here with David who mirrors God’s mercy and kindness to people. See the importance of knowing the geography of the area in order to follow the occurring events. Find out that when family loyalty is stronger than loyalty to God there are tragic consequences and fragmentation. Understand that a nation cannot have stability when it is in arrogance and rebellion and the only solution is to submit ourselves unto God.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
by Robert Dean
Passage: 2 Samuel 2:10-32
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 2 mins 43 secs
Have you ever grappled with whether revenge and vengeance are always sins? Listen to this lesson to learn when they are wrong and when they are legitimate acts of justice. See what the Bible means when God says that vengeance is His and He will repay. Find out that what motivates us to want to get even with someone and be vindictive is always arrogance. Learn that instead of personal vengeance we should put the individual who has wronged us in God’s hands and apply love and forgiveness.
Tuesday, February 06, 2018
by Robert Dean
Passage: 2 Samuel 3:1-39
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 10 mins 50 secs
If you like epic family sagas filled with revenge, intrigue, and chaos, listen to this message which tells the true events of what happened in Israel after the death of Saul. Learn how God’s sovereignty means that His plans will always be fulfilled in spite of wrong human decisions. See if polygamy was ever approved in the Old Testament. Find out the importance of the line of Judah and how God’s planned future for it will occur as promised. See that in spite of all of men’s attempts to make history go their way, God will always win so we can relax and trust Him.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
by Robert Dean
Passage: 2 Samuel 4:1-12
Series: 1st and 2nd Samuel (2015)
Duration: 1 hr 3 mins 37 secs
What makes people fall apart and act in devastating ways that cause havoc? Listen to this lesson to hear how two Israelites went into panic mode and tried to curry David’s favor by beheading King Ishbosheth and bringing the head to David. See how David reacted because he was waiting for God to promote him. Find out about a prophecy that said Israel’s rulers would come from the tribe of Judah, including the Messiah. Learn about four possible meanings for the word “Shiloh” and which one is the most probable. Understand that just like David, we don’t need to force things to happen in our lives but we need to take care of the responsibilities we have and let God bring His plans for us to pass at the right time.