DOCTRINE. There are no blessings so great as the blessings of covenant faithfulness.

STUDY AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Understanding Covenants

Defining Covenants: Based on the sermon, what is a covenant, and what are its key components? How does this definition enhance your understanding of relationships in the Bible?

Examples of Covenants: The sermon listed several covenants. Choose one and explain how it reflects the characteristics of a covenant as described in the notes.

Covenant of Friendship: How does the covenant between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 18:3-4 and 20:8, 16 illustrate the concept of covenant faithfulness? What can we learn from their relationship about loyalty and commitment?

Blessings and Curses of Covenant Faithfulness

Blessings of Faithfulness: According to the sermon, what specific blessings flow from covenant faithfulness in contexts like the New Covenant, marriage, and church membership? Provide examples from your own observations or experiences.

Consequences of Unfaithfulness: The sermon states that covenant unfaithfulness leads to "horrible curses and sadness." How does this principle manifest in the examples given (e.g., unfaithful spouses, unfaithful church members)? Can you think of modern-day examples?

Cultural Reflection: The sermon suggests that much of the suffering in our current culture stems from taking covenants lightly. Discuss specific societal trends or issues that might reflect this problem.

Exploring 1 Samuel 20

Context of 1 Samuel 20: Describe the situation between King Saul, David, and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20. How does Saul’s pursuit of David set the stage for the covenant interactions between David and Jonathan?

Hesed in Action: The Hebrew word Hesed (lovingkindness/steadfast love) appears in 1 Samuel 20:8, 14–15. How do David and Jonathan demonstrate Hesed toward each other in this chapter? What does this teach us about covenant relationships?

Covenant Language: Identify the specific verses in 1 Samuel 20 that mention or imply a covenant. How does the use of covenant language emphasize the seriousness of David and Jonathan’s commitment?

The Eight Particulars of Covenant Faithfulness

Hiding Place (Point I): How did the covenant provide David with a hiding place in 1 Samuel 20:1-2? How does the New Covenant provide believers with a "hiding place" in Christ (Psalm 32:7)? Share a personal example of finding refuge in God.

Asking Freely (Point II): In 1 Samuel 20:3-7, David could ask Jonathan for anything because of their covenant. How does John 14:13-14 encourage believers to approach God in prayer? What limits, if any, should we consider when asking God for "whatever we want"?

Lovingkindness (Point III): The sermon connects David’s expectation of Hesed (1 Samuel 20:8-12) to the believer’s assurance of God’s goodness and mercy (Psalm 23:6). How does knowing God’s steadfast love impacts your daily life or decision-making?

Faithfulness (Point IV): Jonathan’s commitment to warn David of danger (1 Samuel 20:13) reflects covenant faithfulness. How do the verses cited (e.g., 2 Timothy 2:13, 1 Corinthians 1:9) assure believers of God’s faithfulness? How can we mirror this faithfulness in our relationships?

Post-Death Promises (Point V): Jonathan asked for Hesed to extend to his family after his death (1 Samuel 20:14-17). How does the New Covenant provide hope beyond this life (1 Corinthians 15:19)? Discuss how this affects your perspective on death and eternity.

Mistreatment (Point VI): Jonathan faced mistreatment from Saul because of his loyalty to David (1 Samuel 20:24-30). How does John 15:18-19 prepare believers for similar opposition? Share a time when your faith led to misunderstanding or mistreatment.

Humility (Point VII): Jonathan humbled himself to protect and elevate David (1 Samuel 20:31-34). How does Christ’s humility in Philippians 2:5-8 serve as a model for believers? What practical steps can you take to prioritize others’ interests over your own (Philippians 2:1-4)?

Peace (Point VIII): David departed in peace because of the covenant (1 Samuel 20:35-42). How does the New Covenant provide peace with God (Romans 5:1) and encourage peace with others (Romans 12:18)? Discuss ways to pursue peace in your community or relationships.

Application and Exhortation

Striving for Faithfulness: The sermon exhorts believers to strive for covenant faithfulness by God’s grace. What specific areas of your life (e.g., marriage, church membership, friendship, faith) need greater commitment to covenant faithfulness? How can you grow in this area?

Overcoming Unfaithfulness: Reflect on a time when you struggled to be faithful to a commitment (to God, others, or yourself). How did it affect you or others? What steps can you take to recover and pursue faithfulness moving forward?

Encouraging Others: How can you encourage those around you (e.g., family, church members, friends) to value and uphold their covenants? Share practical ideas for fostering a culture of covenant faithfulness in your community.

Theological and Practical Reflection

New Covenant Focus: The sermon frequently parallels the David-Jonathan covenant with the New Covenant in Christ. How does understanding the New Covenant deepen your appreciation for the blessings described in 1 Samuel 20?

Balancing Blessings and Curses: The sermon emphasizes both the blessings of covenant faithfulness and the curses of unfaithfulness. How can this balance motivate you to pursue obedience without falling into legalism or fear?

Covenant in Everyday Life: Choose one covenant from your life (e.g., marriage, church membership, friendship). How can the principles from 1 Samuel 20 (e.g., Hesed, faithfulness, humility) guide your actions in that relationship this week?

For Younger Audiences: The sermon addresses children, saying they cannot outrun Jesus’ love (Psalm 23:6). How would you explain the concept of God’s steadfast love to a child? What examples from David and Jonathan’s story could you use to make it relatable?

Group Discussion Prompts

Group Reflection: As a group, discuss which of the eight blessings of the David-Jonathan covenant (hiding place, asking freely, lovingkindness, etc.) resonates most with your current spiritual journey. Why?

Testimony Sharing: Share a personal story of how covenant faithfulness (to God or others) brought blessings or how unfaithfulness led to challenges. How did these experiences shape your understanding of covenants?

Cultural Application: As a group, brainstorm ways your church or community can recover a "solid view of the blessings of covenant faithfulness" in today’s culture. What practical steps can you take together?