Sunday School Lesson August 27, 2023
Subject: Abigail: A Woman of Wisdom
The Point: Step in to keep a bad situation from getting worse.
Scriptures: 1 Samuel 25:14-17, 23-28, 32-35
Study The Bible: 1 Samuel 25:14-17
1). Be the kind of person others trust to do what is right.
- One of Nabal’s young men informed Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he screamed at them.
- The men treated us very well. When we were in the field, we weren’t harassed and nothing of ours was missing the whole time we were living among them.
- They were a wall around us, both day and night, the entire time we were with them herding the sheep.
- Now consider carefully what you should do, because there is certain to be trouble for our master and his entire family. He is such a worthless fool nobody can talk to him!”
Lasting truths from: 1 Samuel 25:14-17
* As people who walk in the Spirit, we should be marked by peace and patience not petulance and rashness.
* We can work to do good without being “busybodies.”
* We need to be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit regarding when to step in, how to step in, and when to stay away.
2). Take the initiative to exercise and share godly wisdom.
1 Samuel 25:23-28
- When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey and knelt down with her face to the ground and paid homage to David.
- She knelt at his feet and said, “The guilt is mine, my lord, but please let your servant speak to you directly. Listen to the words of your servant.
- My lord should pay no attention to this worthless fool Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means ‘stupid,’ and stupidity is all he knows. I, your servant, didn’t see my lord’s young men whom you sent.
- Now my lord, as surely as the Lord lives and as you yourself live – it is the Lord who kept you from participating in bloodshed and avenging yourself by your own hand — may your enemies and those who intend to harm my lord be like Nabal.
- Let this gift your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord.
- Please forgive your servant’s offense, for the Lord is certain to make a lasting dynasty for my lord because he fights the Lord’s battles. Throughout your life, may evil not be found in you.
Lasting truths from: 1 Samuel 25:23-28
* Character matters.
* Humility can diffuse tense situations.
* When led by the Spirit and based on the Word of God, we can have boldness to step into situations where we might not normally be asked to lead.
3). Praise God when others follow godly wisdom.
1 Samuel 25:32-35
- Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who sent you to meet me today!
- May your discernment be blessed, and may you be blessed. Today you kept me from participating in bloodshed and avenging myself by my own hand.
- Otherwise, as surely as the Lord God of Israel lives, who prevented me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, Nabal wouldn’t have had any males left by morning light.”
- Then David accepted what she had brought him and said, “God home in peace. See, I have heard what you said and have granted your request.”
Lasting truths from: 1 Samuel 25:32-35
* We should be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to speak to others words of encouragement, rebuke, and thankfulness.
* God is sovereign over all His creation, but we are responsible for our actions.
* God deserves praise when His people act wisely.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- When should Christians not “mind their own business?”
- What should be your goal when confronting another believer?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”