Sunday School Lesson August 11, 2024

Subject: Jonathan  

The Point: Don’t let cultural expectations define your role.

Scriptures: 1 Samuel 18:1-4, 19:1-4, 23:15-18

Study The Bible: 1 Samuel 18:1-4

1). Don’t stumble over role expectations.

1. When David had finished speaking with Saul, Jonathan was bound to David in close friendship, and loved him as much as he loved himself.
2. Saul kept David with him from that day on and did not let him return to his father’s house.
3. Johathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as much as himself.
4. Then Johathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his military tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

Lasting truths from: 1 Samuel 18:1-4

* Rather than do what others expect us to do, we should be sure to do what is right.

* True friendship results among individuals when their spirits are knitted together in ways that cannot always be explained by rational argument.

* Having an unselfish disposition toward others is right, proper, and godly behavior.

* We are not to seethe in sorrow or boil in bitterness when someone else rises to higher levels in the eyes of others.

* Enjoy and encourage a friend’s success.

2). Correct unwarranted accusations.

1 Samuel 19:1-4

1. Saul ordered his son Johathan and all his servants to kill David. But Saul’s son Jonathan liked David very much,
2. so he told him, “My father, Saul, intends to kill you. Be on your guard in the morning and hide in a secret place stay there.
3. I’ll go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are and talk to him about you. When I see what he says, I’ll tell you.”
4. Jonathan spoke well of David to his father, Saul. He said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David. He hasn’t sinned against you; in fact, his actions have been a great advantage to you.

Lasting truths from: 1 Samuel 19:1-4

*  Sometimes the challenge to be loyal may pit us against attention and of which supporters on both sides have expectations.

* In difficult situations that have potential to be explosive, we need to act with wisdom rather than might, with reason rather than argument.

* Ultimately, in making decisions we must determine what is right in the Lord and best represent a stand against sinful behavior.

3). See your role from God’s perspective.

1 Samuel 23:15-18

15. David was in the Wilderness of Ziph in Horesh when he saw that Saul had come out to take his life.
16. Then Saul’s son Jonathan came to David in Horesh and encouraged him in his faith in God,
17. saying, “Don’t be afraid, for my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. You yourself will be king over Israel, and I’ll be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows it is true.”
18. Then the two of them made a covenant in the Lord’s presence. Afterward, David remained in Horesh, while Jonathan went home.

Lasting truths from: 1 Samuel 23:15-18

* Friends encourage one another especially during the most difficult times.

* The greatest encouragement is to assure one another of the power and presence of the Lord.

* God’s purpose and plan will be accomplished.

* The world may expect us to claim our rights; the way of the Lord is humility.

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:

1. What was some decision you made about the direction of your life that put you in the position of rejecting cultural expectations or the expectations of those close to you?
2. Recall a time when you stood up for someone who was falsely accused or ill-spoken of and you knew it was not true. What was the result?
3. How have you handled a situation in which someone else received a promotion or praise for something that you desired? Subsequently, did you see God at work in ways that was best for you and the other person, or did you allow it to become a point of contention and bitterness? What made the difference?

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.”

“If this lesson has been a blessing to you, leave us a comment.”