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Saul continued to be jealous of David. He hunted him and tried to kill him. David had raised his own armies and could have fought Saul, but he did not. He respected Saul as king. David trusted the Lord to know when it was time for him to become king. Once, David came to Saul’s camp and found Saul sleeping. He quietly took Saul’s spear and water jug to prove to Saul how close he had been. After walking a long distance away, David called to Saul and told him that he could have killed him but chose to show mercy. Mercy means to show kindness even though we have the power or opportunity to hurt someone.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 26

Outline:

1. David quietly takes a spear and water jug from a sleeping King Saul. (1 Samuel 26:1-12)
2. Paul offers momentary peace to David. (1 Samuel 26:13-25)

Tips for teaching children:

• Talk about mercy and what it means. Mercy is compassion or forgiveness that is shown towards someone when we have the power to punish or harm them.
• Play a game where King Saul must identify David from the rest of the group.
  • One child should lie on the floor and pretend to sleep like King Saul did. The child should wear a blindfold. Place a couple of objects near him to represent a spear and water jug.
  • The rest of the children should group behind the sleeping King Saul.
  • Once Saul is “sleeping” the group chooses one child to quietly slip up to Saul. The child should remove the items and bring them back to the group.
  • The child playing David should say “Mercy” to signal King Saul to wake up and identify which child was David.
• Print the word MERCY in the middle of a large paper and then allow the children to decorate it with markers, crayons, glitter or other items.

Tips for teaching adults:

• This story is brief enough to read it during the class so I suggest that you have this text read.
• Ask the class to look over the story and to think about David’s words and actions. What were some right things that David does and says in this story? What can we learn about David?
• Challenge the class with the following: Live in such a way that your conscience is clear—even if others misunderstand you. At the end of each day ask, “If God looked at my actions today, would I be guiltless?” Pray according to how you answer.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: David Shows Mercy to Saul

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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David moved to Saul’s house. Saul often asked him to play the harp for him when he was upset. Saul became jealous when the people began to prefer David over him. In his jealousy, he threw a spear at David and tried to kill him. Saul’s son, Jonathan, was David’s friend, and he helped David escape from Saul.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 18:1-11 and chapter 20

Outline:

1. David and Jonathan become firm friends. (1 Samuel 18:1-4)
2. King Saul becomes jealous of David’s growing popularity. (1 Samuel 18:5-11)
3. Jonathan recognises Saul’s threats and helps David escape. (1 Samuel 20)

Tips for teaching children:

• Talk about jealousy and how it is seen in a child’s life.
• Make friendship bracelets.
• Paint friendship paintings. Two children work together on the same picture.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Begin the class time by asking the class members to think of their two or three closest friends and follow up with the question, “What makes them your closest friends? What qualities make them your friend?” Get someone to write these qualities or character traits on a white board.
• Have the text of 1 Samuel 18:1-11 read and then talk about the friendship of David and Jonathan. Although the Bible never spells out why they were such good friends, use your imagination, and discuss what qualities might they have that made them good friends and focus on Jonathan’s character.
• Summarise 1 Samuel 20 and follow up with these questions: 1) What did Jonathan sacrifice for his friendship with David? How does Jonathan model the character of God?
• Go back to the white board and ask everyone to choose one of these characteristics of being a friend that they lack and then pray about that silently for a minute or so.
• Close the session with a prayer focusing on asking God to help us be true friends to one another.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Jonathan Helps David Escape

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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David’s older brothers went to fight battles with King Saul while David stayed home and cared for his father’s sheep. When David was sent to take food to his brothers, he was appalled to find that the whole army was afraid of the Philistines. Every day, a huge soldier, Goliath, came forward and mocked the Lord and his army. David trusted in the Lord’s strength and knew that the Lord would help him defeat Goliath. David used his sling and killed Goliath with a stone between his eyes.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 17

Outline:

1. David hears Goliath’s bold challenge. (1 Samuel 17:1-30)
2. David kills Goliath (1 Samuel 17:31-58)

Tips for teaching children:

• If your space is tall enough, measure the height of Goliath and place a sign or tape on the wall at that height. 9 feet and 4 inches or 284.48 centimetres.
• Supply the children with 5 smooth stones each. Using Sharpie markers or paint, invite the children to write 5 words of their choice that describe their faith commitment. Example: “Mary will trust God always.”
• David had perfect aim. The children can throw tennis balls at a stack of overturned cups to practice their aim.
• Show pictures of a sling.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Begin the class by singing “The Battle Belongs to the Lord.”
• Ask the class to have their Bibles open at 1 Samuel 17 and then discuss the following questions from the text:
  • What qualities and characteristics of David does the story bring out?
  • How has David’s role as shepherd prepared him for his battle with the giant?
  • What does this tell us about our past victories and our present “giants” we may be facing?
  • What great acts of faith have you done or that you have seen in others?
• Have each class member to write down two or three times when God has helped them in the past to have a victory over a challenge they were facing. Follow up with asking each class member to pray silently to God thanking them for this victory.

Full teaching instructions, free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: David and Goliath

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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God told Samuel that he had chosen a new king for Israel, and the new king was to be one of Jesse’s seven sons. When Samuel saw the sons, he assumed the Lord would choose Jesse’s oldest son. Instead, to everyone’s surprise, the Lord chose the youngest son, David. Samuel anointed David as the new king, but it would be many years before the time was right for David to take Saul’s place. The Lord chose David even though he did not look as big and handsome as his older brothers. The Lord does not judge by outward appearance but by the heart.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 16:1-13

Outline:

1. God sends Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king, (1 Samuel 16:1-5)
2. Samuel anoints David. (1 Samuel 16:6-13)

Tips for teaching children:

• Before the session, ice and decorate plain cookies but add salt to a few of them. Show the iced ookies to the children and ask them to judge which would taste the best (without tasting). Finally, allow the children to taste the cookies and talk about how what looks good on the outside does not show what the inside is really like .
• Make a craft involving hearts.
• Anoint each of the children to show them what it was like for David. Use water as it is less messy than oil.
• Talk to the children about what is in their hearts.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Read the text or choose another person to read this story. Follow up the reading with the question: What does it mean that God was looking for a man after God’s own heart? What kind of heart would this be?
• Use the rest of class time to set up a date and time for your class to go “people watching.” The idea is to watch people and try to see them with the eyes of God, seeing them as God sees them.
  • Meet at a public space where there are people who are out and about. This could be a mall, the downtown area or any place where there are people walking about. Pair up and spread out. Each pair should find a spot to sit and watch people walk by. As you watch people walk by, think about what God may see in these people. Ask yourself the questions: “What does God see?” “What is their heart like?” “What is their story?” “What would God want to say to them?”
  • Do this for about ½ hour or so and then gather for a coffee and sit and reflect on this experience. Here are some further questions to ask: “What was this experience like?” Did you see people in a different way? How so? Was there anyone you saw that stood out to you? Why? What would you say to them? How would we interact with others if we saw them as God sees them?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Samuel Anoints David

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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The Lord gave King Saul specific instructions on how to handle a battle with the enemy, the Amalekites. King Saul disobeyed the Lord in front of all of the people, and then he refused to admit his own sin. When Samuel confronted him, Saul made excuses and even blamed others. Although Saul would remain in place as king for many years, it was at this time that the Lord rejected him as King.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 13:5-14; 15:1-35

Outline:

1. Saul’s impatience costs him the crown. (1 Samuel 13:5-14)
2. Saul disobeys God’s plan for battle. (1 Samuel 15:1-9)
3. Saul makes excuses and Samuel delivers God’s judgment. (1 Samuel 15:10-35)

Tips for teaching children:

• Discuss taking responsibility when we have done something wrong.
• Discuss God’s forgiveness when we repent. As a prayer exercise, provide small pieces of paper and pens. Children write their sins on the paper and then pray to ask God’s forgiveness. After the prayer, crumple up the paper and throw it in a rubbish bin. Plan for a quiet and thoughtful time for this, so the children do not rush through it. One way to do this is to turn the lights low and light candles.

Tips for teaching adults:

• The big takeaway from this story is the words Samuel spoke to Saul, “to obey is better than sacrifice.” Here are some questions to ask the class members. Remember to give them time to think and to formulate a response:
  • What does Samuel mean by this?
  • Does this mean that ritual in worship is not important? Why or why not?
  • How does this apply to our context today? How can we be guilty of sacrifice without obedience?
• Pass out paper and have each person in class write down an area of their life in which they struggle to obey God fully. After a period of time, ask each class member to pray about what they’ve written, asking God to give them strength and courage to obey and not to offer excuses. Ask God for the strength to trust him more, even when it is difficult.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: King Saul Disobeys God

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Although God warned Israel of the many problems associated with having a king, the people still demanded one. They wanted to be like the nations. Though reluctant, a handsome young man named Saul was anointed as Israel’s first King. The people quickly found out that having a king was not as good as they thought it would be.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 8-10

Outline:

1. Israel demands a king. (1 Samuel 8:1-22)
2. Samuel and Saul meet, and Samuel anoints Saul as king. (1 Samuel 9:1-10:8)
3. Saul is announced as King. (1 Samuel 10:9-27)

Tips for teaching children:

• Use water in a small pitcher to “anoint” kings in the class.
• Discuss the negative aspects of wanting to do things just because others are doing them.
• Younger children can “find the donkey” like Saul did. Use a toy donkey or pictures of a donkey.
• Make a crown.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Ask the class if they would be willing to share decisions they have made (big or little) and an unintended consequence of their decision, whether good or bad. What did they learn from their decision?
• This is a longer story, so you, the teacher, will need to summarise it for the class. Alternatively, you can ask the class to read the story before class, so everyone will be familiar with it when they come to class.
• How do you make decisions? When do you bring God into the picture in making decisions? How can you make decisions that honour God and are within his will?
• When Saul met Samuel, he didn’t know that God was orchestrating this meeting. Think about a time in your life where you believe you experienced a God moment, a meeting with someone or an event that you think was a God-orchestrated meeting or event. Share this with the class. Why do you believe this? How did it affect or change you or others?
• When Saul was announced as the king, he was hiding. Are you hiding from a ministry God is calling you to? Ask the class to share something they think God is calling them to, but they are ‘hiding’ from? How can the class encourage them to come out of hiding?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Saul Becomes Israel’s First King

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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While young Samuel was sleeping, the Lord called his name. Not recognising the voice, Samuel ran to the elderly Eli, mistakenly thinking it was him. When the voice continued to call Samuel, Eli told him to listen carefully. The voice must be the voice of the Lord. The Lord spoke to Samuel and told him that Eli’s sons would not be the new priests of Israel. Samuel would be. Samuel served the Lord as long as he lived as a Priest, Judge, and Prophet.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 3

Outline:

1. God calls young Samuel, but Samuel does not recognise God’s voice. (1 Samuel 3:1-9)
2. God speaks to Samuel and shares bad news about Eli’s family. (1 Samuel 3:10-18)
3. Samuel grows and establishes a solid reputation as a prophet. (1 Samuel 3:19-21)

Tips for teaching children:

• Invite the children to come to class in their pyjamas. Enjoy acting like Samel sleeping and hearing God calling his name.
• Play a game where one child sits in the middle of the room, blindfolded. The other children move around the room and take turns calling out “Samuel, Samuel.” If the blindfolded child recognises the voice of the caller, then they trade places.
• Talk about hearing God’s voice through reading the Bible.

Tips for teaching adults:

• This chapter is short enough to read in a class setting. I suggest using the outline provided in the show notes above. Alternatively, you can arrange for the class to listen to the story in audiobook format. Chances are, someone in the class will have an audiobook app on their phone.
• Instruct the class to be completely quiet and still, and to listen in complete silence. Do this for 1 minute. What did they hear? What did they notice?
• Encourage the class to get into the habit of really listening to God’s voice when they read the Scripture. Find a quiet space and a quiet time. Read the Scripture slowly and mindfully, concentrating on the words of the text – not just the words themselves but also the emotional content of the text, the way the text moves forward. Encourage the class to be intentional when reading the word of God. And begin your Scripture reading by saying, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.” The following week, ask the class if this made a difference in their reading and understanding God’s word.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: The Lord Speaks to Samuel

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org

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Hannah did not forget the promise that she had made to the Lord. After her son, Samuel, was weaned, she took him to the Tabernacle and presented him to Eli, the High Priest. Samuel’s parents returned home, but Samuel remained with Eli to be a helper. Samuel would have cleaned and run errands and lots of other jobs to help the priests. Hannah made a new robe for Samuel every year and brought it to him when she and Elkanah visited the Tabernacle.

Bible verses used in this episode:

1 Samuel 1:21-2:26

Outline:

1. Hannah gives her son, Samuel, to God. (1 Samuel 1:21-28)
2. Hannah gives thanks. (1 Samuel 2:1-10)
3. Young Samuel’s purity in contrast to Eli’s evil sons. (1 Samuel 2:11-26)

Tips for teaching children:

• Children can design a coat. Alternatively, outline a coat and provide materials for the children to decorate it. Talk about Hannah giving Samuel a new coat every year.
• Collect stories of children doing heroic things and share the stories with the children in your class.
• Invite the children to reflect on how it would be in the tabernacle and what they might see or hear.
• Young children can clean or straighten up the classroom to relate to Samuel helping in the tabernacle.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Ask the class to think of an answered prayer and then write down a short prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God. Ask those who are willing to read these prayers to the class.
• As a class, do something special for the children in your congregation. Depending on the size of the church or your resources, do something that will encourage your children, do something that communicates your love and God’s love and that communicates how special they are.
• Pray for the children of your congregation by name – pray that they will grow up serving God and pray that you will do what you can to help them grow up to serve God.

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: Samuel- Helper in the Tabernacle

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org