SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 25-11-2018

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “Samuel anoints Saul King”, we learnt that Saul’s anointing was proof of his divine selection and approval. To be effective in ministry, Christian ministers must be endued with the Spirit’s power and endowed with divine gifts. Believers should not shrink from the call to service since Christ has promised to abide with us and strengthen us with the power of the Holy Ghost to do the will of God.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 720: VICTORY OF JABESH OVER AMMON MEMORY VERSE: …… “And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together” (1 Samuel 11:11). TEXT: 1 Samuel 11:1-15

TODAY’S STUDY (continued) INTRODUCTION: The Ammonites laid siege on Jabesh-gilead (a territory of the Israelites) shortly after Saul’s selection as king over Israel. This challenge and the accompanying victory confirmed the choice of Saul as divine. God appoints leaders to solve problems, fight and win battles and lead His people on the path of righteousness. QUESTION 1: Why does God appoint leaders over His people? – 1 Samuel 9:16; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-12

NAHASH’S SIEGE ON JABESH-GILEAD 1 Samuel 11:1-3; Revelation 12:9; John 10:10 For the present-day believer, the world is a battleground (1 Peter 5:8) and the devil, like a roaring lion, is seeking whom he may devour. It doesn’t matter whether you provoke him or not. The devil’s attacks are designed to bring reproach to God and His people. QUESTION 2: What can believers learn from the unprovoked siege on Jabesh-gilead? – Rev. 12:9-10; 1 Peter 5:8 QUESTION 3: What is Satan’s aim of attacking believers today? – 1 Samuel 11:1,2; John 10:10

SAUL PREPARES ISRAEL FOR BATTLE 1 Samuel 11:4-8; Ephesians 6:12; Proverbs 21:13; Acts 1:8; John 14:16 Saul’s confirmation as king came with the Holy Spirit coming upon him. The Spirit inspired fear and unity among the Israelites, and the strategy for battle. Without the Holy Ghost, the strongest of believers suffers defeat in life’s battles. Every believer will be filled and indwelt by the Spirit with faith, heart-hunger and earnest prayer. QUESTION 4: What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit in a believer? – Acts 1:8, John 16:13

CONQUEST OF THE AMONITES 1 Samuel 11:9-11; 1 John 3:16 Saul sent a message to the people of Jabesh-gilead about their readiness to rescue them and they were glad and rejoiced. Believers are to bear one another’s burden. Likewise, Christ procured and promised divine intervention and victory to all who become His children. The gospel liberates and brings joy to all under demonic siege. QUESTION 5: How can people win victory in life’s battle today? – 1 Corinthians 15:57; Acts 8:5-8; Galatians 6:2

KINGDOM RENEWAL AT GILGAL 1 Samuel 11:12-15; 1 Corinthians 15:57; Heb 13:15 Samuel’s call to the people to celebrate the victory was a call to renew the kingdom before God. At Gilgal, they made Saul king, offered sacrifices of peace offerings and there was great rejoicing. When God grants us victory in life’s battles, we must not abandon the fellowship of believers but return to praise and worship Him. QUESTION 6: What should be the believer’s attitude when God grants him victory in battles of life? – Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 103:1-3; 1 Cor 15:57

CONCLUSION Although the devil’s attack is to bring reproach to God and His people, God always intervenes to deliver His people. The gospel liberates and brings joy to all those under demonic siege; believers must be ready always to give this message of hope and deliverance to all. The power and presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer grants victory in life’s battles. We must always return in praise and worship to God when we enjoy victory.