THE HATRED OF HYPOCRITES AND THE PROTECTION OF THE LORD: 1 Samuel 19

DOCTRINE. Hypocrites will hate the faithful, and the Lord will protect His people. 

STUDY AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

I. Understanding the Context and Narrative (1 Samuel 19)

1. Contextual Background:

- What is the historical and biblical context of 1 Samuel 19? Describe the relationship between Saul and David at this point in the narrative.

- Why is Saul envious of David, and how does this envy manifest in his actions in this chapter?

- How does the fact that David has been anointed as the future king, but not yet crowned, shape the events of this passage?

2. Narrative Details:

- List the five attempts by Saul to murder David in 1 Samuel 19. For each attempt, identify how the Lord protected David.

- Who are the key figures that God uses to protect David? What does this suggest about the diversity of means God employs to protect His people?

- How does the Spirit of God intervene in the fourth and fifth instances of protection (1 Sam. 19:20-24)? What is significant about this unusual intervention?

3. Boys and Girls Question:

- Imagine you are David, and someone like Saul is trying to hurt you. Who are the people God might send to help you, as Jonathan or Michal helped David? How can you trust God to protect you in tough situations?

II. Exploring the Doctrine

4. Core Doctrine:

- The sermon summarizes the doctrine as: "Hypocrites will hate the faithful, and the Lord will protect His people." How does 1 Samuel 19 illustrate this truth?

- Why do you think hypocrites are described as hating the faithful? What motivates this hatred, based on the sermon and Scripture?

5. Hypocrisy in Scripture:

- How does Jesus describe hypocrites in Matthew 23? What are some characteristics of hypocrisy that He condemns?

- What does it mean that a hypocrite is an "actor"? How might this definition apply to people today who claim to follow God but act contrary to His will?

6. God’s Protection:

- The sermon cites several Scriptures (such as Psalm 3:3, Zechariah 2:5, John 10:28-29) to show God’s promise to protect His people. How do these verses complement the story of David’s protection in 1 Samuel 19?

- What does it mean that God protects His people through a "diversity of means"? Can you think of examples from your own life or others’ lives where God provided protection in unexpected ways?

7. Boys and Girls Question:

- The sermon says God is like a shield, a fortress, and a wall of fire for His people. Which of these pictures helps you feel safe when you are scared? Why?

III. Personal Reflection and Application

8. Self-Examination:

- The sermon encourages examining oneself for "hypocritical growths" that need to be addressed through repentance, faith, and obedience. What are some signs of hypocrisy you might look for in your own life?

- How can you ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify and remove hypocrisy from your thoughts, words, or actions?

9. Facing Hatred:

- Jesus warns in John 15:20 that if the world persecuted Him, it will also persecute His followers. Have you ever experienced opposition or hatred for your faith? How did you respond, and how might this sermon encourage you in similar situations?

- 1 John 3:13 says, “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” Why might it be surprising if the world does not oppose a Christian? What does this suggest about living faithfully?

10. Trusting God’s Protection:

- The sermon references Romans 8:28, which says God works all things for good for those who love Him. How can this promise comfort you when facing trials or opposition?

- Reflect on Psalm 59 (quoted in the conclusion). How does David’s response to danger—singing of God’s strength and love—challenge or inspire your own response to difficulties?

11. Boys and Girls Question:

- When you feel like someone does not like you because you love Jesus, what can you do to remember that God is protecting you? How can you pray or talk to someone about it?

IV. Group Discussion and Broader Implications

12. Hypocrisy in the Church:

- How can hypocrisy manifest in a church community today? What steps can believers take to address it lovingly and biblically?

- The sermon notes that hypocrites may persecute the faithful openly or behind their backs. How can Christians respond to subtle or hidden forms of opposition within their communities?

13. God’s Sovereignty:

- In 1 Samuel 19, God uses people (Jonathan, Michal), David’s own skills, and His Spirit to protect David. What does this teach us about God’s sovereignty in our lives?

- How can the assurance of God’s protection (such as John 10:28-29) give believers confidence to live boldly for Christ, even in a hostile world?

14. Balancing Faith and Action:

- David both trusts God’s protection and takes action (such as fleeing, hiding). How can Christians balance trusting God with taking practical steps to stay safe or wise in dangerous situations?

- Jonathan and Michal actively intervene to help David. What are ways you can be a “Jonathan” or “Michal” to someone facing opposition for their faith?

15. Boys and Girls Discussion:

- Share a time when you felt God kept you safe, as He did for David. What did you learn about God from that experience? How can we help each other trust God when things are hard?

V. Connecting to the Gospel

16. Christ as the Faithful One:

- The sermon notes that the Pharisees hated Jesus, the ultimate faithful servant (Mark 3:6). How does Jesus’ experience of hatred and persecution relate to David’s story in 1 Samuel 19?

- How does Jesus’ victory over sin and death provide hope for believers facing hatred or hypocrisy today?

17. Eternal Security:

- The sermon cites John 10:28-29, where Jesus promises that no one can snatch His people from His or the Father’s hand. How does this promise of eternal security encourage believers to persevere through opposition?

- How does the doctrine of God’s protection in this sermon point to the ultimate salvation described in 1 Peter 1:3-5?

18. Responding with Praise:

- In Psalm 59, David responds to danger with praise for God’s strength and love. How can meditating on God’s promises (such as Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”) lead you to worship, even in trials?

- How does the gospel—God’s ultimate act of love and protection through Christ—motivate you to trust and praise Him, as David did?