BITTER RESENTMENT VS. FAITHFUL CONTENTMENT: 1 Samuel 18:17-30

DOCTRINE. Bitter resentment will lead to your destruction, but faithful contentment will lead to God’s glory. 

S T U D Y   Q U E S T I O N S

INTRODUCTION AND DOCTRINE

What is the central doctrine of the sermon drawn from 1 Samuel 18:17-30? How does it contrast "bitter resentment" with "faithful contentment"?

Based on the introduction, how does Saul’s envy in 1 Samuel 18:1-16 set the stage for his actions in verses 17-30? What does this suggest about the progression of unchecked bitterness?

How does David’s response to Saul’s mistreatment in this passage demonstrate "faithful contentment"? Cite specific examples from the text.

I. SAUL’S BITTER RESENTMENT

Define "resentment" as presented in the sermon. How does it differ from mere anger, and what are some sources of bitterness mentioned?

Examine Saul’s hypocritical treatment of David in 1 Samuel 18:17. What was Saul’s underlying motive, and how does this reflect bitterness?

How did Saul attempt to provoke David to sin in verses 18-19? Why might this have been a tempting situation for David to grow resentful?

In 1 Samuel 18:20-21, Saul tries to ensnare David through Michal. What are the two possible ways Saul might have intended this trap to work?

What is flattery, according to the sermon, and how did Saul use it manipulatively in verse 22? How does the Bible warn against flattery (e.g., Psalm 5:9, Proverbs 29:5)?

How does Saul’s demand for 100 Philistine foreskins (verses 23-25) reveal his destructive intent? What does this teach us about the fruit of bitterness?

Despite David’s faithful service, Saul remains his enemy continually (verses 26-30). What does this suggest about the irrational nature of bitterness?

II. DAVID’S FAITHFUL CONTENTMENT

How does David’s humble response in 1 Samuel 18:18 reflect a heart of contentment rather than pride or entitlement?

In verse 19, David does not react bitterly when Merab is given to another. What does this reveal about his trust in God’s providence?

How does David resist the flattery of Saul’s servants in verses 20-25? What can we learn from his example about handling insincere praise?

David’s success in slaying 200 Philistines (verses 26-27) fulfills Saul’s challenge. How does this action demonstrate both courage and contentment in God’s will?

What role does God’s presence with David (verse 28a) play in his ability to remain content? How does this connect to the gospel message in the sermon?

Why do you think Michal’s love for David (verse 28b) and Saul’s hatred (verse 29) are highlighted as outcomes of his faithful contentment?

David’s success and esteem in verse 30 come despite Saul’s opposition. How does this illustrate the difference between worldly and godly measures of success?

CONCLUSION

How does God’s protection over David throughout this passage reinforce the sermon’s doctrine about faithful contentment leading to God’s glory?

What are some "rotten fruits" of Saul’s bitter resentment and "happy fruits" of David’s faithful contentment listed in the sermon? How do these contrast?

D I S C U S S I O N   Q U E S T I O N S

PERSONAL REFLECTION

The sermon asks, “Are you bitter toward anyone?” Reflect on your own life: Are there situations or people toward whom you harbor bitterness? How might this affect your spiritual well-being?

How do you respond when someone wrongs you, as Saul did to David? Do you lean toward resentment or seek contentment in God’s providence?

David remained humble and unaffected by flattery. How do you handle praise or criticism from others? Are there times when you’ve been swayed by flattery?

The sermon exhorts us to “confess and crucify your bitterness.” What practical steps can you take to release bitterness and cultivate contentment?

GROUP DISCUSSION

Discuss the definition of bitterness as “rot in the soul which springs from anger.” How have you seen bitterness manifest in your own life or in others? What does Hebrews 12:15 suggest as a remedy?

Saul’s actions show how bitterness leads to destructive plans (e.g., hypocrisy, manipulation). Share an example (personal or hypothetical) of how bitterness can spiral into harmful behavior.

The sermon defines Christian contentment as “a state of spiritual peace and satisfaction in God’s providence.” What are some challenges to achieving this in today’s world? How can we encourage each other toward this goal?

David’s contentment allowed him to thrive despite Saul’s enmity. As a group, discuss how trusting in God’s sovereignty can help us face opposition or unfair treatment.

The sermon notes that “hypocrites hate the faithful because they show them, by comparison, what they really are.” Have you experienced this dynamic in relationships? How can we respond with grace rather than resentment?

How does Christ’s example of winning a bride through His valiant effort (point IV under David’s contentment) inspire us to pursue faithful contentment in our own trials?

APPLICATION

The sermon quotes Ephesians 4:13, urging us to put away bitterness and malice. As a group, brainstorm practical ways to replace bitterness with love and forgiveness in daily life.

David was esteemed by the godly despite being hated by Saul. How can we prioritize God’s approval and the support of fellow believers over worldly acceptance?

Boys and girls are warned to “watch out for those who flatter you” (Proverbs 27:6). How can we teach younger generations to discern genuine encouragement from manipulative flattery?