bible study established relationships

Linked (30 Week) StudyLesson: Established Relationships

Biblical Passage

1 Samuel 20:1–17, 20:42

Supporting Passages

1 Samuel 16:1-23, 18:1-9, 19:1-24

Memory Verse

1 Samuel 20:42

Biblical Truth

David and Jonathan swore a covenant with each other and each other’s descendants.

Context

Christian relationships are to be covenantal, just as we have a covenant with God that defines our relationship to Him.However, when we talk about a covenant relationship between two people, most of the time it is in the context of marriage.This lesson continues the theme of relationships, but in the context of a covenantal friendship—a true relationship. Throughexamining the relationship between David and Jonathan, students will understand the value of having covenantal qualities inall of their relationships.

Learning GoalsExplore: Students will understand what a covenant relationship looks like.●

Transform: Students will apply their understanding of what a covenant relationship looks like by evaluating their own●

relationships.

Prayer Suggestions

As you prepare to teach, pray for your students.

Pray that your students will understand the meaning and depth of covenantal relationships.●

Pray that your students will become the kind of friend that others can depend on when the relationship is tested.●

Pray that your students will begin to seek out relationships with Godly people upon whom they can trust in any situation.●

InvestigationOriginally, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were one book in the Hebrew Bible; together, they were called “The Book ofSamuel.” This one book recorded the early history of the Hebrew movement from a confederation of 12 tribes to a monarchy.The division of the book into two was introduced into the Hebrew Bible in A.D. 1516. The book of 1 Samuel covers the lifeand ministry of the prophet Samuel, the kingship of Saul, and the rise of David to his kingship. As to authorship, according toJewish tradition, Samuel was the author of 1 Samuel 1–24, and the rest of 1 and 2 Samuel was composed by the prophetsNathan and Gad. The major theme of 1 Samuel is the establishment of the monarchy under Saul and David.

King David experienced perilous times as he grew from being a shepherd-boy to being a king. While a shepherd, Samuel theprophet had privately anointed the young David as the next king of Israel (1 Sam. 16). Soon afterward, David had slain the[Philistine] giant Goliath in a battle that was observed by the reigning king, Saul, and his son, the heir-apparent to the throne,Jonathan (1 Sam. 17:1–18:1). King Saul became increasingly jealous of David and sought to kill him. Jonathan, however,became David’s closest friend. More than once David relied on the loyal, consistent friendship of Jonathan.

The book of 1 Samuel 18–20 reports David’s service in the royal court of King Saul. The account unfolds in terms of therelationship between David and Jonathan. Two facts become clear: 1) The man whom David displaced in succession to thethrone of Israel was Jonathan, his best friend; and 2) Jonathan recognized the legitimacy of David’s rule. In the middle of theturbulence caused by Saul’s increasing hostility toward David, Jonathan and David cultivated a strong, Godly, covenantfriendship.

ImportanceThis passage teaches the Essential Truth that People are God’s Treasure. Both Jonathan and David were people created inthe image of God whose lives were lived by trusting God. Although both had inherited a sin nature, they had encounteredGod’s grace personally and were capable of establishing a Godly relationship with each other.

Saul became the example of what happens to a person who allows his sin nature to dominate his life. Saul willfully disobeyedthe Lord. His jealousy of David grew to be the prevailing force in his life. It led him to repeated attempts to kill David. Therewas no place in Saul’s life for God’s grace.

This lesson presents a stark contrast between men of faith and a self-seeking man. Saul is the dark figure, filled with selfish

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ambition. Jonathan and David are brilliantly illuminated figures who trust the Lord, which served as the basis for their lovingfriendship.

Interpretation1 Samuel 20:1–2 In all of literature there is not a clearer example of genuine devotion and friendship than Jonathan andDavid. This is seen in the last discussion between the two. It is a glimpse of an episode in David’s life when he was totallydependent upon Jonathan’s friendship. After Saul’s several failed attempts to kill him, David fled the royal court to meetJonathan. David wasted no time in confronting his friend with key questions. His uninterrupted series of three questionsreveal his fear and dismay over Saul’s efforts to kill him. He had not disobeyed the king’s commands, nor had he incited anyrebellion against the crown, nor had he violated any of God’s laws. David loved Jonathan dearly and did not want to hurt himby criticizing Jonathan’s father. But there was urgency in David’s voice; his life was at stake.

Jonathan’s reply to David’s questions revealed his naive and mistaken assessment of the situation. He tried to convince Davidthat the king would not kill him. After all, the king, so Jonathan thought, always discussed his plan with his son. So, if Saulwished to kill David, Jonathan would have known about it.

1 Samuel 20:3–4 David’s reply to Jonathan pointed out that Saul was indeed keeping Jonathan in the dark about his hostilitytoward David. David said that he was only a step away from death, referring to the three times that he had dodged Saul’sspear. Jonathan’s unconditional friendship surfaced when he told David that he would do anything David requested. Davidhad to rely upon Jonathan’s trustworthiness as a friend to implement a scheme to reveal Saul’s true intention. The plan wouldbe a simple test of Saul’s intent.

1 Samuel 20:5–11 The plan involved taking advantage of a national new moon feast. It was customary for each Jewishfamily to hold a feast at each new moon (Num. 10:10, 28:11–15). Saul would expect David (Saul’s son-in-law, a member of theroyal court, and Israel’s military hero) to be present at the royal table. If David did not attend, it would be an insult to theking and the family. So David’s absence would reveal Saul’s true attitude toward David. If Saul asked about David’s absenceand was satisfied with Jonathan’s answer, then Jonathan would know that he was correct in thinking that Saul did not intendto kill David. But if Saul became angry and did not accept Jonathan’s explanation regarding David’s absence, then Jonathanwould know for sure that Saul’s intention was to kill David.

As David and Jonathan agreed on the plan to expose Saul’s true intentions, David reminded Jonathan of the serious nature oftheir conversation. He requested that Jonathan “show kindness” to him. This phrase in the Hebrew language refers tocovenant loyalty. David called on his right as a covenant partner with Jonathan to claim Jonathan’s complete loyalty in thissituation. A better man than Jonathan could not be found. The covenant between them had been made in the Lord’s presence.Their friendship was built on the foundation of a relationship with the Lord. Because of this relationship, David asked that ifhe had done anything worthy of death, Jonathan, not Saul, would kill him. Jonathan assured David that he would tell David ofany plans that Saul had to kill him. When David asked how he would find out what Jonathan learned, Jonathan took them outto a field to talk, perhaps to avoid spies.

1 Samuel 20:12–17 Once in the field, Jonathan uttered an oath to guarantee his trustworthiness as part of the covenantbetween himself and David. He put his life in jeopardy if he failed to tell David about Saul’s favor. If Saul intended to do evil,Jonathan would send David away in peace. Furthermore, Jonathan acknowledged that God’s favor had passed from his fatherto David, indicating that Jonathan recognized that he would not rule Israel but rather that David would. Finally, Jonathanasked David to show covenant loyalty to him and to his family. He asked that David not consider him and his family as David’senemies. Years later, David showed this covenant loyalty in his treatment of Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 9:1–13).

Jonathan reaffirmed his oath, and David reaffirmed his. There was no mention of offering a covenant sacrifice or signing anagreement or exchanging gifts. The love which these men had for the Lord and for each other seemed sufficient to make thecovenant binding.

1 Samuel 20:42 Jonathan learned that Saul intended to kill David. He knew that David was no longer safe in the court ofSaul and that he would have to flee. Jonathan gave the sign for David’s departure as he shot three arrows into the field whereDavid was hiding. In parting, the two again stressed their covenant bond.

ImplicationsJonathan proved to be a Godly friend by helping David. Do you have a Godly friend such as Jonathan in your life? Such afriend will come to your defense when you have need. Are you that kind of a friend to someone else? Do you come to thedefense of another when he or she is misrepresented and accused falsely?

Godly friends put the interests and needs of others ahead of their own. They encourage others as they have opportunity.


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Godly friends will keep confidences and will not divulge confidential matters.

How can your life be an example of Godly, covenantal relationships—such as friendship and marriage? Consider theimportance of sharing with students the need that they have for such relationships in their own lives. These will the sort ofrelationships that they will carry with them throughout life—relationships that build up and do not tear down.

Teaching Plan: Connect ActivitiesIf the lesson contains activity sheets, they will be included at the end of your lesson document.

Review Questions: Love One Another(5–8 minutes, easy set-up)Download the “Review Questions” activity sheet. Print one copy for your own use.

After greeting students, use the review questions to test what they can recall from the previous lesson as well as to providecontext for today’s lesson.

Drama: Be Your Best Friend(5–10 minutes, easy set-up)Download the drama script. Prior to the session, enlist two students to enact the drama. Give copies of the script to castmembers ahead of time so that they will be ready to perform it.

Prompt students to perform the drama. Afterward, ask: What do you think is so unique about Jules and Piper’sfriendship? Have you ever had a friend like this? What makes best friends just that? Explain that today we’ll use afriendship in Scripture as a case study of what goes into relationships that are based on something more than a superficialstatement.

Media: BFF(5–10 minutes, Linked Media Pass required)If your church has purchased the Linked Media Pass or the Linked DVD, preview and arrange to show the “BFF” video. (Ifyour church has not purchased the Linked Media Pass, you can purchase this single video through the “Media” tab.)

Show the “BFF” video to your group. Afterward, ask: What makes your relationship with your best friend differentfrom all your other friendships? Allow students to respond. Then say: Today we’re going to examine a friendship thatwas defined by the commitment that two friends made to each other before God.

Teaching Plan: Explore ActivitiesIf the lesson contains activity sheets, they will be included at the end of your lesson document.

Key Study: Established Relationships(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)Download the Student Worksheet. Print a copy for each student. Also provide pens, dry erase board, and dry erase marker.Write each of the following questions on its own blank poster: What did “covenant” look like in 1 Samuel 20:1–4? What did“covenant” look like in 1 Samuel 20:5–10? What did “covenant” look like in 1 Samuel 20:11–15? What did “covenant” looklike in 1 Samuel 20:16–17? Tape the posters on the walls around the room, and place a few markers on the floor beneatheach one.

Learning Goal: Students will understand what a covenant relationship looks like.

Using the Ancient Israel map, point to the area just northwest of the Dead Sea. Share that Scripture explains that David fledNaioth, a section of Ramah, in order to escape from King Saul, who sought to kill him. Explain that from there he went tomeet with his friend Jonathan, Saul’s son. Using the Old Testament Timeline, point out the date of David and Jonathan’sfriendship as 1020 B.C. Share with students that David had already been secretly anointed to be the next king, whichnullified Jonathan’s claim to the throne. Share that although Jonathan knew this, he accepted it as the will of God, which


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enabled him to be David’s friend.

On the dry erase board, write the word covenant. Next, list the following words: commitment, promise, oath or vow,andrelationship. Ask: Which of these words best describes the word covenant? Why or why not? Enlist student responses.Help students to understand that all of the words play a role in a covenant but that the word covenant itself implies arelationship—one that is unselfish.

Explain further that to form a covenant relationship with a person is to enter into a binding agreement of mutual recognitionand love. Point out that it includes consequences if a person should fail to keep the covenant, and it involves blessings if aperson honors the covenant. Say: Faithfulness to the covenant is expected because of the relationship and thepromise between the parties. Ask: So what does this look like in life? Most students may compare it to a marriage. Say:Marriage and the relationship between God and His people are often the primary examples of covenant that weconsider, but 1 Samuel 20 provides us with a covenant that took place between the two friends David andJonathan.

Distribute pens and copies of the Student Worksheet at this time. Divide students into four groups and instruct each group tomove to one of the posters on the wall and to answer the question in their own words. Direct them to use the markers placedbelow each sheet poster. Instruct students to also answer these questions on the worksheet. Give students five or six minutesto complete the questions. Afterward, move to each of the posters and open a discussion about their findings. Use thefollowing prompts:

Poster 1: Although Jonathan was the crown prince of Israel, he recognized that David would become Israel’s next king. In●

addition to replacing Jonathan as ruler, David eclipsed him as Israel’s military champion. In spite of these things, how didJonathan treat David? Remind students that instead of treating David as a rival, Jonathan loved him as a brother.Poster 2: Ask the students to identify David’s request in 1 Samuel 20:8 and to identify the basis for this request. (The●

request is for Jonathan to “deal kindly” with him, and the basis for this request is the covenant that Jonathan had formedwith him in 1 Samuel 18:1–4.)Poster 3: Ask the students to identify Jonathan’s request in 1 Samuel 20:14–15. (Jonathan’s request was for David to show●

“steadfast love” to him and to his descendants, particularly by not killing them.)Poster 4: In 1 Samuel 20:17, how does the verse express that Jonathan loved David?●

Then say: Living in covenant relationship is so much more than keeping a promise. It is living selfless lives ofcommitment to another and placing their needs ahead of our own. This can only come from a God of love—a Godof covenant relationships.

Using the Eight Essential Truths poster, point out the Essential Truth that People are God’s Treasure. (If your church hasnot purchased the Eight Essential Truths bookmarks or posters, you can print the Eight Essential Truths fromwww.studentlife.com/biblestudy/ essential-truths/). Share that because of God’s grace at work in our lives, He unselfishlyexpresses His love for us. Conclude the activity by saying: In turn, we are able to give that love away to others andplace their needs ahead of our own. That’s living in covenant relationship. God is at work in our lives. Through us,He is able to show love to others.

Master Teacher Key Study: Established Relationships(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)Download the Master Teacher Key Study. Print one copy for your own use. Also download the Master Teacher StudentWorksheet. Print a copy for each learner. Also provide pens.

Learning Goal: Students will understand what a covenant relationship looks like.

Pass out pens and copies of the Master Teacher Student Worksheet. Then use the Master Teacher Key Study to teach 1Samuel 20:1–17.

Teaching Plan: Transform ActivitiesIf the lesson contains activity sheets, they will be included at the end of your lesson document.

Deeper Discussion(10 minutes, easy set-up)


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Learning Goal: Students will apply their understanding of what a covenant relationship looks like by evaluating their ownrelationships.

Use the following questions to begin a discussion about relationships.

While you might not enter into formal covenants with people like David and Jonathan did with each other, what●

qualities of their relationship do you want to demonstrate in your relationships?How can you know whether your relationship with someone is Godly?●

How does your relationship with God affect your relationships with other people?●

What should be the foundation for your actions and treatment of others?●

What are specific examples of how you can love someone even when you do not feel like loving that person?●

Creative Prayer(5–7 minutes, easy set-up)Provide paper and pens.

Learning Goal: Students will apply their understanding of what a covenant relationship looks like by evaluating their ownrelationships.

Pass out pens and paper to students, then lead them to respond to the following prompts.

Thank God for the relationships that pointed you to Him.●

Write a thank-you sentence to God for the relationship that He has established with you.●

Ask God to forgive you for the times when you forsake the covenant that He has established with you.●

Ask God to make you into a person who points others to a relationship with Him.●


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Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2005. All rights reserved. Together 3, Prep GuidePermission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

Together 3, “Established Relationships”

Prep Guide

Biblical Passages: 1 Samuel 20:1–17, 20:42

Biblical Truth: David and Jonathan swore a covenant with each other and each other’s descendants.

PRAYER SUGGESTIONSAs you prepare to teach, pray for your students.

• Pray that your students will understand the meaning and depth of covenantal relationships.

• Pray that your students will become the kind of friend that others can depend on when therelationship is tested.

• Pray that your students will begin to seek out relationships with Godly people upon whom they cantrust in any situation.

COMPLETE SUPPLY LISTConnect . . .

Review Questions: Love One Another—copies of the “Review Questions” activity sheet Drama: Be Your Best Friend—copies of the drama script, any necessary props Media: BFF—Linked Media Pass OR Linked DVD Especially for Younger Students: Beach Ball Friends—beach ball, marker Especially for Older Students: Act It Out—copy of the “Act It Out” activity sheet, scissors, threebaskets

Explore . . . Key Study: Established Relationships—copies of the Student Worksheet, pens, dry erase board,dry erase marker, four blank posters, markers, tape Master Teacher Key Study: Established Relationships—copy of the Master Teacher Key Study,copies of the Master Teacher Student Worksheet, pens Especially for Younger Students: Promise Kept—dry erase board, dry erase marker Especially for Older Students: I Love You More—No supplies needed

Transform . . . Deeper Discussion—No supplies needed Especially for Younger Students: The Friendship Draft—paper, pens, dry erase board, dryerase marker Especially for Older Students: You’ve Got a Friend in Me—copies of the “You’ve Got a Friend inMe” activity sheet, pens, four blank posters, marker, tape Creative Prayer—paper, pens Linked Student Book—Linked student book

Copyright © Clarity Publishers, 2009. All rights reserved. Together 3, “Review Questions” PDFPermission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.


Review Questions

1. What is the condition for abiding in Christ’s love? (Lesson 2)

a. going and bearing fruit

b. loving one another

c. laying down your life for your friends

d. keeping Christ’s commandments

2. What was the reason for Jesus speaking to His disciples in John 15:9–17? (Lesson 2)

a. He wanted them to know how to obey Him.

b. He wanted them to abide in Him.

c. He wanted them to experience the joy of Christ to its fullest measure.

d. He wanted them to bear fruit.

3. What commandment is Christ’s primary concern in John 15:9–17? (Lesson 2)

a. loving one another

b. laying down our lives for our friends

c. going and bearing fruit

d. loving God

4. What is the condition for being the friend of Christ? (Lesson 2)

a. doing what He says

b. loving Him

c. loving others

d. sacrificing ourselves for the sake of others


5. According to Jesus, what is the difference between a servant and a friend? (Lesson 2)

a. Friends do not have to obey each other.

b. Servants do not have a choice as to whether they will obey their master.

c. Friends love each other, but masters do not necessarily love their servants.

d. Friends inform each other of their news, but servants do not know their master’s business.



Review Questions

1. What is the condition for abiding in Christ’s love? (Lesson 2)

a. going and bearing fruit

b. loving one another

c. laying down your life for your friends

d. keeping Christ’s commandments

2. What was the reason for Jesus speaking to His disciples in John 15:9–17? (Lesson 2)

a. He wanted them to know how to obey Him.

b. He wanted them to abide in Him.

c. He wanted them to experience the joy of Christ to its fullest measure.

d. He wanted them to bear fruit.

3. What commandment is Christ’s primary concern in John 15:9–17? (Lesson 2)

a. loving one another

b. laying down our lives for our friends

c. going and bearing fruit

d. loving God

4. What is the condition for being the friend of Christ? (Lesson 2)

a. doing what He says

b. loving Him

c. loving others

d. sacrificing ourselves for the sake of others


5. According to Jesus, what is the difference between a servant and a friend? (Lesson 2)

a. Friends do not have to obey each other.

b. Servants do not have a choice as to whether they will obey their master.

c. Friends love each other, but masters do not necessarily love their servants.

d. Friends inform each other of their news, but servants do not know their master’s business.

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2010. All rights reserved. Together 3, Drama, Page 1Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

Together 3, “Established Relationships”Drama

Be Your Best Friend

Characters:JULESPIPER

Props: None are required, but you may wantactors to carry backpacks.

Costumes: normal street clothes

Creative Note: Consider having JULES andPIPER be played by real-life best friends.

(JULES and PIPER enter from opposite sides ofthe stage.)

JULES: Ohmygosh, Piper, I'm so glad tosee you.

PIPER: Hey, Jules.

JULES: I have been looking for youeverywhere.

PIPER: Oh, really? What's up?

JULES: I need your help desperately.

PIPER: Okay. Tell me what's going on.

JULES: Okay. Well, you know how I'vebeen trying to get an interviewwith the superintendent for theschool paper about the upcomingbond issue . . .

PIPER: Yeah. (sarcastically) You're suchan investigative reporter.

JULES: Give it a rest. Anyway, I finallygot one.

PIPER: Shut it!

JULES: No, I'm serious. Today. Afterschool. I've got fifteen minutes.

PIPER: That's great, Jules.

JULES: Hold your enthusiasm. I'm notdone yet. You see, I'm supposedto pick up Craig after schooltoday, but I don't have time to doit and get to the interview. So . . .

PIPER: Oh, no. Come on, Jules. Yourbrother hates me.

JULES: No he doesn't. Honest. He totallyhas a crush on you.

PIPER: But he's always punching me andmaking fun of me.

JULES: Yeah. That's how he shows hisaffection.

PIPER: I don't know . . .

JULES: Please! Please, please, please,please, please, please, please,please! I'll be your best friend.

PIPER: Well . . . okay . . . I guess . . .since you'll be my best friend.

JULES: Killer. Thank you so, so, so, somuch. I really owe you one.

PIPER: It's cool.

JULES: Seriously. If you ever needanything, like, for real, I'm yourgirl.

PIPER: Actually, that reminds me. Thereis this one thing.

JULES: Lay it on me.

PIPER: Okay. I told you how Mrs. Finleyput me in charge of the MissMustang pageant this year, right?

JULES: Yeah. Do you need help withfliers or something?

PIPER: Not exactly.

JULES: Then what?

PIPER: I'm kinda short on contestants.

Copyright © Student Life Publishing, 2010. All rights reserved. Together 3, Drama, Page 2Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

JULES: No kidding. That's because it'slame.

PIPER: I know it's lame. Believe me, Iknow. I think Mrs. Finley had itout for me when she gave methis, but I've still got to do it.

JULES: So, what? You want me to helpyou recruit some girls to be in it?

PIPER: No. I want you to be in it.

JULES: You've got to be kidding me.

PIPER: No way. And I think you couldtotally win.

JULES: Nope. Absolutely not. That's notmy thing.

PIPER: I know it's not, but I'm desperate.If you sign up, then I know thatDawn, Maggie, and Sharon willtoo.

JULES: There's no way.

PIPER: Come on. Please! Please,please, please, please, please,please, please, please! I'll beyour best friend.

JULES: Fine. Fine. Whatever. Just solong as you'll be my best friend.

PIPER: You know I will.

(Pause.)

JULES: Yeah. I do.

PIPER: What?

JULES: I know that you'll be my bestfriend. I mean, we've been sayingthat since we were little kids toget the other one to do what wewanted.

PIPER: You're right. Remember whenyou used it to get me to run awaywith you?

JULES: Yep. And then you used it to getme to cover for you when yousnuck out last year.

PIPER: Right.

JULES: It's getting kind of silly to keepusing it, don't you think?

PIPER: Yeah. It's really pretty childish.

JULES: That's not what I mean. We arebest friends, right?

PIPER: Absolutely.

JULES: So, won't we do what the otherneeds anyway?

PIPER: Within reason.

JULES: Of course.

PIPER: Absolutely.

JULES: Good. I'm glad that we're on thesame page.

PIPER: Me too.

JULES: Now, you better get moving.

PIPER: Why?

JULES: My little brother's going to bewaiting.

PIPER: Right. Great. Okay. Later, MissMustang.

JULES: You better be glad that we're bestfriends already. Otherwise I'dnever forgive you for this.

PIPER: You'll love it.

JULES: Whatever. See ya.

(They both exit.)

(The End)

STU

DE LINKED :: TOGETHER

Lesson 3 :: Established RelationshipsBiblical Passage: 1 Samuel 20:1–17, 20:42Memory Verse: 1 Samuel 20:42 Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn

friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descen-dants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.

ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPSThink about the covenant relationship between Jonathan and David. It displayed love, commitment, loyalty, promises, honor, and faithfulness. Think about what the covenant looked like in the following sections of verses.

1. What did the covenant relationship look like in 1 Samuel 20:1–4?




Student Worksheet

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Copyright © Clarity Publishers, 2009. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of Student Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

Copyright © Clarity Publishers, 2009. All rights reserved. Together 3, Master Teacher Key StudyPermission is granted for reproduction only for the study ofStudent Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church duringthe licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.


Master Teacher Key Study

Master Teacher Key StudyESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS(15–20 minutes, easy set-up)Use this outline and any of the corresponding activities to share the Biblical Truth with students.

Intro: Why does God provide us with friendships?

Description: God created humans with a need for fellowship. As Christians, we cannot live without thefellowship and support of other believers. We need others to walk life with us—to encourage us, tosharpen us, to help us, and to point us to Christ. Furthermore, we need to be this type of friend to others.God calls us believers to demonstrate this intense level of dedication and responsibility to each other.

Illustration: In The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Frodo could not have survived and finishedhis task of destroying the ring without Sam’s help. The task was too big, too much for one person to doalone. It required the help of another. It required a friend for the journey. Sam encouraged Frodo tocontinue. He protected and aided his friend. When they reached Mount Doom, Frodo, weakened by theburden of the ring, became immobilized, and Sam exclaimed, “I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!”He then carried Frodo up the rest of the mountain, thereby enabling him to destroy the ring.

1. True friends demonstrate honor and trust in their relationship (1 Sam. 20:1–11).

Description: The openness, honesty, and positive reception between Jonathan and David demonstratedthe depth of their friendship. Furthermore, the two men trusted each other even though both knew thatDavid would one day be king. There was every reason for distrust, but David trusted Jonathan to honorhis covenant (1 Sam. 18:1–4). David knew his friend’s character, which enabled him to trust thatJonathan’s actions toward him would be honorable.

Illustration: In the motion picture National Treasure 2, Riley, tries to convince Ben of his conspiracytheory. He states, “Ben, if it were you trying to convince me, you’d have less evidence, and I’d alreadybelieve you by now.” Riley, Abigail, and the other characters trusted Ben’s decisions because of hischaracter and how he had conducted himself in the past. Their prior experiences with him had taughtthem that he was trustworthy. Jonathan and David trusted each other because they knew the character ofthe other.


Application: Do you have a reputation for being trustworthy? Do your actions communicate that you arehonest, loyal, and dependable? Do you give others the benefit of the doubt and assume the best insteadof the worst? In our relationships, openness will only exist in an environment of trust. Exhibiting uprightqualities adds to our credibility and gives others reason to trust us.

2. True friends love the other as they love themselves (1 Sam. 20:12–17).

Description: Jonathan could have refused to help David. While Jonathan had been raised as the crownprince of Israel, this shepherd from Bethlehem had been appointed to rule instead. Jonathan could havechosen to be jealous, angry, or bitter toward David, but instead Jonathan went out of his way to help him.Jonathan willingly chose to serve and to protect his friend at the risk of his own life. The truth of our heartsbears fruit in our actions, and Jonathan’s aid to David demonstrated his selfless love for his friend.

Illustration: In the motion picture Bride Wars, Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson’s characters takeextraordinary measures to sabotage each other’s weddings—even though they had been best friends.They both wanted to have their wedding at the Plaza Hotel, but because of an office mistake, theirweddings were booked for the same location on the same day. They both chose to sacrifice theirfriendship for the sake of their own selfish desires, and as a result their actions wrought much heartachefor both themselves and others. David and Jonathan, on the other hand, chose love and devotion to oneanother as friends over selfish acts.

Application: As believers, we are to put ourselves aside in order to look after the interests of others. Weare not to be obsessed with getting our own way, but we are to consider others as more important thanourselves.

3. Ultimate friendship is based on a commitment to the Lord (1 Sam. 20:42).

Description: Jonathan and David’s friendship was based on a mutual commitment to each other and,ultimately, to the Lord. This triangular relationship guided their actions and served as their hope for thefuture even in the midst of desperate circumstances.

Illustration: In the motion picture Facing the Giants, Coach Grant Taylor’s relationship with his wife, hisfootball team, and even the people who mistreated him changed when he began giving priority to hisrelationship with God. His actions affected others and began a chain reaction in his community, for the


townspeople’s relationships with each other changed as a result of their improved relationship with God.Commitment to God becomes the first priority, just as it was in the case of Jonathan and David.

Application: If you are a follower of Christ, then your actions toward others should reflect yourrelationship with God, and if you love Him, you will keep His commands (John 15:9–14). Obedience toGod stems from love for God. We want to please Him and to show Him that we love Him, and we canbest do that by obeying Him.

Conclusion: God designed friendship as a means to fulfill His purpose in the world.

Description: Although Saul’s attempts to murder David seemed to threaten God’s plan to use David,God’s plan cannot be thwarted. What He wants to happen will happen. Although Saul’s actions resulted inconsequences that prevented his family from assuming the throne, God took measures to care forrighteous Jonathan and his descendants while at the same time providing a way to protect David fromharm. God orchestrated the friendship of David and Jonathan, thereby enabling them to help each otherand to fulfill His plan.

Application: Friendship exists for the sake of others. As Christians, our relationships and our actionsshould point people to Christ. This is part of God’s ultimate plan.

STU

DE LINKED :: TOGETHER

Lesson 3 :: Established RelationshipsBiblical Passage: 1 Samuel 20:1–17, 20:42Memory Verse: 1 Samuel 20:42 Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn

friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descen-dants forever.’” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.

ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS

1. True friends _________________ honor and trust in their _________________ (1 Sam. 20:1–11).

2. True friends love the _________________ as they love _________________ (1 Sam. 20:12–17).

3. Ultimate _________________ is based on a _________________ to the Lord (1 Sam. 20:42).

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

relationships?

like loving that person?

Master Teacher Student Worksheet

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Copyright © Clarity Publishers, 2009. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of Student Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.

bible study established relationships

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