What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Share something daring or heroic that you did or accomplished.
2. Read Ephesians 6:10-12 and Matthew 16:18. What do you notice about the language? What strikes you about the tone of these admonitions? In Ephesians, what is Paul asking us to do? In Matthew, what is Jesus declaring?
3. Read 2 Samuel 23:20 and Hebrews 11:1, 6. Why do Benaiah’s actions speak of faith? Imagine how he might have gained the bravery he needed to accomplish these mighty deeds. Consider your own journey: what obstacles or adversaries have you already conquered with God’s help? How has He used this to fortify your faith and prepare you for the next battle? How does the Hebrews passage speak to you and urge you to take whatever leap of faith is before you?
4. Read 2 Timothy 1:7. Consider the thing that steals your joy and peace. Do you strive to face it head on or pretend it does not exist or is not a problem? Would you feel comfortable naming that “lion” to your group? If not, name it to God, who so desires you to face and overcome that fear, lion, demon, or struggle. As a group, read aloud Isaiah 54:17. How does this encourage you to face your fears?
5. Read 1 Peter 5:8, Colossians 3:5 and 23. Why should we make every effort to “slay the lion” and “finish our foes”? Peter warns us of what? Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, urges us to do what? Why is verse 23 important? Do you have a clear objective from God for this next week, motivated by Benaiah the Lion Chaser?
Deeper
6. Read 1 Samuel 22:1-2 and 1 Chronicles 12:1. When is this happening in David’s life? Why do you think he attracted such a motley crew? How was this God’s plan?
7. Read 2 Samuel 23:8-39. What amazing deeds were done? Why did David pour out the water in verses 16 and 17? Make note of verse 39: who was among David’s favored men?
8. Read 1 Chronicles 12:18, 38-40. How has the attitude of the assembly changed from the original gathering (1 Samuel 22:2)? How do you know this was God’s plan?