Notes by Mike Field Lesson:
Heroic action on the part of others inspires us to live a bit more heroic ourselves. When we attempt great things for God we often find that’s where He meets us with great love and empowerment. Text(s): 2 Samuel 18:8-12 Three of David’s mighty men stand firm against the enemy 2 Samuel 23:13-17 Three of David’s mighty men bless their king 2 Samuel 23:20 Benaiah did the dirty work 2 Samuel 23:39 Uriah the Hittite, the last of 37 “mighty men”
Ice-Breakers: (opening questions to ask the members of the group)
- Who are your heroes? What do you admire most about them?
- What might motivate you to heroic action?
Background: 2 Samuel chapter 23 lists David’s “mighty men” and some of the exploits that made them heroes. The first three were heroes for standing up against great enemy forces. Verses 10 and 12 tell us that “the Lord brought about a great victory.”
The next group of three mighty men (vs. 13-17) were heroes for blessing their king. They listened to David’s wish for a drink from the well at Bethlehem and risked their lives to break through a garrison of Philistine soldiers and bring back the drink. David responded by saying, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should drink this,” because it represented the risk of his own men’s blood. So he poured out the water as a costly offering to the Lord.
2 Sam 23:20 tells of a hero who did the dirty work: Benaiah went down in a cistern and killed a lion that otherwise would have died and spoiled the drinking water for many people.
Digging Deeper: - The heroic deeds of David’s mighty men as summarized above represent three different kinds of heroism. The contexts for each are different: a battle, a dangerous adventure, and a difficult and thankless task. Is one of these kinds of heroism more valuable than another? Why or why not?
- 2 Sam 23:10 says that Eleazar “stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day.” What is the role of the person in heroic deeds and what is the Lord’s role?
- Geno talked about “inspired affection” motivating a person to heroic action: hearing “well done” from someone you really want to please. He also mentioned serving the community, as Jesus did at the wedding at Cana. What are some other motivations?
Geno also spoke of the scars left by David’s sin with Bathsheba, including the murder of her husband, Uriah, in battle (see 2 Sam chapters 11-12). Uriah is the last person in the list of David’s “mighty men” (v. 39). What can Uriah’s story teach us about heroes and God’s grace, mercy and redemption?
Wrap Up: - Has this lesson challenged the members of your group to be heroes? How might the stories in 2 Samuel 23 encourage one to step out and be a hero?
- Ask each member of the Hope group to think of one heroic action from among the three categories: 1) a spiritual or moral battle to be fought; 2) a blessing for our Lord; 3) a “dirty deed” that will serve others.
Outreach/Mission: - How can your group bless Jesus in the community? Is there any “dirty work” that would bring Him glory?
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