Study Questions

From Cowardly to Courageous 

November 13, 2026

1 Samuel 10:17-11:15

Study Questions 

1.    Read 1 Samuel 10:17-27. What strikes you about Saul’s choices and behavior after the Lord clearly anointed him as Israel’s leader? Have you ever felt unqualified to serve the Lord? Explain.

2.    How did people respond to Saul’s calling? What does this teach you about how humanity responds to Christ followers and the gospel message?

3.    Read 1 Samuel 11. The Israelites at Jabesh-gilead were willing to compromise with their enemy.  Do you think the tribe would have agreed to the conditions if Nahash and the Ammonites had asked for their fingernails as a condition for entering into covenant?

4.    Have you ever been ask to make an 'outrageous compromise’ before? Where should we draw the line in making a compromise with the ‘enemy’?

5.    What do you attribute to Saul’s change of heart - from cowardice to courageous?

6.    How can you explain the 'Spirit of God' coming upon Saul and him being 'very angry' at the same time? (See verse 6 - see also: Mark 11: 15-17. What is the difference between sinful anger and righteous indignation?

7.    What was Saul's attitude to those Israelites who wanted to take revenge on their own brothers? (1 Samuel 10: 26-27 and 1 Samuel 11:12-13). How should we treat those people who offend us?

8.    What “battles” are you facing this week that are causing you to feel overwhelmed and frightened? How does King Jesus bring you hope? What does trusting in the Lord Jesus look like in those battles?