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Q1. (1 Samuel 30:1-6) Why do the men blame David? Why is the situation so explosive at this point. What does David do in the situation? What is David feeling? Why doesn't he act immediately? In his effort to flee Saul, David had sought asylum with the Philistines. Having been based at Ziklag, David and his army had moved north to Gath, to support the Philistines. So all their attention was focused on the confrontation between Israel and the Philistines. In moving up north they had left their homes at Ziklag vulnerable to attack. This is exactly what happened – the Amalekites destroyed Ziklag and took all the women and children captive. On their return the men had all expected to be reunited with their families only to find it destroyed and deserted. They had lost their wives, and children; not even knowing if their loved ones had been slain. David and the men were distraught with grief, lifting up their voices and weeping. Eventually grief turned to bitterness, anger, and rebellion. Now, David’s men blamed him for what happened, as it was his decision to go north. They wanted to stone him – they are obviously not thinking clearly, as now is the time they needed his leadership more than ever. David had an explosive situation on his hands. David in his is distress turns to the Lord. David knew that the encouragement he needed could only come from the Lord. So he does not retaliate immediately but first seeks guidance from God. He ordered Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod and together they sought the will of the Lord.

Q4. (1 Samuel 28:7-14) Why do you think God condemns occult practices of communicating with the dead and channelling spirits of the dead? How might such practices open Christians to victimization and oppression by evil spirits? What should you do if you've been involved in such practices in the past? God condemns occult practices because it is a turning away from Him and a deliberate statement that we do not trust Him for our future. How foolish is it that we do not depend on our Creator for His daily guidance. Most people want to know the future and turn to occult practices. This is most dangerous for Christians as it makes them vulnerable to victimization and oppression by evil spirits. It is much more wise to turn to God’s Word – our only dependable light in this world’s darkness. So in times of crisis, instead of turning to God for wisdom, we find people consulting demons, and this only increased their moral and spiritual darkness. God forbids His people to dabble in this satanic system. The increase of the occult in our own day is evidence that people are deliberately rejecting God's Word and turning to Satan's lies. I have never been involved in such practices and thank the Holy Spirit for protecting me. I trust God’s gospel of grace and His Word, knowing this will take care of all evil spirits.

Q3. (1 Samuel 25) What do we learn about David's character in this incident with Nabal and Abigail? What do we learn about Abigail's character? Nabal's character? Why do you think this story was included in 1 Samuel? What important knowledge does it add to our understanding? In David we see a godly and righteous man, a good and gifted leader who controls and disciplines his men well, but is prone to let anger get the better of him. Before rushing out in revenge he should have consulted the Lord first. If David had succeeded in killing Nabal and his whole household he would have committed a most terrible crime and this would have had dire consequences later in his life. I see Abigail as a woman of faith, a wise and understanding person. Nabal, on the other hand, is surly and mean, an unthankful and self-centred person driven by greed. This story was perhaps included in 1 Samuel to teach us a lesson. We as believers have to be constantly on guard at all times – our pride can turn us from a godly person, like David, into one who has lost control and is seeking revenge. In 1 Peter 5:8 we read, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” - we have to be always aware of Satan’s tricks.

Q2. (1 Samuel 24:12) How do we apply the principle of not lifting a hand against the Lord's anointed in our day? What provisions are there in 1 Timothy 5:19-20 for calling leaders to account. What do you think God will do to those who slander, persecute, and martyr his appointed leaders? Our church has just come through a traumatic experience of having had to dismiss our pastor. This has initially had a hugely harmful effect on our church membership. But we praise our Lord that there are positives that are beginning to occur. One of these is that it has drawn us as a congregation closer to each other as we await our new pastor. Our leaders are special targets of Satan’s attack, and they, as the Lord’s anointed need all the support, help, and prayers that we can give them. We must be careful about judging others because that is the way we will be judged.

Q1. (1 Samuel 24:1-15) Why doesn't David kill Saul when he has the chance? What motive do David and his men have for killing a king who is trying to kill them? What is David's rationale for sparing Saul? What does this tell us about David's character? About his faith? What does it say about David's leadership ability that he is able to dissuade his men from killing Saul? David’s refusal to kill Saul when he had the chance is based on Saul’s status as the ‘Lord’s anointed.’ David reasoned that God had appointed Saul as king and only God could take it from him. Self-protection and survival must have been David and his men’s motive for killing Saul. They were not only outnumbered 5 to 1 by the king’s army but had also been hotly pursued with the intention of having their leader David killed, and most probably them as well. The fact that David did not kill Saul indicated that he was not an evil doer – not a rebel or murderer. Saul was still David’s king, his commander, and his father-in-law. David had prayed that he be given the opportunity to prove to Saul that he had no intention to kill him and seize the throne. Here he was given this chance. When Saul was far enough away from the cave and it was safe, David left the cave and called Saul ‘my lord the king’, at the same time bowing down; proving that he was not out to harm Saul in any way. We see David letting God take care of Saul, he waits upon the Lord trusting in Him fully – he knows God will solve his problem with Saul. David displays his leadership ability by controlling his men. His men were trained to fight but he does not allow this and keeps his men in line.

Q4. (Psalms 18, 34, 54, 56, 58, 59, 142) In these ascriptions to these psalms, how many celebrate happy occasions? How many arise from struggles? What does this tell you about David's relationship with God? What does this tell you about his faith during trials? Which is your favourite among these psalms? Why? These are all songs of praise. Of these 7 psalms, all arise from some kind of struggle except for psalm 18 – which is also my favourite as it shows David’s unshaken trust in God. Here we read how David praises our Heavenly Father with one metaphor after metaphor to describe all that the Lord was and had been to him. And this also expresses my gratitude for all the loving care I have experienced in my life – He is my strength. David expresses his love for the Lord who had shown mercy to him throughout his many struggles. He goes on to describes the Lord as his strength, his rock, his fortress, his deliverer, his shield, his stronghold, and the horn of his salvation. God was the only one he could solely depend on, and trust entirely. Although he was being hotly pursued by ungodly men who sought his life he knew the Lord’s ability to completely rescue him. I particularly like a verse 11 in psalm 56, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? What a mighty Saviour we serve!

Q3. (1 Samuel 23:14-18) Why does Jonathan visit David in the wilderness? What risk is there for David? What risk is there for Jonathan? What do you think it meant to David? Have you ever received a visit from a friend when you needed it most? Jonathan, at great risk to his life, visits David to encourage him, and help David find strength in God. He assured David that God would surely make him king in His good time, and that David would always be delivered from Saul's schemes to capture him. This was their last recorded meeting. This visit must have been a great blessing to David and motivated him to carry on. It is so great to belong to this family of believers. To have our brothers and sisters support us, and spend time with us in our trials - to listen, to comfort, and to assure us in times of trouble - what a blessing!

Q2. (1 Samuel 22:20-23:12) What did Abiathar and the ephod have to do with "inquiring of the Lord?" Why did David inquire of the Lord? What huge advantage does the person have who seeks God's will before acting? How can you find God's will at key points in your life? When Abiathar came over to David's side after Saul murdered his father and all the other priests at Nob, he brought with him the ephod. This was either the garment or the box by which lots were used to discern the will of God. David would put a question to the priest that could be answered by a yes or a no, and the priest would use the ephod and give David an answer from God. In the past David had been making wrong decisions and by now had learned the danger of human reasoning and of getting ahead of God. He now wisely decides to start inquiring of the Lord. We see him becoming a man of faith as he starts submitting to the Lord’s leading in his life. So now David hears of the problem and asks God for direction before he takes action. Sometimes we may want help but do not know how or who to ask - it can even be that we are too proud to ask. We land up making decisions that are our own instead of being God’s will. Such decisions made without praying or getting God’s direction can have disastrous consequences. This is a lesson we all should learn. Without Jesus Christ our lives are not secure at all. Jesus has warned us in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Apart from Jesus we cannot do anything - outside of Christ nothing is safe - not our businesses, our health, our family, our finances or even our abilities.

Q1. (1 Samuel 22:2) Why were David's men attracted to him? What did they have in common? Why kind of men were these? What difficulties do you think David probably had in leading them? A reason why these men were attracted to David could be that they knew David was God’s anointed king and therefore saw no future with Saul. They had in common the fact that they were being pursued by Saul and therefore joined with David for their own survival. Some must have been family members escaping from being killed by Saul solely for being related to David. The rest could have been social outcasts, opportunists, outlaws, rebels, deserters, and traitors. It must have been most difficult for David to control and lead such a diverse group of men. The fact that he did proves his great leadership abilities. I think the major difficulty must have been to discipline them and getting them all to obey him and to have them function as an efficient unit.

Q4. (1 Samuel 20:35-42) What is the nature of the covenant between David and Jonathan? What does David receive? What does Jonathan receive? Who benefits the most from this covenant? Is it self-serving - or not? What is the significance that God is witness to the covenant? In 1 Samuel 18:3-4, we read that previously David and Jonathan had made a covenant. Jonathan was the legitimate successor to his father’s throne but he showed that he was willing to give up his right so that David could become king. Rather than opposing God's will, as Saul did, Jonathan humbled himself before God's will and supported the Lord's anointed. They now strengthen their covenant by promising not to kill each other’s descendants. It was a practise in those times for kings who began a new dynasty to kill off all the descendants of a former king to prevent any uprising and threat to the throne. David receives a promise from Jonathan that they remain friends forever as well as no harm will come to David’s descendants – remembering that Saul is still king. Even although they were best friends we still see David giving proper respect to Jonathan as the king's son. Jonathan receives a promise from David that when he reigns he would protect Jonathan’s family. Later we will read that as David becomes king, David keeps his promise and Jonathan’s family benefits the most from this covenant. Jonathan called upon the Lord to witness the covenant indicating his seriousness in keeping the covenant.

Q3. (1 Samuel 19:18-24) What does it tell us about Saul's faith that he pursues David even when he has sought the sanctuary of the prophet Samuel? Why do people prophesy when the Holy Spirit comes upon them? What is the relationship between this incident and the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)? Saul had become a pathetic figure, the Spirit of the Lord had left him and was replaced by an evil spirit that tormented him. He was by now unstable and only motivated by jealousy and by this evil spirit to kill David – he was by now not fit to be king. Saul sent three different groups of soldiers to capture David. God had, however, protected David by sending the Holy Spirit to turn these soldiers into worshippers. So instead of capturing David when they arrived at the place where the prophets had assembled, they were immediately possessed by the Spirit and began to praise and worship God. Even when Saul arrived he was met by the Spirit of God and made to praise the Lord. We have seen in the OT and in the ministry of Jesus the Holy Spirit had been active prior to Pentecost. In this case prophesying involved praising the Lord, and was only temporary, unlike in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit would come to dwell permanently in people. The Spirit could not have come sooner, for it was God’s plan that Jesus die first, then be raised from the dead, and return to heaven before the Holy Spirit could be given.

Q2. (1 Samuel 18:18-22) Which of the following is David's chief motive for marrying Michal, in your opinion? Argue for the motivation that makes the most sense to you: (1) pride in his military prowess, (2) obedience to Saul's desires, (3) love or desire for Michal, or (4) enjoyment in killing Philistines. By the process of elimination I have arrived at David’s most probable motivation for marrying Michal. I think we can eliminate obedience to Saul’s desires as a motive, as he had previously declined to marry Saul’s eldest daughter Merab. I don’t think David ever loved Michal, he was more of a womaniser having had at least 7 wives we know of. Also, many of David’s marriages were not out of love but were rather politically motivated. Besides we never read about David trying to get to know Michal. Being a man of God, I don’t think David enjoyed killing people just for the enjoyment thereof - even if they were Philistines. We also see this later when David has the opportunities to kill Saul he does not do it. So that leaves me with pride in his military prowess as the motive. By now he had been so successful in all his military campaigns and with this his popularity had increased tremendously. I’m sure he start feeling undue confidence in his own skills and accomplishments. Even his friendship with Saul’s son Jonathan could have given him a feeling of self-satisfaction - perhaps even boasting of his skills and powers, forgetting that all the honour and glory belongs to God alone.

Q1. (1 Samuel 18:13-16). Why does Saul send David into battle? What is the result? To what does the narrator attribute David's success? Saul was so jealous of David that he wanted to get rid of him. He wanted him out of the king’s court, and if possible, the best result would be for David to die in battle. We see that this was the same method David later used on Uriah the Hittite. So he promoted David over a thousand soldiers, hoping that the Philistines would help him get rid of his rival. If David was killed in battle, it was the enemy's fault; and if he lost a battle but lived, his popularity would wane. Unfortunately for Saul his plan backfired. David proved to being an excellent soldier and a born leader, winning all his battles. We know the Lord was with David and the power of God was upon him. So, instead of eliminating David or diminishing his popularity, Saul's scheme only made him a greater hero to the people, and this increased Saul's fear of David all the more.

Q3. (1 Samuel 17:47) Why do we so often forget that "the battle is the Lord's"? What does that phrase actually mean? How can we avoid the arrogance of pulling God into our battles ("God is on my side"), rather than engaging in His battles ("I am on God's side")? We so often forget that the battle is the Lord’s because we are so self-centred and want to do everything our way. We want to be in control instead of handing over to our Lord. We need to hand over our battles to God allowing Him to be in control – remembering “when I am weak then I am strong.” The Lord will make us mighty in his own fight and we will be confident of victory. Can the Lord be defeated? The battle David had was done for the glory of God. For he had come to the battle in the name of our Lord, the true and living God, not any false god of the Philistines. Goliath had ridiculed God and blasphemed His name, and the world had to be shown who the true God was. By defeating Goliath, David had brought great honour to the name of our Lord. In actual fact this was a contest between the true God of Israel and the false gods of the Philistines. This was a victory for our Lord. We need to recognise that we can have victory only by our faith and confidence in God. Not forgetting who we represent and the promises He has made to us. His power is always available to us, for God wants to use His people to magnify His name to all the nations of the earth. Make it God's cause and never let it become a personal and selfish matter.

Q2. (1 Samuel 17:34-37) What does David's explanation to Saul of his combat experience say about David's faith? How lethal is David as a warrior? Why do you think Saul allows him to go out to battle Goliath? Does Saul have faith? If so, what is the source of it? David had combat experience and of course loads of faith. He felt he would win the battle with Goliath in the same way he had won against the lion and the bear. For he told Saul, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” So we see that David’s confidence did not come only from his ability, but rather from knowing that the battle was one in which God would be with him. David’s confidence was also boosted by the fact that Goliath had set himself against the living God (v 36). Saul understandably had doubts about David’s ability and the king tried to discourage him but having no other volunteer and perhaps seeing the determination of David, he gave David permission to face Goliath with the prayer “Go, and the LORD be with you (1 Sam 17 37). This reminds me of Psalm 118:6, “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” We know Saul was a good warrior and he must have weighed up his options and realised he had nothing to lose by allowing David to fight Goliath. No I don’t think Saul had faith – he relied on his army’s own physical strength.

Q1. (1 Samuel 17:26-30) Why is David so upset about Goliath's taunt? Why is Eliab, David's brother, so upset with David? What does this teach us about David's faith? What does it teach us about Eliab's character? David is upset and disgusted about Goliath’s taunt; asking who is this uncircumcised Philistine to blaspheme the name of the God of Israel! Eliab, however, being David’s elder brother, was perhaps being protective over his youngest brother or even maybe disguising his own lack of courage. We read that David had experienced the power of God in his own life. So his faith was not a blind faith, he knew from first-hand experience that God could turn weakness into power. While caring for his father’s sheep, David had killed a lion and a bear, and he knew that the Lord could deliver him out of the hand of Goliath. I don’t think Eliab knew anything about God’s power and had tried to discourage David. God, however, knew Eliab’s heart for we read in 1 Samuel 16:7, “… for I have rejected him.”

Q4. (1 Samuel 16:14-23) From Saul's perspective, why is David summoned to court? From God's perspective, what seem to be the reasons for this service in Saul's court? What things tend to prevent us from learning from God in the midst of the circumstances in which we find ourselves? What might make us more teachable? The Spirit of the LORD has departed from Saul and he most probably became afflicted with a form of mental disorder caused by an evil spirit. David had become a musician of note and was summoned to Saul’s court so that David’s music would lift the king out of his depression. From God’s perspective we see God arranging it, that through David’s musical abilities he was introduced to the palace of the king. It is here that David would gain first-hand practical experience in leading a nation. Adverse circumstances can be looked upon as a negative or positive one. If we react negatively, we demonstrate a lack of faith in God’s sovereign plan for our lives. It is then that we do not learn from these experiences. A positive reaction, however, has many benefits and there is a lot God will teach us. If only we remember that all trials benefit us as believers. God allows this to happen in our lives to develop different aspects of our character. As we grow spiritually we become more teachable, and each trial strengthens our faith and we become more and more dependent on our Heavenly Father.

Q3. (1 Samuel 16:13) What is the significance of Samuel anointing David? What is the significance of the Holy Spirit coming upon David? How does this explain his success? How is the Holy Spirit upon us vital for our own success as disciples? The moment David was anointed, the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him and left Saul. It would be years before David wore Saul’s crown, but from this day forward the kingdom was secure for David. Unlike Israel’s first king, David the second king, would be from the tribe of Judah and his lineage would be connected with the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit coming upon David empowers him and we read how he is directed to carry out God’s will. The Holy Spirit empowers David with leadership qualifications, at the same time providing him with unexpected opportunities of service. The Holy Spirit also uses the skills and faith of David to defeat those who would defy God; also protecting him from evil enemies. During his lifetime David learns to place his trust in God for divine aid. Although flawed in many respects, David is still mentioned as a man after God’s own heart. As far as our success as disciples is concerned – without the power of the Holy Spirit we are helpless to do the will of God and glorify Jesus Christ. As we abide in Christ, we receive the power we need. Jesus Himself said, “… apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:2).

When we are given specific instructions by God it is wise to listen carefully and to follow these instructions precisely. We sometimes might not fully understand the reasons behind what God is telling us, but we do know that His wisdom is complete and His judgment is always correct, so it is better to obey first and then discover the reasons later. We instinctively discern by looks, dress, and outward things. However, we must be beware that appearances are not always what they seem to be. Satan often deceives us by having things appear attractive, good, and moral. We all have heard of unsuspecting people following smooth-talking, Bible-quoting leaders into cults that alienate them from their families and practice immorality and deceit. Our impressions alone are not an accurate indicator of who is or isn't a true follower of Christ. God teaches us to discern through His Word and by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Listening to God is the first step towards obeying Him, and we need to be praying that the Holy Spirit will open our minds and hearts to receive the truth and then act on it. We must choose to allow the Holy Spirit to control our thinking and thereby allowing Him to control our lives. The Holy Spirit reveals to us, as believers, the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16) and we can therefore understand and discern spiritual truths. This means we must have the Word of God stored in our souls. It is this doctrinal information that the Holy Spirit uses to control our lives.

Q1. (1 Samuel 15:22-23). What is rebellion? In what way is rebellion as bad as witchcraft or occult practices? What does rebellion have to do with arrogance? What can we do when we find rebellion against God in our hearts? What happens if we do nothing?I would say rebellion is doing things our way in disobedience to God. Also, refusing to accept and acknowledge His sovereignty over all. It is a basic part of our nature – we do not like to be told how to live and we do not want to be controlled. Only obedience is pleasing to God. Any disobedience and resulting rebellion as well as a defiant self-dependence, where we place ourselves independent from God, is a sin and just as bad as witchcraft or any occult practices. We read in Proverbs 17:11, An evil man seeks only rebellion … The same as with rebellion, arrogance is not compatible with the presence of Christ in our hearts. Here again we depend on ourselves rather than on God. If we do find ourselves rebelling against God we must repent of this sin and come back to our Lord letting His love fill our hearts. We can do well by remembering and trying to come to grips with the vastness of Christ’s love (Ephesians 3:16-19). If we do nothing about this rebellious nature of ours, our hearts will harden and we will drift away from our Lord. We will not be living a mature Christian life with the Lord Jesus Christ in mind in everything we do.

Q1. (1 Samuel 15:22-23). What is rebellion? In what way is rebellion as bad as witchcraft or occult practices? What does rebellion have to do with arrogance? What can we do when we find rebellion against God in our hearts? What happens if we do nothing? I would say rebellion is doing things our way in disobedience to God. Also, refusing to accept and acknowledge His sovereignty over all. It is a basic part of our nature – we do not like to be told how to live and we do not want to be controlled. Only obedience is pleasing to God. Any disobedience and resulting rebellion as well as a defiant self-dependence, where we place ourselves independent from God, is a sin and just as bad as witchcraft or any occult practices. We read in Proverbs 17:11, An evil man seeks only rebellion … The same as with rebellion, arrogance is not compatible with the presence of Christ in our hearts. Here again we depend on ourselves rather than on God. If we do find ourselves rebelling against God we must repent of this sin and come back to our Lord letting His love fill our hearts. We can do well by remembering and trying to come to grips with the vastness of Christ’s love (Ephesians 3:16-19). If we do nothing about this rebellious nature of ours, our hearts will harden and we will drift away from our Lord. We will not be living a mature Christian life with the Lord Jesus Christ in mind in everything we do.

Q1. (1 Samuel 15:22-23). What is rebellion? In what way is rebellion as bad as witchcraft or occult practices? What does rebellion have to do with arrogance? What can we do when we find rebellion against God in our hearts? What happens if we do nothing?I would say rebellion is doing things our way in disobedience to God. Also, refusing to accept and acknowledge His sovereignty over all. It is a basic part of our nature – we do not like to be told how to live and we do not want to be controlled. Only obedience is pleasing to God. Any disobedience and resulting rebellion as well as a defiant self-dependence, where we place ourselves independent from God, is a sin and just as bad as witchcraft or any occult practices. We read in Proverbs 17:11, An evil man seeks only rebellion … The same as with rebellion, arrogance is not compatible with the presence of Christ in our hearts. Here again we depend on ourselves rather than on God. If we do find ourselves rebelling against God we must repent of this sin and come back to our Lord letting His love fill our hearts. We can do well by remembering and trying to come to grips with the vastness of Christ’s love (Ephesians 3:16-19). If we do nothing about this rebellious nature of ours, our hearts will harden and we will drift away from our Lord. We will not be living a mature Christian life with the Lord Jesus Christ in mind in everything we do.

Q5. (Galatians 6:16) Who comprises "the Israel of God" today? Who is excluded from this group? How is Romans 11:17-25 designed to temper Gentile pride? The Israel of God today comprises all believers, both Jew and Gentile. It is one of many names for the church found in the New Testament. In Matthew 21:43 we read what Jesus said to the Jewish leaders, ‘The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.’ And in 1 Peter 2:9 Peter identifies that nation as the family of God, ’But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.’ All unbelievers will be excluded from this group. In Romans 11:17-25 we read how the nation of Israel was the first to enjoy a close relationship with our Heavenly Father, being God’s ancient, chosen earthly people. But they rejected the Messiah and they lost this position of ‘favourite son’. Because of their faith the Gentiles were included as children of God, but Paul warns the Gentiles not to adapt a holier-than-thou attitude towards the Jews or boast of any superiority. They are to be grateful for the their salvation and are to remain humble.

Q4. (Galatians 6:15) What characterizes this "new creation" that Paul talks about? What does the "old creation" look like in contrast? What does the old creation lack that the new creation possesses? How does Jesus' saying, "You must be born again" (John 3:3-8) relate to this concept of the new creation? The new creation is a work of God within us in which He gives us new life. One moment we were spiritually dead (the old creation) and the next moment we have a new spiritual life from God. The Holy Spirit has come into our lives and made us a new creature in Christ Jesus. We have a new nature and gone is that hostility we had towards Jesus. The old sinful nature does not dominate our life as before. We walk in the Spirit and the process of sanctification begins as we start to display the fruit of the Spirit; we come to be more and more like Jesus – this with the help of the Holy Spirit. As Paul says in Ephesians 2:10, ‘ For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’ This we know can only come through faith in our Lord Jesus. When Jesus (John 3:3-8) spoke about being born again, He was telling us that though all human beings have experienced natural birth on earth, if they expect to go to heaven, they must experience a supernatural spiritual birth from above. It is an act of God and we become a new creation, the moment we put our trust in Jesus, our sins are forgiven and our old sinful nature is nailed on the Cross.

Q3. (Galatians 6:9-10) Why do we tend to become weary living out our faith? What promise does Paul give us in 6:9 to forestall this weariness? Why should our "doing good" begin with our spiritual family, not with the non-Christians? I think in this world we are so used to getting and demanding instant returns that we tend to lose patience and grow weary when we do not see immediate returns for the good deeds we have done. However, Paul promises us that we will be rewarded, perhaps not in this world, but we will receive our reward. God’s timing is most perfect, and He always keeps His promises, so we should trust Him completely, and not grow weary of doing good, but continue and persevere. Because of our limited resources we sometimes are forced to concentrate on helping our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, but if we are able to we will help others as well. We should remember that by doing good, besides bringing comfort or assistance to people, it may lead a sinner to repentance and so to salvation. Jesus Himself spoke of this work as sowing and reaping in Matthew 9:37, ‘Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’