BRBC Bible Notes
Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.
Bible Study 5: David and Jonathan – Friendship
Main Passage: 1 Samuel 18:1–4; 19:1–7; 20:1–42; 2 Samuel 1:17–27
Purpose of the Study
This study is designed to:
Encourage believers to cultivate godly, faithful friendships.
Strengthen understanding of loyalty, sacrificial love, and covenant relationships.
Challenge the church to reflect Christlike love in interpersonal relationships.Opening Prayer
“Lord, thank You for the gift of friendship. Teach us to love others with loyalty, humility, and selflessness. Help us to build relationships that honour You and encourage one another in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
1. Read the Passage
Invite someone to read the passages aloud. Ask participants to observe the loyalty, courage, and deep affection between David and Jonathan, even in the face of danger and political pressure.
2. Context and Summary
Jonathan, son of King Saul, forms a covenant friendship with David, recognising God’s anointing on David’s life. Their friendship is marked by loyalty, trust, and mutual protection. Jonathan protects David from Saul’s attempts on his life and encourages him spiritually and emotionally. After both Jonathan and Saul die, David mourns deeply, expressing his grief through heartfelt lamentation. Their story demonstrates the power of godly friendship grounded in faith, integrity, and covenant love.
3. Key Themes and Reflections
A. Loyalty and Sacrificial Love
Jonathan risks his life to protect David, demonstrating covenant loyalty.
Reflection Question: How willing are we to sacrifice for the well-being of our friends, guided by godly principles?
Quote: “A true friend is a reflection of God’s love.” — Unknown
Related Scripture:
Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times.
John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
B. Encouragement in God’s Calling
Jonathan recognises and affirms God’s plan for David’s life.
Believers should support and encourage one another in spiritual growth and God-given callings.
Reflection Question: Who in your life encourages you to pursue God’s will faithfully?
Quote: “God uses friends to confirm His purposes in our lives.” — Unknown
Related Scripture:
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 – Two are better than one.
Hebrews 10:24–25 – Encourage one another toward love and good deeds.
C. Grief and Honour in Relationships
David mourns Jonathan’s death openly and deeply, showing the value of authentic grief and honour.
Healthy friendships reflect vulnerability and mutual care.
Reflection Question: How do we honour and grieve the friendships God blesses us with?
Quote: “True friendship leaves an eternal imprint on the heart.” — Unknown
Related Scripture:
Romans 12:15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 – Do not grieve as those without hope.
4. A Word to the Church: Cultivating Godly Friendships
The church should be a community of covenant relationships marked by encouragement, protection, and faithfulness.
Challenge: Are we cultivating friendships that reflect Christ’s love, loyalty, and integrity?
Group Discussion:
Share examples of friendships that have encouraged your faith or strengthened your character.
How can we support and protect one another spiritually and emotionally within our church community?
5. A Call to Action: Be a Godly Friend
Identify one friend in your life who could benefit from encouragement, support, or prayer this week.
Pray for wisdom and humility to reflect Christlike loyalty and love in your relationships.
Closing Scripture Meditation
Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Final Prayer
“Father, thank You for the gift of friendship. Help us to be loyal, selfless, and encouraging to those around us. May our friendships reflect Your love and strengthen Your kingdom. Guide us to honour, protect, and support one another faithfully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.
| |
Suggestions to help us pray this week |
|
| |
Updates on what's going on in our church |
|
| |
Inspiration and food for thought |
|