Saul and the Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28)
This session gives us details that drive home Saul’s depravity and Samuel's response.
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The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.
Classroom Instructions
Lesson
Hearing the Story
Setting the Scene
Details that Drive Home Saul’s Depravity:
Pun on “asking”...
Removing his robes...
Promises protection in Yahweh’s name ...
Possible overtones from the meal...
Pervasiveness and growth of fear...
Samuel’s Response
Questioning the Story
What is the meaning in context?
Is this real?
What do we do with this today?
Stay away from actual magic.
Don’t confuse magic and faith.
Turn to the Word.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
How surprised are you at just how far Saul falls? Why?
Under what circumstances would you resort to consulting to something like what we see in the text? Why?
Google “Christian witches” and follow a few of the top links. Are you surprised by this? What would you say to a friend considering mixing Christianity with witchcraft?
In what ways have you approached religion as if it were almost a magic formula to get God to do what you want or need?
Though you may never turn to magic or the occult, where might you turn for wisdom we should seek from what God has revealed in Scripture?