1. SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

2. RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY
From our last study, entitled “Saul disobeys the Lord”, we learnt that man’s choice has its limitations. We should not depend on any man no matter how powerful. Also, obedience is the key to walking with God and working for Him. No matter the pressure, we must keep our eyes on God’s word and strive daily to keep and preserve it. Moreover, a child of God should tremble at God’s rebuke, repent when corrected and do his duty. Excusing our disobedience or passing blames will never justify anyone.

3. TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 731: JONATHAN TRIUMPHS OVER THE PHILISTINES
MEMORY VERSE: …… “And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6). TEXT: 1 Samuel 14:1-52

4. INTRODUCTION
Judging by sight, the army of Israel was no match to the Philistines; therefore, many soldiers deserted Saul. Despite this, they won a resounding victory because Jonathan acted in courage and faith. God does not require carnal weapons or human skills to win in battle. Overconfidence and dependence on man ultimately lead to defeat and disappointment. Our confidence should be in God who is able to save, no matter what extremities we may find ourselves.
QUESTION 1: From the viewpoint of both armies in this battle, why is it wrong to put our confidence in man? – Pro 25:19; Isa 31:1

5. COURAGE AND FAITH OF JONATHAN 1 Samuel 14:1-23
Jonathan and his amour-bearer come out of a fearful army, through faith, to attack the enemies. To do extraordinary things for God, we step out of the company of fear and unbelief: they are contagious. Jonathan exercised his faith in God’s omnipotence by coming out boldly to smite the Philistines. We need to act like Jonathan: we should walk by faith and not by sight. We should depend on God’s word and the Holy Spirit for guidance. God honours such.
QUESTION 2: Why is it often necessary to separate ourselves from doubters and unbelieving people? – Pro 24:21; Psalm 1:1-3

6. CURSE FOR DISOBEYING SAUL’S RASH OATH 1 Samuel 14:24-52; Judges 11:30-35
The soldiers of Israel were troubled and perplexed by Saul’s rashness and folly. He had ordered them not eat till the evening. This step was a manifestation of Saul’s self-will and religious hypocrisy. His error, through ignorance, nearly sent Jonathan to his grave; but the people rescued him. It became a temptation to the people as they ate flesh with the blood. We can avoid Saul’s error in leadership and decision-making by seeking God’s guidance in everything, consulting with others or taking counsel from a Spirit-filled leaders.

7. CURSE FOR DISOBEYING SAUL’S RASH OATH 1 Samuel 14:24-52; Judges 11:30-35
QUESTION 3a: Why was Saul’s oath unnecessary?
QUESTION 3b: Give examples of similar rash oaths in the Scripture – Genesis 25:33; Judges 11:30,35; Mark 6:23
QUESTION 4: How can leaders avoid the kind of counter- productive decision taken by Saul? – Proverbs 15:22; 20:18; 24:6

8. COOPERATION AND FAITH IN GOD FOR VICTORY 1 Samuel 14:6,7,12,45; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Unity in faith, cooperation and partnership with God gave Israel the victory over her enemy. To win in the battles of life, family or ministry, believers need to partner with God and cooperate with others. Leaders need workers that can support and follow them in faith for the ministry. Two are better than one because we cannot fight the battles of life alone.
QUESTION 5: Why is cooperation an essential ingredient for victory in life? – Nehemiah 4:16-18; 1 Chronicles 12:38

9. CONCLUSION
Jonathan’s faith gave Israel the victory despite their extremities. God does not require carnal weapons to win battles. Believers need to come out of the company of fear and doubt and fully depend on God We should avoid rash decisions. To win life and ministry battle, we need to partner with God and other people. Leaders need workers that can support them in the ministry. Two are better than one because we cannot fight the battles of life alone.