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​Warm-Up for Sunday: Death is an unattractive topic. Although death is inevitable, we avoid its discussion because it appears to have the final word. The death and resurrection of Christ however changes all that! But still, we avoid the topic of death at all cost. Jesus, however, makes the claim that embracing death is a key to embracing life. Jesus said, “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25). Jesus also said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it” (Luke 9:23-24). In 1 Samuel 31, we see that King Saul dies a tragic death because he failed to die to himself. This Sunday, we will consider Saul’s death and how the words at his funeral could have been dramatically different by a change in his heart. Perhaps, this will prompt a change in our own heart!​​

 
Small Group Discussion questions:
The House of David 20
1 Samuel 31 – November 16th 2025
If I Shall Die Before I Wake
 
1. What do you think a preacher would say about Saul at his funeral? What would Saul say about himself? 1 Samuel 26:21
 
2. What could have kept Saul from such a tragic death?
 
3. What consequences resulted from Saul’s spiritual failure?
Consider all possible consequences. 1 Samuel 31:2-7, 8-10
 
4. Saul’s conscience was dead long before his body was dead. Do you think that kind of death ever happens to those who once knew the Lord? 1 Tim. 1:19-20, 4:1-2, Hebrews 2:1, 6:4-6
 
5. What motivated the people of Jabesh Gilead to risk their lives to retrieve Saul’s body? Vs 11-13
 
6. 5 Parallels between Saul’s death and Jesus’ death: (Swindoll)
1. Saul death appeared to be the end of a kingdom
Jesus’ death appeared to be the ____ of a kingdom
2. In Saul’s death, it appeared the adversary had won
In Jesus’ death, it appeared that the adversary had ____
3. Saul’s death paved the way for a new kingdom
Jesus’ death paved the way for a ____ kingdom
4. Saul’s death opened the land to the Gentiles
Jesus’ death opened the kingdom of God to ______
5. Saul’s death displayed the foolishness of man
Jesus’ death displayed the foolishness of _____
 
7. In your own words, describe why the cross is described by
Paul as displaying the foolishness of God. 1 Cor. 1:18-25
​
8. How is death the key to life? John 12:24-25, Luke 9:23-24​