May 18, 2025

1 Samuel 18:1-5

“That’s What Friends Are For”

1. Jonathan’s Reaction to David (vs. 1, 2)

A. What’s the Big Deal?

17:55-58 David’s courage.

B. Loved Him as His Own Soul

1 Samuel 17:43-47

1 Samuel 14:6-15

C. Saul Kept David with Him (v. 2)

2. Friendship as a Covenant (vs. 3-5)

A. More than Merely Politics (v. 3)

First of all Israel was a covenant people with the LORD Himself.

Genesis 15:17-18

Exodus 19:17-18

We are people of covenant too!

Hebrews 7:22

Giving up his robe, sword, and bow- The greater party does not do this.

1 Samuel 13:19-23

Friendship and the covenant tested.

1 Samuel 20:8-9

B. So Long Insecurity

1 Samuel 23:15-18

C. David was a trusted leader (v. 5)

D. David was good to his word

2 Samuel 9:1-10

3. Love, Trust, and Faithfulness

A. The Challenge of Being Like Jesus

Philippians 2:1-4

B. Joy for Others

1 John 1:3-4

C. Jonanthan’s Life as a Tribute to True Friendship

Reflection:

When considering the deep commitment of Jonathan to David, how have you experienced this kind of relationship?

Is this something you would like to invest yourself in as a follower of Jesus?

Follow UP in the Word through the Week…

Monday:

Read: 1 Samuel 14:6-15

As you read this account of Jonathan and his armor bearer, what stands out about their relationship? How would you describe this and what quality from this relationship would you like to see in your friendships?

Tuesday:

Read: 1 Samuel 20:1-9

In this crisis of friendship, what stretches David and Jonathan’s relationship? How does Jonathan react to David’s question?

Wednesday:

Read: 1 Samuel 23:15-18

What guarantee does Jonathan give to David in this passage? Why do you think the historian gave to us the information that this was a covenant in the Lord?

Thursday:

Read: 2 Samuel 9:1-10

After Saul and Jonathan’s death, how did David handle the relationship with Jonathan’s family? What does this say about the nature of the covenant they made?

Friday:

Read: Philippians 2:1-4

Under the New Covenant, we have the example of Jesus the Son of David? What details does Paul have that would help you in your relationships with others?

Saturday:

Read: 1 John 1:3-4

Reviewing John’s comments on fellowship, how would you explain the connection between the New Covenant in Jesus and your personal friendships?