Bible Study Established Relationships

Linked (30 Week) Study
Lesson: Established Relationships
Biblical Passage
1 Samuel 20:117, 20:42
Supporting Passages
1 Samuel 16:1-23, 18:1-9, 19:1-24
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 20:42
Biblical Truth
David and Jonathan swore a covenant with each other and each others descendants.
Context
Christian relationships are to be covenantal, just as we have a covenant with God that defines our relationship to Him.
However, when we talk about a covenant relationship between two people, most of the time it is in the context of marriage.
This lesson continues the theme of relationships, but in the context of a covenantal friendshipa true relationship. Through
examining the relationship between David and Jonathan, students will understand the value of having covenantal qualities in
all of their relationships.
Learning Goals
Explore: Students will understand what a covenant relationship looks like.
Transform: Students will apply their understanding of what a covenant relationship looks like by evaluating their own
relationships.
Prayer Suggestions
As you prepare to teach, pray for your students.
Pray that your students will understand the meaning and depth of covenantal relationships.
Pray that your students will become the kind of friend that others can depend on when the relationship is tested.
Pray that your students will begin to seek out relationships with Godly people upon whom they can trust in any situation.
Investigation
Originally, the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were one book in the Hebrew Bible; together, they were called The Book of
Samuel. This one book recorded the early history of the Hebrew movement from a confederation of 12 tribes to a monarchy.
The division of the book into two was introduced into the Hebrew Bible in A.D. 1516. The book of 1 Samuel covers the life
and ministry of the prophet Samuel, the kingship of Saul, and the rise of David to his kingship. As to authorship, according to
Jewish tradition, Samuel was the author of 1 Samuel 124, and the rest of 1 and 2 Samuel was composed by the prophets
Nathan and Gad. The major theme of 1 Samuel is the establishment of the monarchy under Saul and David.
King David experienced perilous times as he grew from being a shepherd-boy to being a king. While a shepherd, Samuel the
prophet had privately anointed the young David as the next king of Israel (1 Sam. 16). Soon afterward, David had slain the
[Philistine] giant Goliath in a battle that was observed by the reigning king, Saul, and his son, the heir-apparent to the throne,
Jonathan (1 Sam. 17:118:1). King Saul became increasingly jealous of David and sought to kill him. Jonathan, however,
became Davids closest friend. More than once David relied on the loyal, consistent friendship of Jonathan.
The book of 1 Samuel 1820 reports Davids service in the royal court of King Saul. The account unfolds in terms of the
relationship between David and Jonathan. Two facts become clear: 1) The man whom David displaced in succession to the
throne of Israel was Jonathan, his best friend; and 2) Jonathan recognized the legitimacy of Davids rule. In the middle of the
turbulence caused by Sauls increasing hostility toward David, Jonathan and David cultivated a strong, Godly, covenant
friendship.
Importance
This passage teaches the Essential Truth that People are Gods Treasure. Both Jonathan and David were people created in
the image of God whose lives were lived by trusting God. Although both had inherited a sin nature, they had encountered
Gods grace personally and were capable of establishing a Godly relationship with each other.
Saul became the example of what happens to a person who allows his sin nature to dominate his life. Saul willfully disobeyed
the Lord. His jealousy of David grew to be the prevailing force in his life. It led him to repeated attempts to kill David. There
was no place in Sauls life for Gods grace.
This lesson presents a stark contrast between men of faith and a self-seeking man. Saul is the dark figure, filled with selfish
Copyright Life Bible Study, LLC, 2014. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of purchased curriculum by a licensed church during the licensed
year. No online or other duplication is permitted.
Page: 1

ambition. Jonathan and David are brilliantly illuminated figures who trust the Lord, which served as the basis for their loving
friendship.
Interpretation
1 Samuel 20:12 In all of literature there is not a clearer example of genuine devotion and friendship than Jonathan and
David. This is seen in the last discussion between the two. It is a glimpse of an episode in Davids life when he was totally
dependent upon Jonathans friendship. After Sauls several failed attempts to kill him, David fled the royal court to meet
Jonathan. David wasted no time in confronting his friend with key questions. His uninterrupted series of three questions
reveal his fear and dismay over Sauls efforts to kill him. He had not disobeyed the kings commands, nor had he incited any
rebellion against the crown, nor had he violated any of Gods laws. David loved Jonathan dearly and did not want to hurt him
by criticizing Jonathans father. But there was urgency in Davids voice; his life was at stake.
Jonathans reply to Davids questions revealed his naive and mistaken assessment of the situation. He tried to convince David
that the king would not kill him. After all, the king, so Jonathan thought, always discussed his plan with his son. So, if Saul
wished to kill David, Jonathan would have known about it.
1 Samuel 20:34 Davids reply to Jonathan pointed out that Saul was indeed keeping Jonathan in the dark about his hostility
toward David. David said that he was only a step away from death, referring to the three times that he had dodged Sauls
spear. Jonathans unconditional friendship surfaced when he told David that he would do anything David requested. David
had to rely upon Jonathans trustworthiness as a friend to implement a scheme to reveal Sauls true intention. The plan would
be a simple test of Sauls intent.
1 Samuel 20:511 The plan involved taking advantage of a national new moon feast. It was customary for each Jewish
family to hold a feast at each new moon (Num. 10:10, 28:1115). Saul would expect David (Sauls son-in-law, a member of the
royal court, and Israels military hero) to be present at the royal table. If David did not attend, it would be an insult to the
king and the family. So Davids absence would reveal Sauls true attitude toward David. If Saul asked about Davids absence
and was satisfied with Jonathans answer, then Jonathan would know that he was correct in thinking that Saul did not intend
to kill David. But if Saul became angry and did not accept Jonathans explanation regarding Davids absence, then Jonathan
would know for sure that Sauls intention was to kill David.
As David and Jonathan agreed on the plan to expose Sauls true intentions, David reminded Jonathan of the serious nature of
their conversation. He requested that Jonathan show kindness to him. This phrase in the Hebrew language refers to
covenant loyalty. David called on his right as a covenant partner with Jonathan to claim Jonathans complete loyalty in this
situation. A better man than Jonathan could not be found. The covenant between them had been made in the Lords presence.
Their friendship was built on the foundation of a relationship with the Lord. Because of this relationship, David asked that if
he had done anything worthy of death, Jonathan, not Saul, would kill him. Jonathan assured David that he would tell David of
any plans that Saul had to kill him. When David asked how he would find out what Jonathan learned, Jonathan took them out
to a field to talk, perhaps to avoid spies.
1 Samuel 20:1217 Once in the field, Jonathan uttered an oath to guarantee his trustworthiness as part of the covenant
between himself and David. He put his life in jeopardy if he failed to tell David about Sauls favor. If Saul intended to do evil,
Jonathan would send David away in peace. Furthermore, Jonathan acknowledged that Gods favor had passed from his father
to David, indicating that Jonathan recognized that he would not rule Israel but rather that David would. Finally, Jonathan
asked David to show covenant loyalty to him and to his family. He asked that David not consider him and his family as Davids
enemies. Years later, David showed this covenant loyalty in his treatment of Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 9:113).
Jonathan reaffirmed his oath, and David reaffirmed his. There was no mention of offering a covenant sacrifice or signing an
agreement or exchanging gifts. The love which these men had for the Lord and for each other seemed sufficient to make the
covenant binding.
1 Samuel 20:42 Jonathan learned that Saul intended to kill David. He knew that David was no longer safe in the court of
Saul and that he would have to flee. Jonathan gave the sign for Davids departure as he shot three arrows into the field where
David was hiding. In parting, the two again stressed their covenant bond.
Implications
Jonathan proved to be a Godly friend by helping David. Do you have a Godly friend such as Jonathan in your life? Such a
friend will come to your defense when you have need. Are you that kind of a friend to someone else? Do you come to the
defense of another when he or she is misrepresented and accused falsely?
Godly friends put the interests and needs of others ahead of their own. They encourage others as they have opportunity.
Page: 2

Godly friends will keep confidences and will not divulge confidential matters.
How can your life be an example of Godly, covenantal relationshipssuch as friendship and marriage? Consider the
importance of sharing with students the need that they have for such relationships in their own lives. These will the sort of
relationships that they will carry with them throughout liferelationships that build up and do not tear down.
Teaching Plan: Connect Activities

If the lesson contains activity sheets, they will be included at the end of your lesson document.
Review Questions: Love One Another
(58 minutes, easy set-up)
Download the Review Questions activity sheet. Print one copy for your own use.
After greeting students, use the review questions to test what they can recall from the previous lesson as well as to provide
context for todays lesson.
Drama: Be Your Best Friend

Download the drama script. Prior to the session, enlist two students to enact the drama. Give copies of the script to cast
members ahead of time so that they will be ready to perform it.
Prompt students to perform the drama. Afterward, ask: What do you think is so unique about Jules and Pipers
friendship? Have you ever had a friend like this? What makes best friends just that? Explain that today well use a
friendship in Scripture as a case study of what goes into relationships that are based on something more than a superficial
statement.
Media: BFF
(510 minutes, Linked Media Pass required)
If your church has purchased the Linked Media Pass or the Linked DVD, preview and arrange to show the BFF video. (If
your church has not purchased the Linked Media Pass, you can purchase this single video through the Media tab.)
Show the BFF video to your group. Afterward, ask: What makes your relationship with your best friend different
from all your other friendships? Allow students to respond. Then say: Today were going to examine a friendship that
was defined by the commitment that two friends made to each other before God.
Teaching Plan: Explore Activities

Key Study: Established Relationships
Download the Student Worksheet. Print a copy for each student. Also provide pens, dry erase board, and dry erase marker.
Write each of the following questions on its own blank poster: What did covenant look like in 1 Samuel 20:14? What did
covenant look like in 1 Samuel 20:510? What did covenant look like in 1 Samuel 20:1115? What did covenant look
like in 1 Samuel 20:1617? Tape the posters on the walls around the room, and place a few markers on the floor beneath
each one.
Learning Goal: Students will understand what a covenant relationship looks like.
Using the Ancient Israel map, point to the area just northwest of the Dead Sea. Share that Scripture explains that David fled
Naioth, a section of Ramah, in order to escape from King Saul, who sought to kill him. Explain that from there he went to
meet with his friend Jonathan, Sauls son. Using the Old Testament Timeline, point out the date of David and Jonathans
friendship as 1020 B.C. Share with students that David had already been secretly anointed to be the next king, which
nullified Jonathans claim to the throne. Share that although Jonathan knew this, he accepted it as the will of God, which
Page: 3

enabled him to be Davids friend.

On the dry erase board, write the word covenant. Next, list the following words: commitment, promise, oath or vow,and
relationship. Ask: Which of these words best describes the word covenant? Why or why not? Enlist student responses.
Help students to understand that all of the words play a role in a covenant but that the word covenant itself implies a
relationshipone that is unselfish.
Explain further that to form a covenant relationship with a person is to enter into a binding agreement of mutual recognition
and love. Point out that it includes consequences if a person should fail to keep the covenant, and it involves blessings if a
person honors the covenant. Say: Faithfulness to the covenant is expected because of the relationship and the
promise between the parties. Ask: So what does this look like in life? Most students may compare it to a marriage. Say:
Marriage and the relationship between God and His people are often the primary examples of covenant that we
consider, but 1 Samuel 20 provides us with a covenant that took place between the two friends David and
Jonathan.
Distribute pens and copies of the Student Worksheet at this time. Divide students into four groups and instruct each group to
move to one of the posters on the wall and to answer the question in their own words. Direct them to use the markers placed
below each sheet poster. Instruct students to also answer these questions on the worksheet. Give students five or six minutes
to complete the questions. Afterward, move to each of the posters and open a discussion about their findings. Use the
following prompts:
Poster 1: Although Jonathan was the crown prince of Israel, he recognized that David would become Israels next king. In
addition to replacing Jonathan as ruler, David eclipsed him as Israels military champion. In spite of these things, how did
Jonathan treat David? Remind students that instead of treating David as a rival, Jonathan loved him as a brother.
Poster 2: Ask the students to identify Davids request in 1 Samuel 20:8 and to identify the basis for this request. (The
request is for Jonathan to deal kindly with him, and the basis for this request is the covenant that Jonathan had formed
with him in 1 Samuel 18:14.)
Poster 3: Ask the students to identify Jonathans request in 1 Samuel 20:1415. (Jonathans request was for David to show
steadfast love to him and to his descendants, particularly by not killing them.)
Poster 4: In 1 Samuel 20:17, how does the verse express that Jonathan loved David?
Then say: Living in covenant relationship is so much more than keeping a promise. It is living selfless lives of
commitment to another and placing their needs ahead of our own. This can only come from a God of lovea God
of covenant relationships.
Using the Eight Essential Truths poster, point out the Essential Truth that People are Gods Treasure. (If your church has
not purchased the Eight Essential Truths bookmarks or posters, you can print the Eight Essential Truths from
www.studentlife.com/biblestudy/ essential-truths/). Share that because of Gods grace at work in our lives, He unselfishly
expresses His love for us. Conclude the activity by saying: In turn, we are able to give that love away to others and
place their needs ahead of our own. Thats living in covenant relationship. God is at work in our lives. Through us,
He is able to show love to others.
Master Teacher Key Study: Established Relationships

Download the Master Teacher Key Study. Print one copy for your own use. Also download the Master Teacher Student
Worksheet. Print a copy for each learner. Also provide pens.
Learning Goal: Students will understand what a covenant relationship looks like.
Pass out pens and copies of the Master Teacher Student Worksheet. Then use the Master Teacher Key Study to teach 1
Samuel 20:117.
Teaching Plan: Transform Activities

Deeper Discussion
Page: 4

Learning Goal: Students will apply their understanding of what a covenant relationship looks like by evaluating their own
relationships.
Use the following questions to begin a discussion about relationships.
While you might not enter into formal covenants with people like David and Jonathan did with each other, what
qualities of their relationship do you want to demonstrate in your relationships?
How can you know whether your relationship with someone is Godly?
How does your relationship with God affect your relationships with other people?
What should be the foundation for your actions and treatment of others?
What are specific examples of how you can love someone even when you do not feel like loving that person?
Creative Prayer
Provide paper and pens.
Learning Goal: Students will apply their understanding of what a covenant relationship looks like by evaluating their own
relationships.
Pass out pens and paper to students, then lead them to respond to the following prompts.
Thank God for the relationships that pointed you to Him.

Write a thank-you sentence to God for the relationship that He has established with you.
Ask God to forgive you for the times when you forsake the covenant that He has established with you.
Ask God to make you into a person who points others to a relationship with Him.
Page: 5
Together 3, Established Relationships

Prep Guide
Biblical Passages: 1 Samuel 20:117, 20:42

Biblical Truth: David and Jonathan swore a covenant with each other and each others descendants.
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS
As you prepare to teach, pray for your students.
Pray that your students will understand the meaning and depth of covenantal relationships.
Pray that your students will become the kind of friend that others can depend on when the
relationship is tested.
Pray that your students will begin to seek out relationships with Godly people upon whom they can
trust in any situation.
COMPLETE SUPPLY LIST

Connect . . .
Review Questions: Love One Anothercopies of the Review Questions activity sheet
Drama: Be Your Best Friendcopies of the drama script, any necessary props
Media: BFFLinked Media Pass OR Linked DVD
Especially for Younger Students: Beach Ball Friendsbeach ball, marker
Especially for Older Students: Act It Outcopy of the Act It Out activity sheet, scissors, three
baskets
Explore . . .
Key Study: Established Relationshipscopies of the Student Worksheet, pens, dry erase board,
dry erase marker, four blank posters, markers, tape
Master Teacher Key Study: Established Relationshipscopy of the Master Teacher Key Study,
copies of the Master Teacher Student Worksheet, pens
Especially for Younger Students: Promise Keptdry erase board, dry erase marker
Especially for Older Students: I Love You MoreNo supplies needed
Transform . . .
Deeper DiscussionNo supplies needed
Especially for Younger Students: The Friendship Draftpaper, pens, dry erase board, dry
erase marker
Especially for Older Students: Youve Got a Friend in Mecopies of the Youve Got a Friend in
Me activity sheet, pens, four blank posters, marker, tape
Creative Prayerpaper, pens
Linked Student BookLinked student book
Copyright Student Life Publishing, 2005. All rights reserved.

Permission is granted for reproduction only for the study of
Student Life Bible Study curriculum by a licensed church during
the licensed year. No online or other duplication is permitted.
Together 3, Prep Guide

Review Questions
1. What is the condition for abiding in Christs love? (Lesson 2)

a. going and bearing fruit
b. loving one another
c. laying down your life for your friends
d. keeping Christs commandments
2. What was the reason for Jesus speaking to His disciples in John 15:917? (Lesson 2)
a. He wanted them to know how to obey Him.
b. He wanted them to abide in Him.
c. He wanted them to experience the joy of Christ to its fullest measure.
d. He wanted them to bear fruit.
3. What commandment is Christs primary concern in John 15:917? (Lesson 2)

a. loving one another
b. laying down our lives for our friends
c. going and bearing fruit
d. loving God
4. What is the condition for being the friend of Christ? (Lesson 2)

a. doing what He says
b. loving Him
c. loving others
d. sacrificing ourselves for the sake of others
Copyright Clarity Publishers, 2009. All rights reserved.

Together 3, Review Questions PDF
5. According to Jesus, what is the difference between a servant and a friend? (Lesson 2)
a. Friends do not have to obey each other.
b. Servants do not have a choice as to whether they will obey their master.
c. Friends love each other, but masters do not necessarily love their servants.
d. Friends inform each other of their news, but servants do not know their masters business.


Review Questions
1. What is the condition for abiding in Christs love? (Lesson 2)

a. going and bearing fruit
b. loving one another
c. laying down your life for your friends
d. keeping Christs commandments
2. What was the reason for Jesus speaking to His disciples in John 15:917? (Lesson 2)
a. He wanted them to know how to obey Him.
b. He wanted them to abide in Him.
c. He wanted them to experience the joy of Christ to its fullest measure.
d. He wanted them to bear fruit.
3. What commandment is Christs primary concern in John 15:917? (Lesson 2)

a. loving one another
b. laying down our lives for our friends
c. going and bearing fruit
d. loving God
4. What is the condition for being the friend of Christ? (Lesson 2)

a. doing what He says
b. loving Him
c. loving others
d. sacrificing ourselves for the sake of others

5. According to Jesus, what is the difference between a servant and a friend? (Lesson 2)
a. Friends do not have to obey each other.
b. Servants do not have a choice as to whether they will obey their master.
c. Friends love each other, but masters do not necessarily love their servants.
d. Friends inform each other of their news, but servants do not know their masters business.


Drama
JULES:
Hold your enthusiasm. I'm not

done yet. You see, I'm supposed
to pick up Craig after school
today, but I don't have time to do
it and get to the interview. So . . .
PIPER:
Oh, no. Come on, Jules. Your

brother hates me.
JULES:
No he doesn't. Honest. He totally

has a crush on you.
PIPER:
But he's always punching me and

making fun of me.
JULES:
Yeah. That's how he shows his

affection.
PIPER:
I don't know . . .
JULES:
Please! Please, please, please,

please, please, please, please,
please! I'll be your best friend.
Be Your Best Friend

Characters:
JULES
PIPER
Props: None are required, but you may want
actors to carry backpacks.
Costumes: normal street clothes
Creative Note: Consider having JULES and
PIPER be played by real-life best friends.
(JULES and PIPER enter from opposite sides of
the stage.)
JULES:
Ohmygosh, Piper, I'm so glad to

see you.
PIPER:
Hey, Jules.
PIPER:
Well . . . okay . . . I guess . . .

since you'll be my best friend.
JULES:
I have been looking for you

everywhere.
JULES:
Killer. Thank you so, so, so, so

much. I really owe you one.
PIPER:
It's cool.
JULES:
Seriously. If you ever need

anything, like, for real, I'm your
girl.
PIPER:
Actually, that reminds me. There

is this one thing.
JULES:
Lay it on me.
PIPER:
Okay. I told you how Mrs. Finley

put me in charge of the Miss
Mustang pageant this year, right?
JULES:
Yeah. Do you need help with

fliers or something?
PIPER:
Oh, really? What's up?
JULES:
I need your help desperately.
PIPER:
Okay. Tell me what's going on.
JULES:
Okay. Well, you know how I've

been trying to get an interview
with the superintendent for the
school paper about the upcoming
bond issue . . .
PIPER:
Yeah. (sarcastically) You're such

an investigative reporter.
JULES:
Give it a rest. Anyway, I finally

got one.
PIPER:
Shut it!
PIPER:
Not exactly.
JULES:
No, I'm serious. Today. After

school. I've got fifteen minutes.
JULES:
Then what?
That's great, Jules.
PIPER:
I'm kinda short on contestants.
PIPER:

Together 3, Drama, Page 1
JULES:
Yep. And then you used it to get

me to cover for you when you
snuck out last year.
PIPER:
Right.
JULES:
It's getting kind of silly to keep

using it, don't you think?
So, what? You want me to help

you recruit some girls to be in it?
PIPER:
Yeah. It's really pretty childish.
PIPER:
No. I want you to be in it.
JULES:
That's not what I mean. We are

best friends, right?
JULES:
You've got to be kidding me.

PIPER:
Absolutely.
PIPER:
No way. And I think you could

totally win.
JULES:
So, won't we do what the other

needs anyway?
Nope. Absolutely not. That's not

my thing.
PIPER:
Within reason.
JULES:
Of course.
PIPER:
Absolutely.
JULES:
Good. I'm glad that we're on the

same page.
PIPER:
Me too.
JULES:
Now, you better get moving.
PIPER:
Why?
JULES:
My little brother's going to be

waiting.
PIPER:
Right. Great. Okay. Later, Miss

Mustang.
JULES:
You better be glad that we're best

friends already. Otherwise I'd
never forgive you for this.
PIPER:
You'll love it.
JULES:
Whatever. See ya.
JULES:
No kidding. That's because it's

lame.
PIPER:
I know it's lame. Believe me, I

know. I think Mrs. Finley had it
out for me when she gave me
this, but I've still got to do it.
JULES:
JULES:
PIPER:
I know it's not, but I'm desperate.

If you sign up, then I know that
Dawn, Maggie, and Sharon will
too.
JULES:
There's no way.
PIPER:
Come on. Please! Please,

please, please, please, please,
please, please, please! I'll be
your best friend.
JULES:
PIPER:
Fine. Fine. Whatever. Just so

long as you'll be my best friend.
You know I will.
(Pause.)
JULES:
Yeah. I do.
PIPER:
What?
JULES:
I know that you'll be my best

friend. I mean, we've been saying
that since we were little kids to
get the other one to do what we
wanted.
PIPER:
You're right. Remember when

you used it to get me to run away
with you?

(They both exit.)

(The End)
Together 3, Drama, Page 2
Student Worksheet
LINKED :: TOGETHER
STUD
Lesson 3 :: Established Relationships
Biblical Passage: 1 Samuel 20:117, 20:42

Memory Verse: 1 Samuel 20:42 Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, for we have sworn
friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord is
witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever. Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.
ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS
Think about the covenant relationship between Jonathan and David. It displayed love, commitment,
loyalty, promises, honor, and faithfulness. Think about what the covenant looked like in the following
sections of verses.
1. What did the covenant relationship look like in 1 Samuel 20:14?
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL

VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
All rights reserved.

Master Teacher Key Study
Master Teacher Key Study

Use this outline and any of the corresponding activities to share the Biblical Truth with students.
Intro: Why does God provide us with friendships?
Description: God created humans with a need for fellowship. As Christians, we cannot live without the
fellowship and support of other believers. We need others to walk life with usto encourage us, to
sharpen us, to help us, and to point us to Christ. Furthermore, we need to be this type of friend to others.
God calls us believers to demonstrate this intense level of dedication and responsibility to each other.
Illustration: In The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Frodo could not have survived and finished
his task of destroying the ring without Sams help. The task was too big, too much for one person to do
alone. It required the help of another. It required a friend for the journey. Sam encouraged Frodo to
continue. He protected and aided his friend. When they reached Mount Doom, Frodo, weakened by the
burden of the ring, became immobilized, and Sam exclaimed, I cant carry it for you, but I can carry you!
He then carried Frodo up the rest of the mountain, thereby enabling him to destroy the ring.
1. True friends demonstrate honor and trust in their relationship (1 Sam. 20:111).
Description: The openness, honesty, and positive reception between Jonathan and David demonstrated
the depth of their friendship. Furthermore, the two men trusted each other even though both knew that
David would one day be king. There was every reason for distrust, but David trusted Jonathan to honor
his covenant (1 Sam. 18:14). David knew his friends character, which enabled him to trust that
Jonathans actions toward him would be honorable.
Illustration: In the motion picture National Treasure 2, Riley, tries to convince Ben of his conspiracy
theory. He states, Ben, if it were you trying to convince me, youd have less evidence, and Id already
believe you by now. Riley, Abigail, and the other characters trusted Bens decisions because of his
character and how he had conducted himself in the past. Their prior experiences with him had taught
them that he was trustworthy. Jonathan and David trusted each other because they knew the character of
the other.

Together 3, Master Teacher Key Study
Application: Do you have a reputation for being trustworthy? Do your actions communicate that you are
honest, loyal, and dependable? Do you give others the benefit of the doubt and assume the best instead
of the worst? In our relationships, openness will only exist in an environment of trust. Exhibiting upright
qualities adds to our credibility and gives others reason to trust us.
2. True friends love the other as they love themselves (1 Sam. 20:1217).
Description: Jonathan could have refused to help David. While Jonathan had been raised as the crown
prince of Israel, this shepherd from Bethlehem had been appointed to rule instead. Jonathan could have
chosen to be jealous, angry, or bitter toward David, but instead Jonathan went out of his way to help him.
Jonathan willingly chose to serve and to protect his friend at the risk of his own life. The truth of our hearts
bears fruit in our actions, and Jonathans aid to David demonstrated his selfless love for his friend.
Illustration: In the motion picture Bride Wars, Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudsons characters take
extraordinary measures to sabotage each others weddingseven though they had been best friends.
They both wanted to have their wedding at the Plaza Hotel, but because of an office mistake, their
weddings were booked for the same location on the same day. They both chose to sacrifice their
friendship for the sake of their own selfish desires, and as a result their actions wrought much heartache
for both themselves and others. David and Jonathan, on the other hand, chose love and devotion to one
another as friends over selfish acts.
Application: As believers, we are to put ourselves aside in order to look after the interests of others. We
are not to be obsessed with getting our own way, but we are to consider others as more important than
ourselves.
3. Ultimate friendship is based on a commitment to the Lord (1 Sam. 20:42).
Description: Jonathan and Davids friendship was based on a mutual commitment to each other and,
ultimately, to the Lord. This triangular relationship guided their actions and served as their hope for the
future even in the midst of desperate circumstances.
Illustration: In the motion picture Facing the Giants, Coach Grant Taylors relationship with his wife, his
football team, and even the people who mistreated him changed when he began giving priority to his
relationship with God. His actions affected others and began a chain reaction in his community, for the

townspeoples relationships with each other changed as a result of their improved relationship with God.
Commitment to God becomes the first priority, just as it was in the case of Jonathan and David.
Application: If you are a follower of Christ, then your actions toward others should reflect your
relationship with God, and if you love Him, you will keep His commands (John 15:914). Obedience to
God stems from love for God. We want to please Him and to show Him that we love Him, and we can
best do that by obeying Him.
Conclusion: God designed friendship as a means to fulfill His purpose in the world.
Description: Although Sauls attempts to murder David seemed to threaten Gods plan to use David,
Gods plan cannot be thwarted. What He wants to happen will happen. Although Sauls actions resulted in
consequences that prevented his family from assuming the throne, God took measures to care for
righteous Jonathan and his descendants while at the same time providing a way to protect David from
harm. God orchestrated the friendship of David and Jonathan, thereby enabling them to help each other
and to fulfill His plan.
Application: Friendship exists for the sake of others. As Christians, our relationships and our actions
should point people to Christ. This is part of Gods ultimate plan.

Master Teacher
Student Worksheet
LINKED :: TOGETHER
STUD
Lesson 3 :: Established Relationships
Biblical Passage: 1 Samuel 20:117, 20:42

Memory Verse: 1 Samuel 20:42 Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, for we have sworn
friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord is
witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever. Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.
1. True friends _________________ honor and trust in their _________________ (1 Sam. 20:111).
2. True friends love the _________________ as they love _________________ (1 Sam. 20:1217).
3. Ultimate _________________ is based on a _________________ to the Lord (1 Sam. 20:42).
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

s7HILEYOUMIGHTNOTENTERINTOFORMALCOVENANTSWITHPEOPLELIKE$AVIDAND*ONATHAN
DIDWITHEACHOTHERWHATQUALITIESOFTHEIRRELATIONSHIPDOYOUWANTTODEMONSTRATEINYOUR
relationships?
s(OWCANYOUKNOWWHETHERYOURRELATIONSHIPWITHSOMEONEIS'ODLY
s(OWDOESYOURRELATIONSHIPWITH'ODAFFECTYOURRELATIONSHIPSWITHOTHERPEOPLE
s7HATSHOULDBETHEFOUNDATIONFORYOURACTIONSANDTREATMENTOFOTHERS
s7HATARESPECIlCEXAMPLESOFHOWYOUCANLOVESOMEONEEVENWHENYOUDONOTFEEL
like loving that person?
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL

VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible
Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
All rights reserved.

Bible Study Established Relationships

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Linked (30 Week) Study

Lesson: Established Relationships

Linked (30 Week) Study

Linked (30 Week) Study

Teaching Plan: Connect Activities

Drama: Be Your Best Friend

Teaching Plan: Explore Activities

Linked (30 Week) Study

enabled him to be Davids friend.

Master Teacher Key Study: Established Relationships

Teaching Plan: Transform Activities

Linked (30 Week) Study

Thank God for the relationships that pointed you to Him.

Together 3, Established Relationships

Biblical Passages: 1 Samuel 20:117, 20:42

COMPLETE SUPPLY LIST

Copyright Student Life Publishing, 2005. All rights reserved.

Together 3, Prep Guide

Together 3, Established Relationships

1. What is the condition for abiding in Christs love? (Lesson 2)

3. What commandment is Christs primary concern in John 15:917? (Lesson 2)

4. What is the condition for being the friend of Christ? (Lesson 2)

Copyright Clarity Publishers, 2009. All rights reserved.

Together 3, Review Questions PDF

Copyright Clarity Publishers, 2009. All rights reserved.

Together 3, Review Questions PDF

Together 3, Established Relationships

1. What is the condition for abiding in Christs love? (Lesson 2)

3. What commandment is Christs primary concern in John 15:917? (Lesson 2)

4. What is the condition for being the friend of Christ? (Lesson 2)

Copyright Clarity Publishers, 2009. All rights reserved.

Together 3, Review Questions PDF

Copyright Clarity Publishers, 2009. All rights reserved.

Together 3, Review Questions PDF

Together 3, Established Relationships

Hold your enthusiasm. I'm not

Oh, no. Come on, Jules. Your

No he doesn't. Honest. He totally

But he's always punching me and

Yeah. That's how he shows his

Please! Please, please, please,

Be Your Best Friend

Ohmygosh, Piper, I'm so glad to

Well . . . okay . . . I guess . . .

I have been looking for you

Killer. Thank you so, so, so, so

Seriously. If you ever need

Actually, that reminds me. There

Okay. I told you how Mrs. Finley

Yeah. Do you need help with

Oh, really? What's up?

I need your help desperately.

Okay. Tell me what's going on.

Okay. Well, you know how I've

Yeah. (sarcastically) You're such

Give it a rest. Anyway, I finally

No, I'm serious. Today. After

That's great, Jules.

I'm kinda short on contestants.

Copyright Student Life Publishing, 2010. All rights reserved.

Together 3, Drama, Page 1

Yep. And then you used it to get

It's getting kind of silly to keep

3. Ultimate _ is based on a _ to the Lord (1 Sam. 20:42).