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David and Saul: A Story of Faith and Virtue
The sun was setting over the Judean hills as David crouched behind a rocky ledge. His men whispered excitedly—**King Saul** was just a few feet away, completely unaware of their presence.
Saul had been hunting David for months, chasing him through the wilderness, determined to **kill** him. And now, here he was—alone, vulnerable, within David’s grasp.
David’s men urged him, **“This is your chance! Strike him down, and the throne is yours!”**
David’s heart pounded. He had every reason to **end Saul’s reign**—Saul had tried to kill him, had driven him into exile, had made his life miserable. But David knew that **faith is more than just believing—it’s living out God’s truth.
📖 2 Peter 1:5 (KJV 1611) – “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge...”
David had **faith** in God’s plan. But would he choose **virtue**—doing what was right—even when revenge seemed justified?
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Virtue: Choosing Righteousness Over Revenge
David **crept forward**, his sword in hand. But instead of striking Saul down, he **cut off a piece of his robe**—a sign that he **could** have killed him but **chose mercy instead**.
📖 **2 Peter 1:5 (KJV 1611)** – *“Add to your faith virtue...”*
Saul left the cave, unaware. But then, David **stepped out** and called after him.
*"My lord the king!"* David shouted. *"See, I could have killed you, but I did not. Why do you hunt me? I have done you no wrong!"*
Saul **wept**. He realized David had **acted with virtue**, choosing righteousness over revenge.
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Knowledge: Understanding God's Plan
David knew that **God had anointed him to be king**, but he also understood that **God’s timing** was perfect. He didn’t need to **force** his way to the throne—he needed to **trust**.
📖 **2 Peter 1:5 (KJV 1611)** – *“And to virtue knowledge...”*
Instead of taking matters into his own hands, David **waited** for God to fulfill His promise.
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Temperance: Controlling His Emotions
David had every reason to be **angry**. Saul had tried to kill him multiple times. But instead of **acting on impulse**, David **controlled his emotions**.
📖 2 Peter 1:6 (KJV 1611) – “And to knowledge temperance...”
He didn’t let **fear, frustration, or pride** dictate his actions. He chose **self-control**, trusting that **God’s justice** was greater than his own.
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Patience: Waiting on God's Timing
David had been **anointed as king** years earlier, yet he was still **hiding in caves**, running for his life. It would have been **easy** to take the throne by force.
But David understood that **patience** was part of faith.
📖 2 Peter 1:6 (KJV 1611) – “And to temperance patience...”
Instead of rushing ahead, he **waited** for God to establish him as king **in the right time**.
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Godliness: Honoring God's Will
David refused to **harm Saul**, even though Saul had wronged him. He respected that Saul was still **God’s anointed king**.
📖 **2 Peter 1:6 (KJV 1611)** – *“And to patience godliness...”*
David’s **godliness** was shown in his **respect for God’s authority**, even when it was difficult.
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Brotherly Kindness & Charity: Showing Mercy
David had **every reason** to hate Saul. But instead, he showed **kindness** and **charity**, sparing his life and speaking to him with **respect**.
📖 **2 Peter 1:7 (KJV 1611)** – *“And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”*
Even when Saul continued to **hunt him**, David never sought revenge. He **trusted God** to handle justice.
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Conclusion: A Legacy of Faith and Virtue
David’s story mirrors the **spiritual growth** described in 2 Peter 1:4-9
He trusted God when life was unfair.
He made righteous choices when tempted.
He sought wisdom and understanding.
He controlled his emotions.
He waited on God's timing.
He honored God’s authority.
And most of all—he showed love, kindness, and mercy.
God used **every trial** to shape David into **a man of faith and virtue**.
That same **process** is happening in *our* lives. Every struggle, every temptation, every painful moment—God is **building us** into something greater.
Let’s trust Him, grow in virtue, and allow our **faith to flourish**.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the lessons of David’s virtue—his courage, faith, and trust in Your perfect timing. May we, like David, choose integrity in every moment, knowing You are our strength and shield.
Lord, we also lift up every heart seeking salvation. You offer the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, and today, we open our hearts to You. If anyone here has yet to accept this precious gift, let them know that You love them, You call them, and You invite them into Your family.
We surrender to You, Lord. Cleanse our hearts, guide our paths, and lead us into a life of virtue, faith, and love. May we walk in Your truth every day.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
---
Susan Nikitenko 2025© Mp, Mc, Anna, Ben, GN, KB,PB,CLOT,
**Bible references** from the story of **David and King Saul** that align with the virtues in **2 Peter 1:4-9**:
1. **Virtue – Choosing Righteousness Over Revenge**
📖 **1 Samuel 24:4-7** – *David spares Saul’s life in the cave, refusing to harm the Lord’s anointed.*
2. **Knowledge – Understanding God's Plan**
📖 **1 Samuel 16:1** – *God tells Samuel to anoint David as king, showing that David was chosen for a greater purpose.*
3. **Temperance – Controlling His Emotions**
📖 **1 Samuel 26:9-11** – *David refuses to kill Saul again, showing self-control despite Saul’s pursuit.*
4. **Patience – Waiting on God's Timing**
📖 **2 Samuel 5:4** – *David finally becomes king at age 30, after years of waiting and trusting God’s plan.*
5. **Godliness – Honoring God's Will**
📖 **1 Samuel 24:10** – *David acknowledges that Saul is still God’s anointed and refuses to harm him.*
6. **Brotherly Kindness & Charity – Showing Mercy**
📖 **1 Samuel 24:16-17** – *Saul weeps and acknowledges David’s kindness, realizing David acted with mercy.*
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A Pattern to Follow
📖 *“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”* (**1 Peter 2:21**)
Jesus didn’t just **redeem us**—He gave us a **pattern to follow**. Through Him, we build upon our **most holy faith**, growing in **virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity**, just as **2 Peter 1:4-9** teaches.
His sacrifice wasn’t the **end**—it was the **beginning** of a journey where we are shaped into **His likeness**, reflecting His love, wisdom, and righteousness to the world.
May we always walk **in His steps**, growing in **grace and truth**, becoming **vessels fit for His glory**!
**Everyday Scenarios**
that reflect the virtues outlined in
**2 Peter 1:4-9**,
helping us apply them in daily life:
**Faith** – Trusting God in Uncertain Times
- Praying and believing God will provide during financial struggles.
- Trusting God’s plan when facing a difficult decision.
- Holding onto faith when experiencing loss or hardship.
**Virtue** – Choosing Righteousness Over Compromise
- Refusing to gossip or speak negatively about others.
- Standing up for truth even when it’s unpopular.
- Choosing honesty in business dealings instead of cutting corners.
**Knowledge** – Seeking Wisdom Through God’s Word
- Studying Scripture daily to grow in understanding.
- Seeking godly counsel before making major life decisions.
- Learning how to apply biblical principles in relationships and work.
**Temperance** – Exercising Self-Control
- Responding with patience instead of anger in frustrating situations.
- Resisting temptation when faced with sinful desires.
- Managing time wisely to prioritize spiritual growth.
**Patience** – Waiting on God’s Timing
- Trusting God when prayers seem unanswered.
- Enduring trials with faith instead of complaining.
- Showing patience with difficult people instead of reacting harshly.
**Godliness** – Living a Life That Honors God
- Choosing to worship and pray daily.
- Reflecting Christ’s love in interactions with coworkers and family.
- Making decisions based on biblical values rather than worldly influences.
**Brotherly Kindness** – Showing Compassion to Others
- Encouraging someone who is struggling emotionally or spiritually.
- Helping a neighbor or friend in need.
- Forgiving others instead of holding grudges.
**Charity (Love)** – Giving Without Expecting in Return
- Serving in ministry or volunteering to help others.
- Giving generously to those in need.
- Loving and praying for enemies instead of seeking revenge.
Susan Nikitenko 2025© Mp, Mc, Anna, Ben, GN, KB,PB,CLOT,
Game:"David’s Path to Victory"
Print on Cardstock
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📖 *A journey through faith, courage, and godly virtues!*
**Game Board Layout:**
- **Starting Point:** "Anointed by God" – Young David is chosen by God (1 Samuel 16:13).
- **Path of Virtue:** Players travel through challenges reflecting **David’s growth in virtue**.
- **Faith Challenges:** Answer questions, face trials, and make choices that **reflect biblical principles**.
- **Victory Spaces:** Special stops for **David defeating Goliath, showing mercy to Saul, leading Israel**.
- **Final Destination:** "A Man After God’s Own Heart" – the ultimate goal, reflecting **godliness and charity**.
**Gameplay Elements:**
🎲 **Roll & Move:** Players advance based on dice rolls.
❓ **Bible Question Cards:** Answer questions about David’s story & **2 Peter 1:4-9** to progress.
🔥 **Challenge Spaces:** Test patience & temperance—players may have to "wait on the Lord" for an extra turn!
💡 **Wisdom Boosters:** Earn virtue points by **choosing righteous actions** like David did.
Certainly! Here’s a list of **fill-in-the-blank exercises** based on **2 Peter 1:4-9** to reinforce understanding:
Stars Earned
---
**Fill in the Blanks - 2 Peter 1:4-9**
1. **“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious _______: that by these ye might be partakers of the _______ nature.”** (2 Peter 1:4)
2. **“Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through _______.”** (2 Peter 1:4)
3. **“And beside this, giving all ______, add to your faith ______; and to virtue knowledge.”** (2 Peter 1:5)
4. **“And to knowledge _______, and to temperance _______.”** (2 Peter 1:6)
5. **“And to patience _______, and to godliness _______ kindness.”** (2 Peter 1:7)
6. **“For if these things be in you, and ________, they make you that ye shall neither be ______ nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”** (2 Peter 1:8)
7. **“But he that ______ these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was ______ from his old sins.”** (2 Peter 1:9)
Certainly! Here’s the **answer key** for the **fill-in-the-blank exercises** based on **2 Peter 1:4-9**:
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**Fill in the Blanks - Answer Key**
1. **“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious **promises**: that by these ye might be partakers of the **divine** nature.”** (2 Peter 1:4)
2. **“Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through **lust**.”** (2 Peter 1:4)
3. **“And beside this, giving all **diligence**, add to your faith **virtue**; and to virtue knowledge.”** (2 Peter 1:5)
4. **“And to knowledge **temperance**, and to temperance **patience**.”** (2 Peter 1:6)
5. **“And to patience **godliness**, and to godliness **brotherly** kindness.”** (2 Peter 1:7)
6. **“For if these things be in you, and **abound**, they make you that ye shall neither be **barren** nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”** (2 Peter 1:8)
7. **“But he that **lacketh** these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was **purged** from his old sins.”** (2 Peter 1:9)
---
** Questions for the Game**
1. Why did God choose David to be king instead of his brothers?
2. What did David use to defeat Goliath?
3. How did David show mercy to King Saul?
4. What was David’s response after sinning with Bathsheba?
5. What promise did God make to David about his lineage?
6. What does 2 Peter 1:4 describe as being given to us that are “exceeding great and precious”?
7. According to 2 Peter 1:5, what should we add to our faith?
8. What comes after “virtue” and “knowledge” in the list of qualities in 2 Peter 1:6?
9. What does 2 Peter 1:7 say we should add to godliness?
10. What does 2 Peter 1:8 say will happen if these qualities are present in us?
11. What does 2 Peter 1:9 say about someone who lacks these qualities?
12. How did David demonstrate his trust in God during his battle with Goliath?
13. What psalm did David write that begins with “The Lord is my shepherd”?
14. How did David respond when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem?
15. What lesson can we learn from David sparing Saul’s life in the cave?
---
### **Answer Key for Game Questions**
1. **Why did God choose David to be king instead of his brothers?**
**Answer:** God looked at David’s heart, not outward appearance (**1 Samuel 16:7**).
2. **What did David use to defeat Goliath?**
**Answer:** A sling and a stone (**1 Samuel 17:40-50**).
3. **How did David show mercy to King Saul?**
**Answer:** He spared Saul’s life in the cave (**1 Samuel 24:1-22**).
4. **What was David’s response after sinning with Bathsheba?**
**Answer:** He repented and sought God’s forgiveness (**Psalm 51**).
5. **What promise did God make to David about his lineage?**
**Answer:** His lineage would lead to the Messiah (**2 Samuel 7:12-16**).
6. **What does 2 Peter 1:4 describe as being given to us that are “exceeding great and precious”?**
**Answer:** Promises from God.
7. **According to 2 Peter 1:5, what should we add to our faith?**
**Answer:** Virtue.
8. **What comes after “virtue” and “knowledge” in the list of qualities in 2 Peter 1:6?**
**Answer:** Temperance and patience.
9. **What does 2 Peter 1:7 say we should add to godliness?**
**Answer:** Brotherly kindness and charity.
10. **What does 2 Peter 1:8 say will happen if these qualities are present in us?**
**Answer:** We will be fruitful in the knowledge of Christ.
11. **What does 2 Peter 1:9 say about someone who lacks these qualities?**
**Answer:** He is blind and forgets he was purged from his old sins.
12. **How did David demonstrate his trust in God during his battle with Goliath?**
**Answer:** He fought without fear, trusting God to give him victory (**1 Samuel 17:45-47**).
13. **What psalm did David write that begins with “The Lord is my shepherd”?**
**Answer:** **Psalm 23**.
14. **How did David respond when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem?**
**Answer:** He danced before the Lord with joy (**2 Samuel 6:14-16**).
15. **What lesson can we learn from David sparing Saul’s life in the cave?**
**Answer:** Mercy and temperance—trusting God to handle justice instead of taking matters into our own hands.
---
**Every Day Virtues Questions**
1. **How can you trust God when life is hard?**
2. **What is one way to do what is right, even when it's tough?**
3. **How can you learn more about God’s Word each day?**
4. **What should you do when you feel angry or frustrated?**
5. **Why is it important to be patient and wait on God?**
6. **What does it mean to live in a way that honors God?**
7. **How can you be kind to someone who is hurting?**
8. **What is a way to show love to others, like Jesus did?**
9. **How can you make good choices when facing a big decision?**
10. **What does self-control look like in everyday life?**
11. **How can you be patient with someone who annoys you?**
12. **Why is it important to follow the Bible in your relationships?**
13. **How can you show others Jesus’ love?**
14. **What does trusting God’s timing mean?**
15. **Why is it important to forgive others?**
---
**Answer Key for Every Day Virtues Questions**
1. **How can you trust God when life is hard?**
**Answer:** By praying and believing He will take care of you, even in difficult times.
2. **What is one way to do what is right, even when it's tough?**
**Answer:** Stand up for truth and refuse to do wrong, even if others disagree.
3. **How can you learn more about God’s Word each day?**
**Answer:** Read the Bible, pray, and listen to godly teachings regularly.
4. **What should you do when you feel angry or frustrated?**
**Answer:** Take a deep breath, pray, and respond with patience instead of reacting harshly.
5. **Why is it important to be patient and wait on God?**
**Answer:** God’s timing is perfect, and waiting on Him builds faith and wisdom.
6. **What does it mean to live in a way that honors God?**
**Answer:** Choosing actions that reflect God’s love, kindness, and truth in daily life.
7. **How can you be kind to someone who is hurting?**
**Answer:** Offer encouragement, help when needed, and pray for them.
8. **What is a way to show love to others, like Jesus did?**
**Answer:** Give generously, help others without expecting anything in return, and forgive freely.
9. **How can you make good choices when facing a big decision?**
**Answer:** Pray, seek wisdom from the Bible, and ask godly mentors for advice.
10. **What does self-control look like in everyday life?**
**Answer:** Choosing patience over anger, resisting temptation, and acting wisely.
11. **How can you be patient with someone who annoys you?**
**Answer:** Respond calmly, pray for them, and show grace instead of frustration.
12. **Why is it important to follow the Bible in your relationships?**
**Answer:** It teaches us how to love, forgive, and treat others with kindness and respect.
13. **How can you show others Jesus’ love?**
**Answer:** Be compassionate, serve others, and share the Gospel.
14. **What does trusting God’s timing mean?**
**Answer:** Believing God knows best and waiting patiently for His plan to unfold.
15. **Why is it important to forgive others?**
**Answer:** Forgiveness reflects God’s mercy toward us and brings peace to our hearts.
Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.
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