Discussion Guide: Shammah – Mighty Man of Valor
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:8-12
1. Introduction: Good vs. Evil
- Illustration: Little boys playing with toys, imagining epic battles between good and evil. Superhero movies (like the MCU) carry this same theme on a grand scale.
- Discussion: Why do you think people are drawn to stories of good vs. evil?
2. David’s Mighty Men
Background: There were 37 men in total, each known for their extraordinary feats in battle.
- Josheb-basshebeth: Killed 800 men in one battle (v.8).
- Eleazar: Fought until his hand stuck to his sword (v.9-10).
Key Point: “The Lord brought a great victory that day” (v.10).
- Discussion: What do you think this statement reveals about God’s involvement in their battles?
- Discussion: What do you think this statement reveals about God’s involvement in their battles?
3. Shammah’s Stand (2 Samuel 23:11-12)
Background: Shammah defended a field of lentils (peas) against the Philistines. Others fled, but Shammah stood his ground.
- Reflection: Why would the Philistines choose a non-strategic, everyday field to fight for? Does it signify something deeper?
- Reflection: Why would the Philistines choose a non-strategic, everyday field to fight for? Does it signify something deeper?
Key Point: “The Lord brought about a great victory” (v.12).
- Discussion: What does Shammah’s stand teach us about defending seemingly insignificant things? Can you think of an example in your own life where something small ended up being important?
- Discussion: What does Shammah’s stand teach us about defending seemingly insignificant things? Can you think of an example in your own life where something small ended up being important?
4. Lessons from Shammah’s Victory
Quote: “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him.”
Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 16:9: “For the eyes of the LORD roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him.”
- Discussion: How does being “fully devoted to God” make a difference in our lives? What does it mean to consecrate ourselves fully to God?
- Discussion: How does being “fully devoted to God” make a difference in our lives? What does it mean to consecrate ourselves fully to God?
5. Worldly Option vs. Kingdom Option
Worldly Option:
- Trusting in our own wisdom, emotions, or resources.
Fighting with anger, arrogance, and earthly weapons (Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 17:9).
Example: Defending personal traditions or ideas over God’s truth (Hebrews 8:5, 10:1).
Discussion: What are some areas where we might be tempted to rely on our own strength instead of God’s?
Kingdom Option:
- Stand on God’s Truth: Even if you’re standing alone.
- Fight by His precepts and use His spiritual weapons (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).
Key Passage: Ephesians 6:13-18: The Armor of God
- Discussion: What are the spiritual weapons described in Ephesians 6? How do they apply to the battles we face in life?
- Discussion: What are the spiritual weapons described in Ephesians 6? How do they apply to the battles we face in life?
6. Application: Defending Your “Pea Patch”
Reflection: How do we know which “pea patches” (ordinary areas of life) are worth defending?
Discussion:
What are the “pea patches” in your life that may seem insignificant but are worth standing up for?
How can we use the armor of God to defend these areas in a way that honors Him?
7. Conclusion: The Victory is the Lord’s
Final Thought: Shammah stood alone, but God brought the victory. In our lives, the battles may be small and seem insignificant, but if we stand for God’s truth, He will bring the victory.
Discussion: What does it look like for you to stand firm in faith, trusting that God will bring the victory in your life?