Courageous and Sacrificial Friendship | 1 Samuel 18:1–4; 20:16–17, 32–34, 42; 2 Samuel 1:26–27; 21:7

Welcome to Roaring Rapids Ranch Bible Studies

Welcome to this Bible study based on 1 Samuel 18:1–4; 20:16–17, 32–34, 42; 2 Samuel 1:26–27; 21:7. You can listen to the audio study, read or print the lesson materials, and then visit the Ranch Story that illustrates an important truth from this Scripture passage.

The printable Scripture text, Bible lesson, and discussion questions are available below for personal study, family devotions, Sunday school, or weekly Bible class use. We hope this Ranch Bible Study page gives readers a warm place to listen, reflect, and follow the trail of the Scriptures to discover many blessings along the way.

These Bible Lessons are taken from the International Bible Lesson and Commentary written by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr., who has compiled, edited, and written books on Jonathan Edwards, Charles G. Finney, Charles H. Spurgeon, Andrew Murray, Francis Schaeffer and others. His trail is teaching the Truth in the Love of Jesus Christ.

Study Resources

Use these printable resources for personal study, family study, or a class discussion. Discussion questions include some questions based on having read the Roaring Rapids Ranch story that illustrates the Bible lesson in practical, everyday life and they may be easily excluded from your study.

📖 Scripture Text

Read or print the Bible passage for this study.

Open Scripture PDF

📚 Bible Lesson

Read or print the Bible lesson for 1 Samuel 18:1–4; 20:16–17, 32–34, 42; 2 Samuel 1:26–27; 21:7.

Open Bible Lesson PDF

❓ Discussion Questions

Questions for reflection or group conversation, including ranch story.

Open Questions PDF

Scripture Reading

Bible Lesson

Listen to the Scripture reading and Bible lesson while following the printable resources above.

Learn English with This Bible Study

These English learning pages include both the Scripture text and the Bible lesson in one study. Tutors may use the lesson plan for a live or online class, and students may use the self-study page for independent practice. These lessons include only the Reading from the Bible and the Reading of the Bible Lesson. You will not be learning about the Roaring Rapids Ranch story in these lesson plans. We do have lesson plans on this story at the Ranch School.

English Tutor Lesson Plan Learn English with the Bible (Self-Study)

Ranch Story Connection

Where's Dusty?

When Dusty disappears from the corral, Jake faces trouble he cannot solve by standing still. Mary offers Spirit and Freedom, her own valuable horses, so Jake and Thomas can follow the trail and recover what has been taken. Her willingness to give what is precious for the good of another person helps illustrate sacrificial friendship.

Jonathan gave David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt because his loyal love and faith in the LORD mattered more than protecting his own place. Both the Scripture lesson and the ranch story invite us to think about courage, covenant loyalty, generosity, and the kind of friendship that acts when someone else is in need.

Read Where's Dusty?

Ranch Reflection

True friendship does not only speak kind words. It gives, protects, keeps promises, and acts with courage when another person is in danger or need. Jonathan’s friendship with David points us toward loyal love that costs something and still gives gladly.