Seeds of Faith Podcast

The text for this lesson is 1 Samuel 1:1—3:21.

Key Points

• For the sake of Christ, God, who is ever eager to forgive us and grant us His grace, calls all to repentance through preachers such as Samuel.
• Law: The Lord’s holy people often appear to out-sin the most ungodly pack of sinners imaginable. There is more than a little of Eli and his sons in all of us. Time and again, selfishness suffocates sanctity.
• Gospel: The Lord’s people are holy because they are the Lord’s. Holiness is not an achievement but an endowment. He calls all to repentance through preachers such as Samuel, ever eager to forgive for the sake of Christ, who was born of a woman very much like singing Hannah of old.

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Discussion Points and Questions

1. Read 1 Samuel 1:1–28. What does Eli’s response to Hannah indicate about the state of Israel’s worship at this time?
2. Read Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1–11. This is the last of our “Judges stories.” Consider Hannah’s song against the backdrop of the whole time of the Judges.
3. Read 1 Samuel 2:12–26. Note the contrast between Samuel’s upbringing and that of Eli’s sons.
4. Read 1 Samuel 2:27–36. What are the consequences of Eli’s failures as a father?
5. Read 1 Samuel 3:1–11. Note how God must speak three times before Samuel and Eli recognize the Word of the Lord.
6. Read 1 Samuel 3:12–21. Is Samuel a likely mouthpiece for God? What purposes does God accomplish through Samuel?
7. Read 2 Timothy 4:1–4. Is the story of Samuel instructive for pastors? For members of congregations?
8. Jesus’ ministry was one of reversals. Are there reversals still taking place today?

In next week’s study, we will move to the end of the time of the judges and meet Israel’s first king in 1 Samuel 8. If you would like, read ahead and consider: Why do the people want a king? Why is Samuel opposed to this? How does the Lord understand their request for a king?

Additional CPH Resources

	Arch Books: A Mother Who Prayed (59-1535) This book retells the story of Hannah and Samuel (1 Sam. 1:1-28). The Arch® Book series tells popular Bible stories through fun-to-read rhymes and bright illustrations. This well-loved series captures the attention of children, telling scripturally sound stories that are enjoyable and easy to remember. This product is part of the Accelerated Reader™ program and carries a point value of .5.
	Arch Books: The Lord Calls Samuel (59-1583) This book retells the story of Samuel, his coming to God and becoming one of His prophets (1 Samuel 3). The Arch® Book series tells popular Bible stories through fun-to-read rhymes and bright illustrations. This well-loved series captures the attention of children, telling scripturally sound stories that are enjoyable and easy to remember. This product is part of the Accelerated Reader™ program and carries a point value of .5.
	God’s Word for Today: 1 and 2 Samuel (20-3394) Spanning the events of just over one hundred years, 1 and 2 Samuel describe a time when Israel rebelled against God, demanding an earthly king to lead her. However, these books also tell the story of how a merciful God intervened to usher in the reign of King David, Israel’s greatest king and an ancestor of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:1-16). In the pages of 1 and 2 Samuel, you will: see how God’s last judge, Samuel, applies both Law and Gospel; read about Saul and David, remarkably different individuals but remarkably the same; rejoice in God’s promises made to David that are fulfilled in his descendant and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Also available as a downloadable resource (20-3395).
	People’s Bible Commentary: 1 & 2 Samuel (12-8201) Christ-centered Bible truths unfold as you read this complete series of commentaries designed for spiritual growth and reading enjoyment. These trustworthy commentaries help you comprehend what you’ve read in Scripture as well as apply it to your life.