LifeLESSONSFo r A l l Ad u l t s

LEADER GUIDE | S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 B i b l e S t u d i e s f o r L i f e

Summer 2010

M E E T Y O U R W R I T E R SBible Studies for Life:

LIFE LESSONS LEADER GUIDE

for All Adults

PRODUCTION AND MINISTRY TEAM

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MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

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PublishingLifeWay Church Resources

COVER PAGE PHOTO BY MELANIE MCGAUGHEY

Stephen J. Andrews, author of the June commentary, is professor of Old Testament, Hebrew, and archaeology and is director of the Morton-Seats Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Andrews and his wife, Tammie, have two daughters and two sons.

Ken Schroeder wrote the Bible commentary for the July lessons. Since 1994 Dr. Schroeder has pastored the First Baptist Church of Mandeville, Louisiana, where he also announces high school football games. Ken has also served on the Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Board. Ken and his wife, Gayla, have three daughters and one son.

Gregory T. Pouncey authored the August Bible study commentary. Greg is the senior pastor of First Baptist Tillman’s Corner in Mobile, Alabama. Dr. Pouncey has served on the State Board of Missions for the Alabama Baptist Convention. Greg and his wife, Cathy, have two sons and one daughter. His hobbies are tennis, writing, reading, and coaching soccer.

Veda Dickerson prepared the interactive learning activities in the commentary for this quarter. Veda and her husband George are members of Northside Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has taught adults of all ages in Sunday School for over 25 years. Veda presently works as an administrative assistant at an outpatient physical therapy clinic in Indianapolis.

Leslie Hudson wrote the teaching plans and Leader Pack items for this quarter. Leslie teaches piano, Sunday School, Women’s Bible study, and works as a freelance writer. Leslie and her husband, David, have one son, live in White Bluff, Tennessee, and are members of First Baptist Church, Dickson, Tennessee.

3

S u m m e r 2 0 1 0Volume 4, Number 4

Features 2 How to Become a Christian

4 Meet Your Writers

5 BSFL Three Year Grid

6 Simple Steps to a Super Lesson

8 LifeWay’s Biblical Learning Model

10 Avoiding the Attitudes That Hinder Growth

12 If I Had Four Sunday School “Do Overs”

14 Connect, Grow, Serve, Go

56 Driving the Great Commission: …

150 Department Suggestions

152 Leadership Meeting Suggestions

154 Coming Next Quarter

Life Lessons Leader Guide (ISSN 1557-4733; Item 005074970) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. The suggestions in this resource for pronouncing Bible names are from That’s Easy for You to Say: Your Quick Guide to Pronouncing Bible Names by W. Murray Severance. Copyright © 1997 by Broadman & Holman Publishers. Used by permission.

Printed in the United States of America

God Is Still in Control 15

June 6 When Leaders Fail 16 1 Samuel 2:22-25; 3:11-21 June 13 When Religion Fails 26 1 Samuel 4:3-5,10,20-22; 5:1-4; 6:19-21 June 20 When External Threats Come 36 1 Samuel 7:2-17 June 27 When I Make Poor Choices 46 1 Samuel 8:6-9; 12:13-25

Power Up 57

July 4 The Power of Choice 58 1 Samuel 13:8-14; 16:6-13 July 11 The Power of Courage 68 1 Samuel 17:8-11,32-39,45-47 July 18 The Power of Petition 78 1 Samuel 22:17-20; 23:1-6,9-13 July 25 The Power of Loyalty 88 1 Samuel 24:20-22; 26:1-2,7-12,21-25

The Essentials of Success 99

August 1 Respect God’s Holiness 100 2 Samuel 6:1-15,17 August 8 Focus on God’s Purposes 110 2 Samuel 7:1-7,11b-16,18-21 August 15 Demonstrate Kindness 120 2 Samuel 9:1-13 August 22 Deal with Personal Sin † 130 2 Samuel 11:2-5,14-15; 12:7a,10-14; Psalm 51:1-4 August 29 Face Crises with Courage 140 2 Samuel 15:13-14,24-26,30-37; 19:7-8a

† Evangelism Lesson

This periodical is designed for adult classes without segmented age groups. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. The 2000 statement of The Baptist Faith and Message is our doctrinal guideline. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. For ordering or inquiries, visit www.lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes e-mail subscribe@lifeway.com, fax (615) 251-5818, or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, e-mail orderentry@lifeway.com, fax (615) 251-5933, or write to the above address.

Life LESSONS Leader Guide

C O N T E N T S

4 Life LESSONS Leader Guide

Summer 2010

This four-session study from 1 Samuel 1–12 examines episodes of disobedience and crises in Israel’s history. Despite Israel’s rebellion God was still in control. We rely on and trust in many

things. Things and circumstances change. People let us down. But in the midst of all of this, we can be sure that God is still in control. Because God is still in control, we can have confidence in Him in the midst of crises.

DATE TITLE FOCAL VERSES

June 6 When Leaders Fail 1 Samuel 2:22-25; 3:11-21

June 13 When Religion Fails 1 Samuel 4:3-5,10,20-22; 5:1-4; 6:19-21

June 20 When External Threats Come 1 Samuel 7:2-17

June 27 When I Make Poor Choices 1 Samuel 8:6-9; 12:13-25

God Is Still in Control

15

WEEK OF

JUNE 6, 2010

Items Needed for

the Teaching Plan

! Learner Guides, Bibles, and pencils or pens

! Step 1: Is God Still in Control? poster (Pack Item 1)

! Step 2: A copy of the A Sacred Trust worksheet (Pack Item 2) for each learner

! Step 3: Bad News chart (Pack Item 3)

! Step 4: Who Followed? quiz (Pack Item 4)

Background Verse(s) 1 Samuel 1:1–3:21

Focal Verse(s) 1 Samuel 2:22-25; 3:11-21

What This Lesson Is About Eli’s sons, who were wicked priests, provoked God. God demonstrated He is still in control by replacing them with a faithful prophet.

Why This Lesson Is ImportantWhat we do for God and how we do it matters. If we fail in the sacred trust God has given to us, He will find faithful servants to carry out His will.

How This Lesson Can Impact Your LifeThis lesson will encourage you to serve God faithfully in spite of what others are doing around you.

Lesson OutlineA Sacred Trust Violated (1 Sam. 2:22-25)The Lord Does What He Thinks Is Good (1 Sam. 3:11-18)God Still Speaks His Word (1 Sam. 3:19-21)

When Leaders

Fail

16 Life LESSONS Leader Guide

Step 1: Introduction

• Display and direct learners’ attention to the Is God Still in Control? poster (Pack Item 1). (If this item is unavailable, create a poster using the study theme title, lesson titles, Scripture references, and dates on a large sheet of paper.) Ask: Have you ever asked the question presented on this poster? What did your questioning lead you to believe about God? Why?

• Invite learners to examine “Why This Lesson Is Important” (Learner Guide, p. 10). Remind them to consider throughout today’s lesson their own positions as leaders and the responsibilities of those leadership positions.

• Invite learners to respond to question Q1 (Learner Guide, p. 11).

Step 2: A Sacred Trust Violated (1 Sam. 2:22-25)

• Invite a volunteer to read aloud 1 Samuel 2:22-25.

• Distribute a copy of A Sacred Trust worksheet (Pack Item 2) to each learner.

• (If this item is not available, make a list of several civic and political positions upon which citizens depend.)

Lesson Commentary and Application

Edward Francis Hutton opened a stock brokerage firm in 1904. Eventually, E. F. Hutton & Co. became one of the most successful and most respected investment firms in the United States. Most of us will remember the firm’s successful television commercials in the 1970s and ‘80s. The circumstances were different in each commercial, but the message was the same.

Generally, one character in every commercial was not saying much, but in the course of the conversation was finally asked his or her thoughts. The person always responds by saying the same thing, “Well, my broker is E. F. Hutton, and E. F. Hutton says …” Immediately, the individual stops speaking and realizes that all activity around has stopped, everything has become silent, and all ears are stretched to catch the next words.

At this point, an announcer breaks in and says, “When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen.” Of course, the implication is clear. E. F. Hutton is so successful in the investment business that you should stop everything you are doing just to listen to what they say.

Well, no one is listening to E. F. Hutton now. In 1985 the company pled guilty to 2,000 counts of mail and wire fraud as a result of a check “kiting” scandal. In the early 80s, one of its offices assisted organized crime in money laundering. The company’s reputation and stock plummeted. When the stock market crashed on October 19, 1987, E. F. Hutton found itself in danger of going under. The company had to sell its assets to the highest bidder and fire 4,800 employees. Eighty-three years of successful and respected business advice had come to nothing. Because of its moral failure, people stopped listening.

Economic leaders are not the only ones who fail. Political leaders do, and so do religious leaders. When religious leaders fail, we are shocked and hurt, and the personal or moral failures grieve the church. These types of failure can cause us to lose trust in our church leadership and structures. Sometimes we are tempted to lose trust in God as well. But in the midst of all of this, we can be sure that God is still in control. Because God is still in control, we can have confidence in Him in the midst of all crises.

A Sacred Trust Violated(1 Sam. 2:22-25)

22 Now Eli was very old. He heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 23 He said to them, “Why are you doing these things? I have heard about your evil actions from all these people. 24 No, my sons, the report I hear from the LORD’s people is not good. 25 If a man sins against another man, God can intercede for

Week of June 6, 2010 17

• Invite learners to place a check next to each position if they have ever used the services of that position. In the blank, instruct learners to write the service offered by a person in that position.

• Encourage learners to discuss the effect on society when a person in that position does not perform the task with honesty and integrity. Ask: What kind of trust do you place in these civil servants?

• Enlist a learner to summarize the sins of Eli’s sons recorded in 1 Samuel 2:12-22 (no regard for God or priests; keeping extra portion of sacrificed meats; taking meat before the fat was burned away; bullying those around them; contempt for God’s offering; sleeping with women serving in the temple). List these sins on the board.

• Ask: Which of these sins offended people? (Write a “P” next to those offenses.) Which of these sins offended God? (Write a “G” next to those offenses.) Is there any sin that does not offend God? Lead a discussion of how our own sins, though they may not seem to harm others, always offend God. Invite learners to respond to question Q1 (Learner Guide, p. 12).

him, but if a man sins against the LORD, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to kill them.

The first chapter of 1 Samuel begins by introducing us to two different families. The first family belonged to Elkanah, an Israelite from the hill country of Ephraim (1 Sam. 1:1). Elkanah had two wives. Hannah, the first wife, was barren. The second, Peninnah, had children. Every year Elkanah would take his family to Shiloh in order “to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts” (v. 3). “Deeply hurt” by her barren condition and the taunting of her rival, Hannah prayed at the doorpost of the tabernacle (v. 9-10) begging the Lord to give her a son (v. 11). Hannah vowed that if God would give her a son, she would give that son back to Him (v. 11). The Lord granted her request and blessed Hannah with a son, Samuel (vv. 19-20). She was faithful to her word and gave Samuel back to the Lord. Elkanah and Hannah left Samuel with Eli the priest to serve the Lord (1:24-28; 2:11). Samuel listened to the Lord when He spoke to him in the tabernacle (3:9-10). Later, God would confirm Samuel as His true prophet before all Israel (vv. 19-20).

The second family introduced in chapter 1 is that of Eli and his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas (1:3). Eli was a priest (1:9) and a judge (4:18), and his sons also served as priests at Shiloh. But in contrast to Elkanah and Hannah’s son, Eli’s sons violated the sacred trust given to them by the Lord. The news eventually reached Eli. He heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel. What he heard was not good. His sons had dishonored God in two ways.

A previous Biblical Illustrator article “The Role and Function of Hebrew Priests” (Spring 2006) relates to

this lesson and can be found on the CD-ROM in the Leader Pack and on the Summer 2010 Biblical Illustrator Plus (CD-ROM). A previous Biblical Illustrator article “Samuel: Prophet and Judge” (Fall 1994) relates to this lesson and can be found on the Summer 2010 Biblical Illustrator Plus (CD-ROM).

Verses 12-17 of chapter 2 tell us that Hophni and Phinehas were “wicked men” (literally, “sons of Belial”). They “had no regard” (literally, “did not know”) “for the LORD.” This disregard for the Lord can be seen in the way Hophni and Phinehas took advantage of their liturgical office for personal gain. They used a “three-pronged meat fork” to take more of a sacrifice then they were entitled to (Lev. 7:28-36). They also demanded their meat portion before the fat was burned, and they instructed their servant to take it by force if necessary. The sin of Hophni

18 Life LESSONS Leader Guide

• Invite volunteers to share people in their lives in whom they have a “sacred trust” and why. (Encourage learners to consider people at work, in their circle of friends, in their families, at church, etc.) Exercise caution if you share a time in your own life when a sacred trust was violated and the effect it had on your life.

• Lead a discussion of how each learner holds a position of sacred trust with others, whether as a parent, coworker, spouse, or some other role. Invite learners to share different ways we should live so that we do not violate that trust.

• Invite learners to respond to question Q3 (Learner Guide, p. 12).

• Invite a learner to read aloud the shaded paragraph beginning “Other people in …” (Learner Guide, p. 12). Invite learners to respond to question Q4 (Learner Guide, p. 12).

• Read aloud the shaded paragraph beginning “Those who manipulate …” (Leader Guide, p. 19).

and Phinehas was a travesty in the presence of the Lord. They abused their priestly office and “treated the LORD’S offering with contempt.” Leviticus 10:1-11 records the seriousness with which the Lord takes priestly misconduct. A holy God would not allow this to go on without punishment.

First Samuel 2:22-25 shows us that the violation of God’s sacred trust by Hophni and Phinehas did not stop with liturgical sins. The brothers added moral sins to their catalog of priestly misconduct. Eli’s sons were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the tabernacle. It is difficult to say who these women were. They may have been volunteers doing menial chores (Ex. 38:8) or cultic prostitutes like those found at pagan shrines (see Hos. 4:14). If they were cultic prostitutes then Hophni and Phinehas were guilty of filling the land “with depravity” (Lev. 19:29).

Eli tried to confront his sons and reason with them. He used legal imagery to warn his errant sons. Two cases were examined. In the first case, Eli reminded them that if a man sins against another man, the sinner has recourse to God Himself to intercede or mediate on his behalf. But, if, as in the second case, a man sins against the Lord, there will be no one capable of interceding on behalf of the sinner. Unfortunately, Hophni and Phinehas would not listen to their father. Since they committed capital offenses (Lev. 7:25; 22:9), they could only expect the death penalty to be brought against them.

The phrase the Lord intended to kill them can also be translated “the Lord was pleased to kill them.” It would be wrong to conclude from this statement that the Lord delights in killing people. The Lord does not wish “any to perish.” Instead, He desires “all to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). But He does desire justice and He will not let the guilty go unpunished (Ex. 34:7). The divine judgment against Hophni and Phinehas was the direct result of their decision to reject God. They had hardened their hearts against God and rejected the pleas of their father. They persisted in sins that were abominable to the Lord. This means that their disregard for God was so complete that God’s judgment was inevitable. Consequently, they were confirmed in their sins and beyond redemption. Their punishment would be a warning to others.

Those who manipulate the sacred to enrich themselves or to foster their own satisfaction incur God’s holy wrath. Eli’s sons are examples of leaders who failed. They were wicked men with no regard for the Lord. They committed terrible crimes. We may think that we are immune to such horrible sin, but failure is just as much a problem for us as for our leaders. After all, we have all sinned (Rom. 3:23). Nevertheless, believers are to “detest evil” and “cling to what is good” (12:9). Our marriages, children, witness, and faithful service are sacred trusts too important to risk for the fleeting pleasures of sin.

Week of June 6, 2010 19

Discussion Questions for 1 Samuel 2:22-251. Why did the Israelites have a

sacred trust in Eli’s sons? In whom do we have a sacred trust? Why?

2. What actions did Eli take in this passage when he realized that his sons were behaving in a way that ignored God and His commands? Why was his approach ineffective?

3. What actions do you take in such situations?

4. What actions should we take when we have violated a sacred trust that someone has in us?

Step 3: The Lord Does What He Thinks Is Good (1 Sam. 3:11-18)

• Invite a volunteer to read aloud 1 Samuel 3:11-18.

• Using the Learner Guide, invite a volunteer to read the commentary beginning “Eli had foreseen …” (pp. 13-14) which summarize God speaking to Samuel. Invite other learners to share what they know of Samuel’s family, conception, and young life. Use the commentary in the Leader Guide to complete the explanation, if necessary.

Any of us may fail. The good news is that God is willing to forgive us when we are sincere and repentant (1 John 1:9). What we do for God and how we do it matters. Like Samuel, we are to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord by serving Him faithfully, respectfully, and reverently. If we fail in the sacred trust God has given to us, He will find faithful servants to carry out His will.

Samuel grew up around the wicked sons of Eli. Look back at the first paragraph you read in this section of commentary. Which two of the following do you think might have enabled Samuel to remain faithful to the Lord? Underline. growing relationship with the Lord stubbornness

naturally a good kid love and support of parents

The Lord Does What He Thinks Is Good(1 Sam. 3:11-18)

11 The LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel that everyone who hears about it will shudder. 12 On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I said about his family, from beginning to end. 13 I told him that I am going to judge his family forever because of the iniquity he knows about: his sons are defiling the sanctuary, and he has not stopped them. 14 Therefore, I have sworn to Eli’s family: The iniquity of Eli’s family will never be wiped out by either sacrifice or offering.”

15 Samuel lay down until the morning; then he opened the doors of the LORD’s house. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision, 16 but Eli called him and said, “Samuel, my son.”

“Here I am,” answered Samuel.17 “What was the message He gave you?” Eli asked. “Don’t

hide it from me. May God punish you and do so severely if you hide anything from me that He told you.” 18 So Samuel told him everything and did not hide anything from him. Eli responded, “He is the LORD. He will do what He thinks is good.”

I once heard Dr. Alvin Reid tell a humorous story about a young pastor and his son. The son managed to disrupt his father’s sermon twice by swinging a paper airplane through the air with a loud jet engine sound. On both occasions his father corrected him from the pulpit. But the boy couldn’t resist doing it a third time, and this time he let the airplane go. It sailed through the air in a perfect circle and landed in Sister Hazel’s hair much to the delight of the congregation. The father

20 Life LESSONS Leader Guide

• Display the Bad News chart (Pack Item 3). (If this item is unavailable, write short phrases describing actions that are always “bad news” to hear, such as dishonesty, adultery, etc. on a large piece of paper.)

• Ask: Why are these issues always bad news when they affect someone we love? Is it ever desirable to hear this kind of news? How much less desirable is it to deliver this news?

• Create several different scenarios in which a learner might be responsible for delivering news concerning these actions. (For example, your teenage son tells you that a friend’s daughter is drinking and abusing drugs. The mother does not know.) Lead a discussion of how delivering God’s judgment to Eli would have been difficult for Samuel.

• Invite a learner to share a time when he or she was living in a way that displeased God and He did “what He thinks is good” by allowing him or her to suffer for that lifestyle.

• Ask: At the time, did you appreciate God’s decision to allow you to suffer for your decisions? How do you view God’s decision now?

came down from the pulpit, snatched up his son and headed for the back door. As the father carried him out the door, the disobedient son could be heard earnestly pleading, “Pray! Pray! It’s gonna be bad! It’s gonna be bad!” This little boy had learned not only discipline but also the urgency of prayer!1

Like the father mentioned above, God must at times discipline us (Heb. 12:6-7). We should accept this correction willingly and serve the Lord with reverent obedience. We may not like the discipline, and even disagree about the extent or manner of the correction. God does not deal with all sins in the same way. However, we can be assured that whatever God chooses to do about sin, “His ways are entirely just” (Deut. 32:4). God is compassionate and does forgive sins, “but He will not leave the guilty unpunished” (Ex. 34:6-7). It is far better for us not to test the limits of His patience (Deut. 6:16).

Read the article “Historical Setting for 1 and 2 Samuel” in the Summer 2010 issue of Biblical Illustrator or on the

Summer 2010 Biblical Illustrator Plus (CD-ROM).

In the case of Hophni and Phinehas, the Lord twice revealed to Eli what He was going to do about their sin. The first time, God sent an unnamed prophet to speak His judgment (1 Sam. 2:27-36). God condemned Hophni and Phinehas for rejecting their sacred trust and despising the sacrifices and offerings brought by the people of Israel to Shiloh. The Lord also condemned Eli for honoring his sons more than God. As a result, the Lord proclaimed that He would cut short Eli’s house. Hophni and Phinehas would die on the same day, and future generations of Eli’s family would be stripped of their priestly office.

In our focal passage God repeated this judgment a second time, this one to Samuel. God chose to reveal His word to Samuel (3:7) while he was still a young boy serving at the tabernacle. When God spoke, Samuel obeyed and responded, “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (v. 10).

God told Samuel that He was going to do something in Israel that would make everyone who heard about it shudder (literally, “make their two ears ring”). On that day, God’s judgment would be carried out completely, from beginning to end. Just as He had said, God would judge Eli’s family forever.

God’s punishment was not unjust. Eli knew about his son’s iniquity, but he had not stopped them. It was a sin for Eli to fail to rebuke them, or to wait so long to do so. God held Eli accountable for his failure to exercise his sacred office, especially within his own family. Parents are not held accountable for the sins of their disobedient children, but they are held accountable to be faithful to confront their children and warn them of the consequences of their sins. As part of the

Week of June 6, 2010 21

• Say: Sometimes, what God thinks is good is not what we think is good. He does not deal with evil the same way every time. Compare this statement to Isaiah 55:8. Discuss different reasons why God’s opinion of what is good is different from ours.

• Invite a learner to read aloud the chart “What Should Parents Do …” (Learner Guide, p. 14). Invite learners to respond to question Q4 (Learner Guide, p. 14).

• Invite a learner to read aloud the shaded paragraph beginning “In light of …” (Learner Guide, p. 15). Invite learners to respond to question Q2 (Learner Guide, p. 15).

Discussion Questions for 1 Samuel 3:11-181. What was Eli’s attitude

toward Samuel after hearing God’s plan? In what way might Eli have responded differently? Why are we sometimes reluctant to confront others?

2. In what way can you relate this story to how a parent handles a disobedient child?

3. How would Eli’s calling Samuel “my son” (v. 16) affect how Eli responded to Samuel’s news?

4. How do our relationships affect how we deliver and respond to confrontation?

family of God, we are commanded to confront our brothers and sisters when they sin (Jasmes 5:19-20; see Ezek. 3:17-21).

It is interesting to note how modern versions differ on the translation of 1 Samuel 3:13. What the HCSB translates as defiling the sanctuary is rendered in other versions as “made themselves contemptible” (NIV), “blaspheming God” (RSV), or “brought a curse on themselves” (NASB). Jewish tradition suggests that Eli’s sons “cursed” God.

Furthermore, the Hebrew verb translated defiling literally means “making light.” Hophni and Phinehas were making light of their sacred task and, consequently, making light of God. The message is clear. Punishment awaits those who make light of their religious positions by misusing them for sinful gain. The fall of the house of Eli stands as a stark warning to those who minister in the church. No sacrifice or offering could make atonement for the sins of Eli and his sons.

Samuel was afraid to tell Eli what God had said. No one likes to be the bearer of bad news. Eli did not let Samuel off the hook. He asked him not to hide what God had said. After Samuel told him everything Eli made a surprising confession. One might expect Eli to have responded in a negative way to the prophecy. But Eli knew that he was dealing with a holy and sovereign God. God had said there would be no atonement for the sins of Eli’s house. Eli took full responsibility for his actions. He confessed that the Lord would do what He thinks is good. Even when He disciplines us, God’s will for our lives is perfect and good in every way.

Based on the Bible commentary you just read, mark each of the following statements as true or false.

T F God told Samuel He was going to punish Eli’s sons.

T F One of the sins of Eli’s sons was making light of their sacred responsibilities before God.

T F You and I can still trust God to do what He thinks is good.

Even when He disciplines us, God’s will for our lives is perfect

and good in every way.

22 Life LESSONS Leader Guide

Step 4: God Still Speaks His Word (1 Sam. 3:19-21)

• Invite a learner to read aloud 1 Samuel 3:19-21.

• Point out that God had begun to affirm Samuel as His prophet instead of Eli. Say: A change in leadership, especially in a church, does not indicate that God has given up on a situation. Remind learners that God is continually raising up new leaders, and that allegiance to a leader instead of God leads to division and sin.

• Invite learners to respond to question Q3 (Learner Guide, p. 15).

• Cut apart the Who Followed? quiz (Pack Item 4). (If this item is unavailable, make a list of ten leaders in Scripture on the left side, and list the ten leaders who followed them down the right side in random order. Number the list on the left and assign letters to the list on the right.) Have learners group themselves into four teams.

• Provide a few minutes for the groups to complete the quiz, and then compare answers. (The correct answers are: 1-I, 2-B, 3-G, 4-J, 5-D, 6-H, 7-A, 8-F, 9-C, 10-E.)

• Discuss how God continually changed leaders, but He Himself is unchanging. Encourage learners to fully depend on God even when we have earthly leaders.

God Still Speaks His Word(1 Sam. 3:19-21)

19 Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let nothing he said prove false. 20 All Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a confirmed prophet of the LORD. 21 The LORD continued to appear in Shiloh, because there He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word.

God demonstrated that He was still in control by confirming Samuel as His prophet. Verse 19 in our focal passage says two important things. First, as Samuel grew … the Lord was with him. The confirmation of God’s call on Samuel’s life is shown in God’s presence with him. God did not leave Samuel alone in a confusing situation. Remember that God will not leave us alone either. His presence is promised to us through His Son (Matt. 28:20).

The verse also states that God let nothing he said prove false. Literally, this means that God “let none of his words fall to the ground.” Obviously, the phrase refers to Samuel’s prophetic ministry. God saw to it that all of Samuel’s words were reliable. Consequently, Samuel was recognized as a prophet who spoke the true word of the Lord. But don’t get the idea that Samuel could predict anything he wanted to and God was obligated to make it happen. The sentence really means that Samuel learned to listen to God (1 Sam. 3:9-10). God expects us to listen just as reverently and faithfully as Samuel did.

Samuel did not use his call for fame or personal gain. He did not try to twist God’s commands to suit himself or his friends. He listened and spoke as God spoke to him. He had the courage to be faithful to the message of God no matter what. And because he did, the Lord blessed his ministry and confirmed his prophecies. Samuel’s words were trustworthy because they were the Lord’s words. Christian leaders who twist words for personal gain discredit themselves as messengers. God’s Word is still true, and we must listen to its faithful proclamation. Misconduct by leaders does not excuse us from obeying God’s Word.

Since Samuel was faithful to listen to the Lord, his reputation as a prophet spread throughout the land. The news spread from Dan to Beer-sheba [bee ehr-SHEE buh] … that Samuel was a confirmed prophet of the Lord. This meant that Samuel was a “trustworthy” prophet. At Shiloh, the Lord continued to appear to Samuel and He revealed Himself … by His word. As a result Israel accepted Samuel’s word (4:1). No longer was a word from God rare and uncommon. Through Samuel prophetic vision had returned to guide Israel (see 3:1). When leaders fail, God will raise up new servants to speak His word. If we listen, we can still hear the voice of a faithful and trustworthy servant even in the midst of a confusing church world.

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• Enlist a learner to explain the significance of Shiloh using the information found on page 16 in the Learner Guide. Ask: What might represent a Shiloh to us today?

• Invite a learner to read aloud the shaded paragraph beginning “Sometimes when Christian …” (Learner Guide, p. 16). Invite learners to respond to question Q2 (Learner Guide, p. 16).

• Invite learners to respond to question Q3 (Learner Guide, p. 16).

Discussion Questions for 1 Samuel 3:19-211. In what ways do you think

Samuel grew like Jesus did in Luke 2:52?

2. What steps are you taking to continually grow in wisdom and in favor with God and people?

3. How was God’s presence in Samuel’s life guarding him from speaking lies?

4. How can we follow Samuel’s example?

ShilohShiloh is mentioned 10 times in 1 Samuel and 22 more times

in the rest of the Old Testament. Usually identified with the modern town of Seilun. Shiloh, 2,000 feet above sea level, was located on a fertile plain 30 miles north of Jerusalem and 12 miles south of Shechem. Canaanite remains dating back to 1700 B.C. have been discovered there. Joshua and the Israelites worshiped the Lord at Shiloh, and it was there that the promised land was divided up among the tribes (Josh. 18). The Bible is silent about Shiloh’s final fate, but archaeological findings suggests Shiloh met its demise at the hands of the Philistines around 1050 B.C.

God certainly used and spoke through Samuel! And the Lord is using you in your role as leader of a small-group Bible study. Consider each of the following statements and place an X on each scale to show your response.

I am aware of God’s presence as I study and present His Word to my small group.

agree ........................................disagree

I listen to God to make sure my words are true and reliable.

agree ........................................disagree

I do not teach for personal gain.

agree ........................................disagree

In his book on listening, Norman Wakefield discusses a “Dennis the Menace” cartoon that stresses the difference between hearing and listening. First, Dennis runs into Mr. Wilson’s house and sees him sitting down and reading a newspaper. Immediately, Dennis greets him with a warm, “Hello, Mr. Wilson.” But Mr. Wilson does not respond. Again, Dennis speaks, but this time a little louder, “Hello, Mr. Wilson.” No response comes from his neighbor behind the newspaper. Finally, Dennis blasts forth with a long “HEL-LOOO, MR. WILSON!” Still Mr. Wilson does not answer. So Dennis turns to leave and in a normal voice says, “Well, then, goodbye, Mr. Wilson.” Mr. Wilson replies, “Goodbye, Dennis.” As he walks out the door Dennis remarks, “There’s nothing wrong with his hearing, but his listening’s not so good.” It is so important today that we learn to listen, really listen, for the word of God.2

24 Life LESSONS Leader Guide

Step 5: Conclusion

• Point out that throughout this passage Samuel was doing his best to serve the Israelites and God. Ask: What can we learn about the challenges and benefits of serving in this lesson?

• Read aloud the Biblical Truths of This Lesson in Focus (this page). Engage learners in discussing the trust others have in them and the importance of living a life worthy of that trust. Call attention to the second bullet in the colored type of The Life Lesson (Learner Guide, p. 17).

• Invite a learner to read aloud the last paragraph from The Life Lesson (Learner Guide, p. 17). Encourage learners to respond to question Q3 (Learner Guide, p. 17).

• Close with prayer, asking God to help you serve Him faithfully regardless of what others are doing around you.

• Continuing After the SessionEncourage learners to make a list of the ten most important people in their lives. Beside that list, ask them to write their responsibilities in each relationship. Ask them to pray for two people on the list each day. Pray for the relationship with them and that learners will be who God has called them to be for each person on the list.

Biblical Truths of This Lesson in Focus

• God desires that His people serve Him faithfully, respectfully, and reverently.

• Like all of us, leaders are not free from temptation and do fall into sin. They need our prayers as much as we need the prayers of others.

• A sacred trust isn’t just about ministry. God wants us to be faithful in our marriages, raising our children, being parents, and serving as faithful witnesses in a confusing world.

• Violating a sacred trust displeases God and brings His judgment upon us. God does not deal with all sins in the same way. But we can be assured that God will act, and His ways are always good.

• If we fail to serve Him, God will find faithful servants to carry out His will. People may let us down, but God is still in control. Our confidence remains in Him, and we must listen for His word.

You’ve probably noticed that many people around you are dishonoring their marriage vows, spending too much time at the office, treating their family members harshly, and ignoring God’s presence in the world. Circle one of these actions and write two or three words to describe what opposite action you will take to remain faithful to the Lord.

____________________________________________________

1. This story can be found in Alvin Reid’s Evangelism Handbook (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2009) on pages 165-66.2. Norman Wakefield, Listening: A Christian’s Guide to Loving Relationships (Waco: Word Books, 1981), 23-24.

When leaders fail, God will raise up new servants to speak

His word. People may let us down, but God is

still in control.

Week of June 6, 2010 25