L E A D E R G U I D E S U M M E R Bible Studies for Life. LifeVALUES. Fo r E m p t y N e s t Ad u l t s

Transcription

1 L E A D E R G U I D E S U M M E R Bible Studies for Life LifeVALUES Fo r E m p t y N e s t Ad u l t s

2 Contents LEADER GUIDE June God Can Be Trusted Samuel 2:22-25; 3: Samuel 4:3-5,10,20-22; 5:1-4; 6: Samuel 7: Samuel 8:6-9; 12:13-25 August The Essentials of Success Samuel 6:1-15, Samuel 7:1-7,11b-16, Samuel Samuel 11:2-5,14-15; 12:7a, 10-14; Psalm 51: Samuel 15:13-14,24-26,30-37; 19:7-8a July Power Up Samuel 13:8-14; 16: Samuel 17:8-11,32-39, Samuel 22:17-20; 23:1-6, Samuel 24:20-22; 26:1-2,7-12, Life Values 7 Life Values L i f e V a l u e s L e a d e r G u i d e

3 S u m m e r FromtheOtherSideoftheNest 72!"#$%&'(#)*+&+,'-.&/,'*&0'-.$*+&("&*"&1'2.&!"#$%&%'()$*+(,*-$(.&/0 Sometimes I feel the vast majority of my communication with my small children is that of instruction: Don t eat that. Let go of your sister. Where did you get those M&M s? Crayons are for paper, not the wall! That kind of instruction isn t close to ending, but it will start to change. Pretty soon I won t be telling them about the dangers of pretend lightsaber battles in the house, I ll be explaining how to use a turn signal in a car. That s part of parenting and important. But as I reflect on my relationship with my own parents, I see that somehow, at some time, our conversation moved from mere instruction to something more akin to friendship. That s a careful balance because we ve all seen what happens when parents become friends too early. Authority is lost in the house; children have few or no life parameters; and family decisions are based not on what s best for the kids but whether the kids will like a given situation or not. But when that transition is made rightly and at the appropriate time, the parent/child relationship moves into a deeper level. The relationship moves past simple instruction and into matters of the heart, and you can have open and honest dialogue about hopes, fears, doubts, and other issues. Though as a parent you can always have these discussions with your children, there is something incredibly gratifying about seeing your child grow up into a person of maturity who sits on the same emotional, intellectual, and spiritual plane as you in a conversation. So how do you make that transition? How do you move into a sense of genuine community with your children? Practice a Give-and-Take Relationship. When our kids are small, we are the experts in everything from food to amusement parks to reading a map. And as such, our relationship to them is primarily one of giving of advice. Of money. Of food. But as our children grow, they become experts in things we have no clue about. Chances are, at some point, your children will become better than you in certain areas of life. This is a great opportunity to show you value your child s opinion in such matters. Take your relationship to the next level by letting them be the expert. Let them teach you how to program an ipod, guide you as you interact on Facebook, or supervise you as you change a carburetor. By doing so, you demonstrate they have something to give to the relationship. And you ll be reminding yourself that you have something to learn. (continued on page 95) PRODUCTION & MINISTRY TEAM Content Editor Production Editor Graphic Designer Graphic Design Specialist Lead Adult Ministry Specialist Adult Ministry Specialist Editorial Project Leader Life Values Leader Guide MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL Director, Leadership and Adult Publishing Managing Directors, Leadership and Adult Publishing Director, Sunday School Director, Leadership and Adult Ministry Director, Publishing LifeWay Church Resources Life Values Leader Guide subscribe@lifeway.com, orderentry@lifeway.com, Life Values Leader Guide The Baptist Faith and Message That s Easy for You to Say: Your Quick Guide to Pronouncing Bible Names Life Values Leader Guide ( The Message ( Summer

4 WHEN LEADERS FAIL 1 Samuel 2:22-25; 3:11-21 WHAT THIS STUDY IS ABOUT Eli s sons, who were wicked priests, provoked God and the people. Their cruel choices led to God replacing them with a faithful prophet. AT A GLANCE OUTLINE WHERE I A M I m so disillusioned by leader failures that I don t follow anybody. There s nothing sacred anymore so it doesn t matter what anyone does. I have failed the trust God and others put in me. If members of my family or church family sin, it s their business. I stay out of it. I don t know who to trust. W H AT G O D S AY S (2:24) the report I hear is not good. (2:25) the LORD intended to kill them. (3:11) everyone who hears about it will shudder. (3:13) not stopped them. (3:18) He is the LORD. He will do what He thinks is good. (3:20) Samuel was a confirmed prophet of the LORD. WHERE I M GOING When leaders fail, I will look for other leaders that God will raise up. By God s help, I ll keep the sacred trusts He s given to me. I will accept God s correction graciously when I sin. When God tells me to, I will lovingly warn my children and others of God s punishment for sin. I ll trust who God trusts. THREE TEACHING PLANS VERSE BY VERSE PLAN....PAGES DISCUSSION PLAN....PAGES PARABLE PLAN....PAGE June 6, 2010

5 Verse by Verse Plan U s e B i b l e C o m m e n t a r y w i t h Te a c h i n g S t e p s 1 Samuel 2:22-25; 3:11-21 How This Study Can Impact Your Life: In spite of what others are doing around you, God will stay true to you. Edward Francis Hutton opened a stock brokerage firm in E. F. Hutton & Co. became one of the most successful and most respected investment firms in the United States. In the 1970s and 80s, the firm s TV commercials concluded with Well, my broker is E. F. Hutton, and E. F. Hutton says Immediately all ears stretched to catch the next words. When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen. 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. The company sold its assets and fired 4,800 employees. Eighty-three years of respected business advice came to nothing. Because of its moral failure, people stopped listening. Economic leaders are not the only ones who fail. When religious leaders fail, we are shocked and hurt. We can lose trust in our church leadership and structures. We are tempted to lose trust in God as well. But in the midst of this, God is good. We can safely trust Him. briefly through the newpapers to find articles about leaders who have failed and to share what they find. (Note: This exercise is simply to bring out the point that leaders do fail. It is not intended to be a time to criticize or judge.) Suggest boomers evaluate failure in God s terms, that is, someone might lose money but was fair in managing it. That might not be a failure. IN CLASS have been affected by the failure of a leader. Ask: How are we affected even when we don t personally know the leader? Use learner page 7, particularly the What should I do about this? question. Pack Item 1: God Can Be Trusted to introduce this new unit of study. Acknowledge we live in a world of crises often brought on by the failure of political, religious, and economic find a way through by deliberately following God s leadership. SUPPLIES For all sessions: Bibles Learner books Pens For intro: Newspapers Pack Item 1 June 6,

6 22 Now Eli was very old. He heard 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 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 LORD, who can intercede for him? But they would not listen to their father, since the LORD intended to kill them. 1 S AMUEL 2:22-25 Eli The main priest who served at Shiloh. His name meant high. everything his sons were doing Eli s sons, named Hophni and Phinehas, were abusing the priesthood by inappropriately dealing with the offerings (1 Sam. 2:12-17). This was in addition to their sexual sins mentioned in 2: served at the entrance assembled at the door (KJV); served at the doorway (NASB); helped out at the sanctuary (Message). The women may have been fulfilling a vow or Israel s worship may have sunk to the depths of cult prostitution. all these people News of abuse by Eli s sons was widespread. sins against the LORD Technically, every sin a person commits is a sin against the Lord, but Eli understood the serious nature of his sons sins as priests. People trust priests as representatives of God. would not listen To whom do you listen? How has this helped you in life? When have you regretted not listening to someone? the LORD intended to kill them desired to put them to death (NASB); the LORD would slay them (KJV); decreed their death (Message). God does not rejoice in death, but works for right. S HIL O H Shiloh is mentioned 10 times in 1 Samuel and 22 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. 18:10). The Bible is silent about Shiloh s final fate, but archaeological findings suggest Shiloh met its demise at the hands of the Philistines around 1050 B.C. 22 The first chapter of 1 Samuel introduces us to two families. The first belonged to Elkanah [el KAY nuh], 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 [pih NIN uh], had children. Every year, Elkanah would take his family to Shiloh to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts (v. 3). (See box on ing of her rival, Hannah prayed at the doorpost of the tabernacle (vv. 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. The Lord blessed Hannah with a son, Samuel (vv ). 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 ). The second family included the priest Eli and his two sons Hophni [HAHF nigh] and Phinehas [FIN ih huhs], who also served as priests at Shiloh (1:3). Eli s sons violated the sacred trust given to them by the Lord. They were wicked men who had no regard for the LORD (2:12-17). They took advantage of their liturgical office for personal gain. Though taking some meat was a priestly privilege, they used a three-pronged meat fork to take more of a sacrifice than 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. They treated the LORD S offering with contempt. Leviticus 10:1-11 records the seriousness 12 June 6, 2010

7 with which the Lord takes priestly misconduct. A holy God would not allow this to go on without punishment. Hophni and Phinehas did not stop with liturgical sins (2:22-25). The brothers added moral sins to their priestly misconduct. They slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tabernacle. These women may have been volunteers doing chores (Ex. 38:8) or cultic prostitutes like those at pagan shrines (Hos. 4:14). Either way, Hophni and Phinehas hurt both the women and their nation by having sex with them (Lev. 19:29) Eli tried to confront his sons and to reason with them. He used legal imagery. 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. Hophni and Phinehas would not listen. Since they committed capital offenses (Lev. 7:25; 22:9), they were due the death penalty. 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 that God delights in killing people. He desires all to come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9). But He also desires 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 abominable sins. Their disregard for God was so complete that they invited judgment. Those who manipulate the sacred to enrich themselves or to foster their own satisfaction incur God s holy wrath. We may think we are immune to such horrible sin, but we can ease there little by little. Believers are to detest evil and cling to what is good (Rom. 12:9). Any of us may fail. A previous Biblical Illustrator article The Role and Function of Hebrew Priests (Spring 2006) relates to this lesson and can be ROM in the Leader Pack and on the Summer 2010 Biblical Illustrator Plus 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 What s our heading on learner page 8? Come up with a description of sacred trust, combining insight from all. Today, we ll examine how two families handled or mishandled their sacred trust. Use leader and learner commentaries to summarize IN CLASS sacred trust. Ask: Would Elkanah s or Eli s family have made it into the newspaper? Why? Pack Item 2: Headlines. Request trios compose a headline about Eli and his sons for the Shiloh Sentinel. Evaluate how Hophni and Phinehas learner page 9. Refer back to the failed leaders boomers read about in the intro activity and ask what punishments they have or will receive. Ask: How often do punishments fit the crimes? SUPPLIES Pack Item 2 June 6,

8 11 The LORD said to Samuel, I am shudder. 12 On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I said end. 13 I told him that I am going 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 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 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. Why? Request boomers state the punishment God intended for Hophni and Phinehas. Does the punishment fit their crime? Why? priest, and then father. Analyze how he violated a sacred trust in each. Consider how every Christian has been given sacred trusts. Use the Working box (learner page 9) to consider how to violate sacred trusts when they quit demonstrating respect for one another, but keep them when they take time for their spouse every day; parents violate a trust when they fail to warn adult children; workers keep sacred trusts when they refuse to conduct personal business on company time.) Encourage empty nesters to privately consider learner question 4. EMBRACE WHAT IS GOOD 1 S AMUEL 3:11-18 Samuel Prophet and last judge of Israel. His name meant God is His name. Samuel was dedicated to serve God by his mother and was raised by priest Eli in the tabernacle (1 Sam. 1:28; 2:11). He later helped Israel transition to a monarchy (1 Sam. 8 10). shudder NIV, KJV, and NASB each translate this tingle. God s justice on the house of Eli would produce devastation and dismay throughout Israel. The goal: to lead to lasting change in good behavior, character, and attitude. everything I said See 1 Samuel 2: God had condemned the behavior of Eli and his family through an unnamed prophet. Now, God was assuring Samuel that everything He had said would come true. God would not leave anything undone. defiling the sanctuary made themselves contemptible (NIV); made themselves vile (KJV); brought a curse on themselves (NASB). has not stopped them failed to restrain them (NIV); did not rebuke them (NASB). While God held Hophni and Phinehas responsible for their sins, He also held Eli responsible for not stepping in and doing the right thing as a father. lay down Samuel lived in the sanctuary with Eli, and God s vision to him had come at night. See 1 Samuel 3:1-10. LORD s house The tabernacle. afraid Why would Samuel have been afraid to share God s message with Eli? Why did Samuel go ahead and tell everything without hiding any of the message? When have you hesitated to share truth? What gave you courage to go ahead and share it? my son A term of affection used by Eli toward Samuel. Offers a stark contrast to the trouble Eli s real sons had caused him. He God. what He thinks is good Eli s example represents a proper response to God s message Alvin Reid told of 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 14 June 6, 2010

9 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. The father came down from the pulpit, snatched up his son, and headed for the back door. 1 Like this father, God disciplines us, particularly when we hurt others with our actions (Heb. 12:6-7). We show wisdom when we accept this correction willingly and respond with teachability and God is compassionate but will not leave the guilty unpunished (Ex. 34:6-7). It is far better for us not to test the limits than to as- In the case of Hophni and Phinehas, the Lord twice revealed to Eli what He would 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 for despising the people. The Lord also condemned Eli for honoring his sons more than God. As a result, the Lord 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 revealed His word to Samuel (3:7) while he was still a young boy serving at the tabernacle. When God spoke, Samuel 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, Just as He had said, God would judge Eli s family forever. God s punishment was not unjust. Eli knew about his sons 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 the family of God, we are to confront our brothers and sisters when they sin (Jas. 5:19-20; Ezek. 3:17-21). It is interesting to note 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 of God. The message is clear. Punishment awaits those who make light of their religious positions by misusing them for sinful gain. 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 June 6,

10 15-18 Samuel was afraid to tell Eli what God had said. No one likes to be the bearer of bad news. Eli 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. But Eli took full responsibility for his actions. He confessed that the Lord will do what He thinks is good. SUPPLIES No extra supplies IN CLASS ask what God told Samuel in 3:11-18 after Samuel responded. Review 2:22-25 for where it applied. Evaluate why this passage is particularly pertinent to empty nesters. Ask: Can we stop our adult children from treating people badly or taking God lightly? Can we get them to embrace and do what is good? When and when not? Use the commentary and questions 2 and 4 on learner page 11 to compassionately discuss this difficult and painful issue. Avoid pat answers, generalizations, or simple solutions. Samuel teaches us about delivering difficult messages from God. Suggest that Samuel: (1) only spoke to Eli after he had a special visit from God; (2) possibly prayed or thought about it the rest of the night (3:15 says he lay down until the morning, it doesn t say he slept); and (3) was given the opportune moment to speak. 19 Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let nothing he said prove false. 20 All Israel from Dan to knew that Samuel was a confirmed prophet of the LORD. 21 The LORD continued to appear in Shiloh revealed they think Eli meant by his response. Ask: We might not take parenting lessons from Eli, but what can we learn from him about accepting God s correction? How can the faithful statement He is the LORD. He will do what He thinks is good help you deal with the heartache that results when leaders fail? HEAR GOD SPEAK 1 S AMUEL 3:19-21 LORD was with him God s blessing rested on Samuel in contrast to Hophni and Phinehas. prove false Common reference to entire nation of Israel Shiloh City 30 miles from Jerusalem that served as the religious center of Israel before monarchy. Means tranquil or secure. revealed The Bible doesn t specify how. Read Hebrews 1: As Samuel grew the LORD was with him. God did not leave Samuel alone in a confusing situation. See also Matthew 28:20. Also, God let nothing he said prove false. Literally, this means that God let none of his words fall to the ground. The phrase refers to Samuel s prophetic ministry. Samuel was rec- 16 June 6, 2010

11 ognized 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) Since Samuel was faithful to listen to the Lord, his reputation as a prophet spread throughout the land. The news spread from [bee ehr-shee buh] that Samuel was a confirmed prophet of the LORD. This meant that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet. 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. It is so important today that we learn to listen, really listen, to the Word of God. How was the environment in which Samuel was living out of control? sons with faithful followers who would do His will. Evaluate how Samuel stayed in control in such an out-of-control environment. had a responsibility as well. Learners may use the commentary and the Character box on learner page 13 to form their responses. IN CLASS Ask what tests believers have now that confirm leaders are of God. (Samples: live, teach, and lead by all of God s inspired SUPPLIES Pack Item 2 How can these words discourage us when leaders fail? Hold up a Bible. Ask: How do these words encourage us when leaders fail? Invite boomers to silently consider what they would like their life s headline to say and to write that under Personal Press on Pack Item 2: Headlines. (Sample: and helps those around him.) 1. Alvin Reid, Evangelism Handbook (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2009), You ve probably noticed people dishonoring a spouse, spending too much time at work, or June 6,

12 For Bible commentary and key word exposition, see pages Discussion Plan Discuss how to live the Bible. 1 Samuel 2:22-25; 3:11-21 How This Study Can Impact Your Life: In spite of what others are doing around you, God will stay true to you. INTRODUCTION 1. Are you a person who reads instruc- Do you tend to ask for directions or try to figure out the right roads yourself? How do these qualities usually work for you? Are there times you wish to do differently? Why study this passage? Today s session begins a four-week study on God s reliability in each and every situation. One situation in which He especially helps is when we face the failure of a trusted leader in our lives. The disappointment can be devastating, but God will show us how to walk through, faithful to Him. to look at instructions or to stop for directions. Regardless of how we approach these situations, God provides ultimate direction for our lives. He has given us His instructions, and He expects us to follow those instructions. deliberate wrongs. Some sins and failures are particularly damaging. Our choosing to be faithful can help others stay faithful. 1 SAMUEL 2: How have you responded when someone failed you? How might this compare to how God responds when someone fails Him? ed in the failure of someone we trust or love. ings to God s feelings, Christ-followers can acknowledge that God feels sadness when people don t protect and fulfill sacred trusts. treat people. 3. What sacred trust had Eli and his sons for spiritual development of the nation Israel. women who served at the entrance of the sanctuary. An earlier passage notes they also abused offerings for their benefit (2:12-17). apparently did not do so until he was very old. Apparently, he had made no real effort to stop his sons misbehavior. Talk is often weak. desire to kill Eli s sons. Use the verse by verse commentary on page 13 and the paragraph under question 3 on learner page 9 to explain this passage. Emphasize that God does not take delight in anyone s death. 4. What message was Eli trying to convey to his sons in verse 25? Why is his point important to understand? son offended another, a higher party could step in and find a solution. But if one sins against the LORD, there is no higher power. capital crimes and deserved death. We d also hope Eli wanted them to stop because the actions were wrong and hurt people. as an empty nester? How can you make sure you fulfill your trust faithfully? while those might change over time, we must still honor and fulfill them. For example, empty nesters still have responsibilities to their spouses and children. If not yet married, they have responsibilities to friends and more. They may 18 June 6, 2010

13 need to relate to these people differently than when everyone lived under the same roof, but the responsibility for the trust is still there. Let learners create an acrostic using the letters to identify actions that earn and keep trust. 1 SAMUEL 3: What is the worst piece of news you have ever received? Who delivered it to you? How did you respond? too difficult or painful to discuss. Other times we are innocent victims. In either case, God shows us what to do. wept, sat in shock, prayed, slept, wrote, thought. 7. What did God tell Samuel? How did he respond? How would you have responded? He d said through an earlier prophet (2:27-36). condition if people will turn back to Him, He will hold off on the penalty (1 Kings 21:28-29; 2 Chron. 7:14). God offered no condition here. his duties as a priest and father. He had not stopped his sons so he shared in the blame. of Eli s family. The nation would feel the weight. 8. How did Eli respond to God s words? Does this surprise you? Why or why not? God s words represents how to heed God. want to hear), we find goodness in obedience. makes you know He is truly good? How do you seek this goodness even when you face evil people or evil situations? they have learned that remind them to follow God s leadership even in tough times. God s goodness: Numbers 13:26-30 (went family wasn t watching); Acts 13:42-52 (reached out to those others won t reach). 1 SAMUEL 3: Whom do you consider trustworthy character makes you think that way? themselves trustworthy over time. be trustworthy and faithful as well, even if others around us are not reliable. 11. In what ways did Israel know that Samuel was a genuine prophet? How do you think the people responded to what speak to and through him. God had not been revealing Himself regularly to anyone (1 Sam. 3:1). judges held localized authority, Samuel s influence and ministry touched every corner of the mon way to refer to all of Israel. Contemporary examples for America would be coast to coast and sea to shining sea. 12. When a Christian leader fails, some right to reject Christ. How can we help others live for God even when a servant is Your personal faithfulness and reliability in fulfilling God s sacred trust is rooted in your belief that God is also faithful and reliable in His work among His people. June 6,

14 For Bible commentary and key word exposition, see pages Parable Plan Link biblical truth to a familiar object or experience. 1 Samuel 2:22-25; 3:11-21 How This Study Can Impact Your Life: In spite of what others are doing around you, God will stay true to you. Show the two fastening mechanisms on JEWELRY with a safety clasp or on a tage of a backup fastening device? Mention other such backups (samples: emergency brake on vehicle; clasps and zippers on life jacket). Unhook one fastener, leaving the safety clasp attached. Say: When people let us down, God is still true. With learner page 5, summarize the new study. Stress staying true to God and His principles is a jewel worth guarding. Introduce Eli as an empty nester. Use q pages to provide background on Hannah, Samuel, Eli, and Eli s sons. Read 1 Samuel 2:22 to ask: How do you suppose Eli felt when he heard his sons were living counter to what s right? How would you handle the situation? Using verses 23-25, explain that Eli s sons violated the sacred trust given to them as priests. Trust applies to more than ministry. It might include other commitments such as marriage and raising children responsibly. Violations of certain trusts carry greater consequences. Say: Not everyone is trustworthy and faithful in his or her responsibilities. When a sacred trust is violated, the relationships can sever. Release one chain clasp. Comment that even when people we trust w let us down, God still is trustworthy. Tug on the chain to show it remains connected. Invite learners to summarize 1 Samuel 3:11-14 with learner pages Ask: How did Eli s sons abuse their responsibilities? Acknowledge that faithful parents sometimes have disobe- your learners experience this.) Lead learners to brainstorm how Eli might have responded to the Lord s action in 3: Then read Eli s response in 3: Consider silently: When disciplined by God, how do we respond to His correction? What is the best way to talk with brothers and sisters when they are in sin? God does not deal with all sins in the same way nor does He address evil in the same manner in every situation. Say: Whenever God addresses evil and trust His ways are good. Comment that the disconnected chain e clasp represents human leaders. Say: God remains connected when leaders disobey. Lead learners to search 1 Samuel 3:19-21 for evidence that God remained connected. What are ways to respond to leaders who fail to follow God? Stress: - Word. How might you be God s spokesperson? Help others through leadership changes? Samuel shows God raises up new leadership. How can we recognize if a leader is from God? Whenever you see a chain, remember to stay connected to God and serve Him faithfully, regardless of what others do around you. 20 June 6, 2010