Sunday School Lesson June 18, 2023
Subject: Eli and Samuel
The Point: Help others discern the voice of God.
Scriptures: 1 Samuel 2:22-26, 3:7-10,15-18
Study The Bible: 1 Samuel 2:22-26
1). Not everyone listens to wise counsel.
- 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.
- He said to them, “Why are you doing these things? I have heard about your evil actions from all these people.
- No, my sons, the news I hear the Lord’s people spreading is not good.
- If one person sins against another, God can intercede for him, but if a person sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?” But they would not listen to their father, since the Lord intended to kill them.
- By contrast, the boy Samuel grew in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people.
Lasting truths from: 1 Samuel 2:22-26
* Disobedience to God, especially by those claiming to be His ministers, can have dire consequences.
* Christian leaders should act as willing mentors for young people wanting to serve the Lord.
* Past mistakes need not disqualify a Christian from being an effective mentor.
2). Help others discern when God is speaking to them.
1 Samuel 3:7-10
- Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, because the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
- Once again for the third time, the Lord called Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the boy.
- He told Samuel, “Go and lie down. If he calls you, say ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ “ So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
- The Lord came, stood there, and called as before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Lasting truths from: 1 Samuel 3:7-10
* Christians should pray earnestly for God’s direction in choosing worthy life vocations.
* Bible teachers, pastors, and other Christian leaders should constantly be alert to young men and women in their midst who may be contemplating special calls to service for God.
* Leaders can help and encourage believers to know if God wants them to serve in church ministries, missions, or other Christian vocations.
3). God’s Word, however painful it may be to hear, must be shared.
1 Samuel 3:15-18
- Samuel lay down until the morning; then he opened the doors of the Lord’s house, He was afraid to tell Eli the vision,
- but Eli called him and said, “Samuel, my son.” “Here I am,” answered Samuel.
- “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.”
- So Samuel told him everything and did not hide anything from him. Eli responded, “He is the Lord. Let him do what he things is good.”
Lasting truth from: 1 Samuel 3:15-18
* Christians teachers should boldly proclaim God’s Word as revealed in the Bible in spite of possible repercussions.
* Believer’s should be willing to hear and obey God’s Word regardless of what it may cost them personally.
* God is in control of the circumstances of people’s lives so they should adjust their attitudes and behaviors to conform to His will.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- Should a Christian try to share the gospel with someone who does not seem interested? If so, how? If not, why not?
- How can you encourage a fellow believer who is seeking the Lord’s will for his or her life’s career?
- How should Christian leaders confront individuals in a church about their questionable behavior (Matt. 18:15-20)?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”