8.12.2018 Sermon Notes & Slides

He Leads Me
1 Samuel 3
Tony Chute, Interim Pastor

Introduction: 1 Samuel 3 focuses on the Lord’s call to Samuel, marking a transition away from the sons of Eli whose stubborn refusal to honor the Lord resulted in God’s judgment. Samuel’s initial confusion regarding the voice of the Lord was understandable and his sincerity in seeking Eli’s guidance was commendable. Upon discerning the Lord’s call upon his life, Samuel faithfully reported to Eli the difficult word he had received from the Lord. The people of God thus began to recognize Samuel as a prophet who was a demonstration of God’s grace and would soon become a measure of Israel’s obedience.

01. God’s will is particularly odious to those who do not know the Lord.
02. God’s will is always in agreement with His Word, the Bible.
03. God’s will is not always apparent, yet the Lord gives clarity to those who continue to seek Him.
04. God’s will is not always easy to follow, but those who do so will find Him faithful.

Questions For Discussion & Discovery

1. How does one account for the sins of Hophni and Phinehas listed in 1 Samuel 2:12-16 and 1 Samuel 2:22-24? Were they unaware that their actions were wrong? Were they not properly instructed by their father? What impact did their sins have upon others and their view of God? How do such actions turn people away from Christianity today? Read James 3:1 and consider why this warning applies not only to the words ministers of the Gospel speak but also the lives they live.

2. How does Samuel’s eagerness to attend to Eli anticipate Samuel’s faithfulness to the Lord’s call on his own life? Do you believe that your actions in the home towards your parents are a sign of how you view the Lord’s authority in your own life? Do you believe that your actions at work towards your employer are a sign of how you view the Lord’s authority in your own life? Read and discuss the importance of Luke 16:10 as it relates to early indicators of our willingness to be faithful to the Lord.

3. What advantages were afforded to Samuel because of Eli’s experience in serving the Lord? What opportunities do you have to pass on wisdom to a younger generation? What opportunities have you had to receive wisdom from seasoned Christians? See Titus 2:1-8 for further insight.

4. What do you make of 1 Samuel 2:25 with regard to Eli’s failed attempts to persuade his sons to repent? Does this text introduce a sense of fatalism with regard to how we should share the gospel with those who consistently ignore it? Or, does this text reflect a reality that only God can know, thus leaving us with the responsibility to share the gospel faithfully with everyone?

5. What turning point(s) in your life can you share that illustrate how you sought, discovered, and obeyed God’s will? Has the Lord ever called upon you to do something hard? What was the outcome of your decision to follow Him regardless of the consequences?

For Further Reading: Guard Us, Guide Us: Divine Leading in Life’s Decisions, by J. I. Packer and Carol Nystrom (Baker, 2008).