I. Intro
Big Idea: God’s power comes from Him for His glory.
II. The Battle
A. Israel had an oppressor. 1 Samuel 4:1-2
B. We often trust in an “it” instead of a “Who.” 1 Samuel 4:3-4
III. Uproar
A. Only surrender to God leads to deliverance. 1 Samuel 4:5-8
B. God’s people lose battling on the world’s terms. 1 Samuel 4:9-11
IV. Heavy
A. Eli felt the weight of their sin. 1 Samuel 4:12-14
B. The weight of our sin brings death. Romans 6:23; 1 Samuel 4:15-18
V. Glory
A. God has given us a Son. 1 Samuel 4:19-20; Isaiah 9:6
B. Know God’s glory. 1 Samuel 4:21-22; John 1:14

​The Next Step
§ What’s something from Sunday’s message on 1 Samuel 4:1-22 that challenged, encouraged, or confused you?
§ How do Christians in America today sometimes have an attitude toward God like the people of Israel in this passage?
§ What’s the difference between focusing on revival, versus focusing on the God who brings about revival? How can focusing on God first and foremost change our witness individually and collectively?
§ Do you think Eli loved God? Why or why not?
§ Read Romans 2:1-4. According to these verses, what’s our motive for repentance? How can such repentance change us?
§ What’s a specific way you can apply 1 Samuel 4:1-22 to your relationship with God?

I. Intro
Big Idea: God still calls people.
II. Rare
A. Israel’s devotion mostly consisted of religious pretense. 1 Samuel 3:1
B. Samuel wanted to be close to God. 1 Samuel 3:2-3
III. Called
A. Samuel didn’t recognize God’s voice. 1 Samuel 3:4-8a
B. Eli was a good mentor. 1 Samuel 3:8b-9
IV. Speak
A. Samuel was willing to hear from God. 1 Samuel 3:10
B. God’s Word can be hard to hear. 1 Samuel 3:11-14
V. Revealed
​A. God’s Word can be hard to speak. 1 Samuel 3:15-18
B. Obedience causes us to grow in faith. 1 Samuel 3:19-21

​The Next Step
§ Why is 1 Samuel 3:1-21 a challenging account for both kids and adults?
§ In what ways was life for the people of God during the time of the Judges like our own?
§ Why do think Samuel failed to recognize God’s voice at first?
§ What does the interaction between Eli and Samuel in this passage tell us about their relationship?
§ Have you ever sensed God calling you? If so, how?
§ Why do you think it was so hard for Samuel to tell Eli what God said to him?
§ What’s somethings that make it difficult to tell others the gospel?
§ Why is it important to tell people the gospel even if it can be hard?
§ How has obeying God helped you to grow in faith?
§ How is God calling you to respond to 1 Samuel 3:1-21?

I. Intro
Big Idea: We’re either set apart for favor or destruction.
II. Scoundrels
A. Fearing God is wise. 1 Samuel 2:12; Proverbs 9:10; Matthew 7:21-23; John 6:29
B. Outward disregard comes from inner contempt. Leviticus 7:28–34; 10:12–15; Numbers 18:17–19; 1 Samuel 2:13-17; Matthew 15:18-19; Romans 2:24
III. Ministering
A. Early faith matters. 1 Samuel 2:18; Romans 12:2
B. God’s blessings never fail. 1 Samuel 2:19-21; Hebrews 10:24-25
IV. The Report
A. Eli’s warnings were too little, too late. 1 Samuel 2:22-25; Romans 1:18-32
B. Growing in grace is a process. 1 Samuel 2:26; Luke 2:52
V. Faithful
​A. God’s promises lead to life. 1 Samuel 2:27-33; Hebrews 10:26-27
B. God raises up and establishes us. 1 Samuel 2:34-36; Matthew 5:29-30; Colossians 3:5; Hebrews 10:14

​The Next Step
§ What’s something from 1 Samuel 2:12-36 you found convicting, encouraging, or confusing?
§ What does it mean to fear God in a healthy way?
§ Is it possible to fear God in an unhealthy way? If so, how?
§ What’s something from your childhood that shaped your understanding of God?
§ Why do you think Eli’s sons didn’t listen to him?
§ Read Romans 2:4. What’s a specific way God’s kindness has led you to repentance lately?
§ What’s a specific way God’s Spirit is calling you to respond to 1 Samuel 2:12-36?

I. Intro
Big Idea: We can know God by dedicating everything to Him. Judges 21:25; Luke 24:27; John 17:3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
II. Downhearted
A. God works through no ones from nowhere. 1 Samuel 1:1-2; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
B. God’s purposes are not thwarted by human stupidity. Genesis 2:24; 1 Samuel 1:3-8
III. A Vow
A. Hannah took her pain to the LORD. Numbers 30:2, 6-8; 1 Samuel 1:9-11
B. Hannah trusted that God heard her. 1 Samuel 1:12-18
IV. Remembered
A. Answered prayers are the result of God’s grace. 1 Samuel 1:19-23; James 4:1-3
B. Hannah made an adoption plan for Samuel. 1 Samuel 1:24-28; Ephesians 1:4-6
V. His King
A. Exalt God’s King. 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Luke 1:46-55
B. God prepares us for a worthy King. 1 Samuel 2:11

​The Next Step
§ What’s something you’ve prayed a long time for?
§ Anything from this weekend’s message on 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11 that was challenging, encouraging, or confusing?
§ In what ways, despite being flawed, was Hannah and Elkanah’s relationship commendable?
§ What are some things that demonstrate that Hannah had genuine faith in the Lord?
§ Why is it important that we dedicate, or turn over, our kids to God? What are ways we can do that?
§ Read Matthew 6:7-8. Why should we pray if God already knows the outcome of our prayers?
§ How does our genuine corporate praise of God help people to turn to Him?
§ Take time to praise God for specific things about Him that you’re thankful for.