1 Samuel 3
Leaders Prep Section
Watch this video, read these notes, and send the pre-written email (below) to your group 2-3 days before you meet.
Notes
The “word” of God is a tricky concept, but important to understand. God seems very interested in communicating his “word” to people who are going to follow him or be in charge. So it’s important for us to figure out what this thing called the “word” actually is.
Group Guide Starts Here
Context of scripture
God told Eli that his sons would die on the same day and, consequently, his lineage would end. Never again would someone from the house of Eli see old age. Nevertheless, Eli remains at his post, waiting for the inevitable.
Read 1 Samuel 3: 1-7
The term “word” is used often in the Bible, seemingly in different ways, as in, “Samuel does not yet know the word of the Lord.” The term “word” here obviously can’t mean the Bible because it wasn’t written yet. In fact, the term “word” used throughout the Bible can never mean the Bible because there would be no concept of a Bible until centuries after all the Biblical authors died.
What’s a synonym for the “word” – this “thing” that Samuel doesn’t know about yet and that God feels is necessary to understand? Here are tips of how you might approach this question: What is the thing that a father imparts to his child? And what is the thing a general imparts to a lieutenant?
Read 1 Samuel 3: 8-14
Notice that God could have given this message to Eli – since it’s about Eli – but gave it to Samuel instead.
Is it advantageous to place weighty knowledge or responsibilities on the shoulders of young men?
Was anything shown to you that you considered weighty for your age?
Read 1 Samuel 3: 15-21
Notice the level of leadership Samuel has achieved through these experiences.
Do you feel like we expect enough of young men today?
For those of you who want to raise your children to follow God, what would it mean to you to teach your child the “word” of God?