1 Samuel 7
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 whole time we’ve been following God’s people…we missed something. God has been showing us that if we depend on him, he takes care of so much. It makes you wonder, what would life be like if we could stay in that place?
Group Guide Starts Here
Context of scripture
Samuel, now aware of God’s purpose and power (aka God’s “word”), is taking a leadership role as the Israelites are scared of the Philistines, who soundly defeated them in battle.
Read 1 Samuel 7: 3-6
The word “heart” is the critical piece…Samuel, who now knew of “the word of God,” was telling them to return to God with all their heart.
If you were to pick three things that your heart is really into right now, what would they be?
Read 1 Samuel 7: 7-11
This is happening in “real time.” The Israelites were gathered and defenseless, completely reliant on God. There was a moment they had opportunity to run or fight (basically do what they’d always done before), but chose to stay in a place of complete reliance on God. If God did not come through, they’d die.
What is your working definition of faith?
On a scale of 1-10, what do you think is the strength of your faith?
If you could get past that number, to a 10, would you want to? If no, why? (Be honest)
Read 1 Samuel 7: 12-17
In all the history of Israel to this point, there has been no government…only a form of tribal organization with judges or prophets advocating or acting on God’s behalf. Unlike any nation in the history of civilization, Israel was led (not governed) by God.
Assuming a society like this stayed true to God, do you believe a society like this would be as strong, productive, etc., as a society that had a form of human government?