1 Samuel 3:1-21

Theme

The difficulties of recognising God’s voice

Questions
  • Think of some of the different ways that God speaks to his people. How do you know it is God who is speaking?
  • Samuel lived in a time when “the word of the Lord was rare” (v.1).
    • What do you think this means?
    • What do you think would cause the word of the Lord to be rare?
  • In v.7 we are told that Samuel did not yet know God (although he was serving in the Temple). Do you think God speaks to non-believers today? Why/why not?
  • Why do you think Samuel didn’t recognise God’s voice? What makes it difficult to know when God is speaking to us?
  • It took Eli’s wisdom and discernment to realise that it was God calling Samuel. Can you think of a person more mature in faith that you would go to for advice or help in hearing God’s voice? Why them?
  • Look at the instructions Eli gave to Samuel in v.9. Are there elements of the wisdom Eli gave to Samuel that we can use in our own lives?
  • God gave Samuel a tough message for Eli, and he was reluctant to tell Eli what God had said (v.11-18)
    • How would you feel if you were Samuel?
    • Do you think God still calls his people to speak difficult or challenging things to one another? How do you know it’s God who is calling?
  • It was the behaviour of Eli’s sons that caused God to bring judgement on him (you can read about it in 1 Samuel 2). Look at 1 Samuel 2:12-16 and 22-25.
    • Do you think Eli could have done more to speak to his son’s about their disregard for God and his worship (look at what a prophet says to Eli in 1 Samuel 2:19)?
    • Do you think Eli was apathetic about the sin of his sons? What sorts of things could make us tolerant of sin rather than challenging it?
  • Look at Eli’s response to Samuel’s message (v.18). How does this response show Eli’s faith, even in the face of God’s judgement?

  • There is a contrast between Eli’s trainee, Samuel and Eli’s sons. One was willing to listen and follow Eli’s instructions, the others were not. In 1 Samuel 2:25 we’re told that Eli challenged his sons about their sin. How do you think our sin prevents us from hearing God’s words?

  • If you could ask Samuel one question, what would it be? (what do you think his answer would be?)