Sunday April 14, 2024 - 03 1 Samuel 4-6
1. Consider the contrast between Samuel's virtue and the decadence of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Discuss the importance of personal integrity and righteousness in leadership based on 1 Samuel 2:12-17 and 1 Samuel 3:19-20. How do these passages encourage us to cultivate these qualities in our own lives?
2. Reflect on the Israelites' defeat by the Philistines and their subsequent misuse of the Ark of the Covenant. What does this story teach us about the dangers of idolatry and the proper understanding of sacred symbols? Refer to 1 Samuel 4:3-11 and discuss how we might avoid similar mistakes in our own spiritual lives.
3. The Philistines suffered consequences for capturing the Ark, as described in 1 Samuel 5:1-12. What lessons can we learn about the sovereignty of God and the futility of placing other 'gods' before Him? How does this passage challenge us to examine what idols we may need to remove from our lives?
4. Discuss the concept of God's guidance and how it can influence the direction of our lives. Based on the sermon's reflection on Samuel's obedience and dedication, consider how Proverbs 3:5-6 can be applied when seeking divine direction. What practical steps can we take to align our decisions with God's will?
5. In the sermon, there is a call to recognize and forsake false idols, drawing inspiration from the figure of Samuel. How can we identify the 'arks' or idols in our lives that we may be mistakenly placing our trust in? Discuss the implications of Exodus 20:3-5 in relation to idolatry and the pursuit of a faithful relationship with God.
6. Considering the sermon's emphasis on aligning our lives with God's will, explore the concept of discerning God's will amidst life's challenges. How can the story of Samuel guide us in making decisions that honor God? Share insights from Romans 12:1-2 on presenting ourselves as living sacrifices and renewing our minds to discern God's will.
Click Below for Study Questions Download
03 1 Samuel - STUDY QUESTIONS
02 1 Samuel - STUDY QUESTIONS
01 Intro to 1 Samuel - STUDY QUESTIONS
18 PHILIPPIANS 4:1-5 STUDY QUESTIONS
17 PHILIPPIANS 3:16-21 STUDY QUESTIONS
16 PHILIPPIANS 3:12-16 STUDY QUESTIONS
15 PHILIPPIANS 3:10-16 STUDY QUESTIONS
14 PHILIPPIANS 3:1-11 STUDY QUESTIONS
HOW THE BIBLE RELATES TO US STUDY QUESTIONS
13 PHILIPPIANS 2:17-3:6 STUDY QUESTIONS