Unit 1 Study 2

                     March 8, 2015

Study Scriptures for this week's Lesson: 1 Samuel 6:1- through 7:17

Key Verse: 1 Samuel 3:20 All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the lord (KJV).

Central Truth: god desires to minister through us for his glory.

Our Focus: To observe that god established Samuel's ministry and allow god to minister through us. 

                                            Samuel's ministry established

Introducing the study

What makes a ministry successful? It isn't money, talent, or human ingenuity. success in ministry is found in faithfully obeying God, seeking Him in prayer, and trusting His guidance. Samuel bears witness to this truth. he was a man of fervent payer who learned to hear the Lord's voice. in this study we will see how this unfolded in his life and ministry. At the end of this study, you will be able to: 1. Describe Samuel's unique ministry among God's people. 2. identify principles for doing ministry that pleases God. 3. Consider the power of prayer in ministry.

Samuel calls Israel to repentance

The ark of the covenant represented God's presence among His people (see Exodus 25:10-22). It served as the central focus of their worship. Yet because of Israel's spiritual rebellion, the Philistines capture the ark (se 1 Samuel 5-6). The capture resulted in twenty years of mourning over the loss of the ark, as well as its subsequent return to Kiriath Jearim (1 Samuel 7:1-2). Fortunately God will speak to His people. On this occasion He used the prophet Samuel to confront the people with their sinfulness  and lead them into revival (verses 3-6). Note that the false gods mentioned are Baal and Ashtoreth. Both were associated with worship involving depraved sexual rituals at Canaanite shrines. As such, the worship of these false gods was especially abominable in the eyes of the Lord. We cannot serve the Lord faithfully when our hearts are fixed on practices that are vie and sinful in His eyes. Samuel told the people to prepare their hearts for the Lord. Their hearts had become hardened through their  hearts had become hardened through their sin and rebellion. The Israelites did respond appropriately to Samuel's call. They put away their false gods. The genuine and widespread. Their humility before the Lord is a powerful testimony to us today. It can be hard to admit when we've done wrong. But when we do, we can rest in the assurance that we are in right relationship with God.

[For Personal Reflection] What can the actions of Israel teach us about repentance ?

Samuel's Intercession; God's Intervention

Samuel had summoned the people to Mizpah during this time of repentance. The city, which sometimes served as a raying point for Israel, was set on a hill, giving its occupants a strong military advantage. So when the Philistines moved to attack them, the Israelites became fearful (1 Samuel 7:7). Although the Israelites were frightened, they responded with faith, crying out to Samuel to intercede for them (verse 8). Samuel did as the people asked, and God granted the people a great victory (verses 9-13). He brought a terrible thunderstorm, causing the Philistines to become terrified. This allowed the Israelites to rout them. a powerful enemy was defeated when God's people listened to the voice of His prophet and trusted God for victory. We, too, can find victory over our enemies when we trust in the Lord today

[For Personal Reflection] How can you prepare for spiritual battles?

Restoration and Peace

Israel's defeat of the Philistines brought two blessings. First, they recovered the Land and cities the Philistines had taken from them. Second, it created an opportunity for Israel to enter into a peace agreement with the Amorites, who were less aggressive than the Philistines. Samuel had led the Philistines into a time of great peace, restoration, and spiritual revival. The lesson is clear--obedience brings blessings! Samuel's ministry continued after Israel was spiritually restored (verse 15-17). This was a blessing to Israel, since Samuel was a man of high spiritual character. sadly, his godly leadership and unswerving commitment to the Lord would not be emulated by future generations in Israel. Yet his example can inspire us even today. The pursuit of prayer, holiness, repentance, and spiritual devotion form the foundation of a healthy walk with God in every generation.

[For Personal reflection] What are some way's you can emulate the ministry of Samuel? 

 Discipleship in Action

Samuel stands as a strong role model for us to follow in serving the lord. his ministry was established by the lord. His ministry was established by the lord rather than human effort and charisma. his strategy was simple: he prayed to the lord, listened to his voice, and did as the lord instructed. his relationship with the lord formed the foundation for his ministry. As we  live according to God's teachings and develop a healthy relationship with our savior, we will also experience the joy of ministering to others. The nature of that ministry vary from person to person, according to our God-given abilities. but god desires to use us for his kingdom, if only we devote ourselves to him. pray fervently, listen carefully, and obey completely. it's so simple yet so challenging.
  

                                                TRUST IN THE LORD!