June 6, 2004

Rev. Rurel Ausley

Samuel: A Child Prophet
1 Samuel 3:1-21

1. Can you think of some of the things that you learned as a child that still work for you today? When we grow up, many of us have to unlearn things that we thought as a child. (1 Cor.13:11) Some things are good, some things are worthless. How do the things we learn as a child shape our perception and perspective of reality? What did your parents think important for you to learn as a child? What spiritual things were you taught that were important are still with you today? What are you teaching your children today about spiritual things? Which is most important to you for your children: Bible knowledge or math? Why?

2. What was unusual about how and where Samuel grew up? (1:22, 28; 2:11) What do you think are the benefits of growing up "in the Lord"? (Eph. 6:4; 2 Tim. 1:5) There are others who did not "grow up in the Lord" but became the Lord's servants. Can you name any biblically or historically? (Acts 8:1; Eph. 5:12) Explain your answer. Who was the best minister that the world has ever known? Had he sinned? (2 Cor. 5:21)

3. As a child, Samuel developed an attentive ear to God's voice. How did this come about? (3:4, 6, 8, 10) Why is it okay in today's world to "claim to pray" but not okay to "claim to hear back"? Pray-ers are fine but hear-ers are kooks? What was God's voice like to Samuel? (3:5) What did Eli tell Samuel? (3:8, 9) How can we recognize God's voice? At what age is the best time to hear and respond to God's voice? (Luke 18:16) When are most people converted? What should this say to our church about youth and children's ministries?

4. As a child, Samuel learned to surrender his entire will to the will of God. What do you think is involved in being able to genuinely say to God, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening"? (3:10) What does he mean that he is God's servant? That he wants God to speak? And that he is listening? Though we get God's will bit by bit, our surrender must be complete. How many times do we want to know God's will to decide if we will do God's will? How do you think God responds to that? Where are you in your surrender to God today? What did these qualities do for Samuel? (Anointed two kings and guided Israel during dark times.)