Timeless Truth-The Prophets 1-4-26
Part 7 – I Samuel 15:1-35
“Choosing the Best”
Intro: After considering the principles Samuel outlined at the coronation ceremony of Saul in chapter 12, we now move forward to a pivotal event where Samuel delivers God’s instructions to Saul concerning the Amalekites and the follow-up conversation that happened afterwards.
Within this event, there are connections to Samuel’s charge at the coronation, and there are the consequences of Saul’s choices.
Let’s take a look:
READ: I Samuel 15:1-35
I. The Example of Saul’s Choices
A. Saul was present at Samuel’s coronation charge (ch.12)
(as king, he was responsible to keep the charge)
(the foundational precepts were clear)
B. God gave specific instructions about the Amalekites (v.3)
(it was a God-originated plan)
C. God gave him context and background (v.2)
(God said “I will punish”-Israel was only the instrument)
D. God gave Saul the resources he needed
(Samuel as counsel and 210,000 soldiers-v.4)
E. God gave them the victory (v.8)
F. Saul ‘did what was right in own eyes’
(complete with justification, rationalization and excuses)
G. Saul lost the kingdom and ultimately his life
(he also forfeited his son Jonathon’s life/monarchy
H. Saul’s attempt at a “do-over” was too late
(grabbing at Samuel’s clothing)
(God’s decision was righteous and final-v.29)
II. The ‘Good and Right’ Teaching of Samuel
(chapter 12:23-24)
A. Samuel spoke the truth unaltered
(he didn’t fail to deliver the truth full-strength)
B. Samuel grieved over the sinful choices of Saul (v.13-14)
(frustration and difficulty reconciling the reality of it)
C. Samuel confronted Saul directly and personally (v.13-14)
(he didn’t wait or soften his words)
D. Samuel clarified/addressed the real problem (v.22-23)
(the heart/mind is always the primary issue)
(there are powerful comparisons listed)
(obedience has always been the point-Adam/Eve)
E. Samuel was willing to identify the value of “better” (v.28)
(unlike modern attempts to save feelings at all cost)
F. Samuel reminded Saul of God’s sovereignty (v.29)
(re-framing the conversation to the larger truth)
G. Samuel carried out God’s instructions himself (v.33)
(even told Agag what he was about to do)
H. Samuel mourned but didn’t look back (v.35)
(there was a permanent sense of loss over the sin)
III. Conclusion/Discussion
A. What is your primary take-away from this story/conversation of Samuel/Saul?
B. How does v.22-23 apply to us now?
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Timeless Truth-The Prophets 12-28-25
Part 6 – I Samuel 12:1-25
“The Four Principles of Samuel’s Charge”
Intro: In the latter part of Samuel’s life, Israel asked to be under the leadership of an earthly king like their neighbors (rejecting direct leadership by God through prophets and judges). God answered their request and the era of the Hebrew monarchies began with Saul.
Chapters 10-11 record the story of Saul being picked as king, then a large battle with the Ammonites. The people celebrated their victory and felt validated in their decisions, however, the word of the Lord would soon refocus their thoughts.
During the coronation ceremony in chapter 12, Samuel spoke directly to the people and gave a bold charge about important points for them to remember. We could call them principles (primarily important things).
They were four unchanging principles presented by God’s prophet to people who were about to experience a lot of change.
As we begin, consider this quote:
“Methods are many, principles are few; methods may change, principles never do.” – Anonymous
Let’s take a look:
READ: I Samuel 12:1-15
I. There is the Principle of Remembrance (v.3-6, 12)
A. God’s model of leadership was good and right w/ Samuel
(they had a leader that genuinely followed the Lord)
B. God had historically led them well with His called people
(many times God had delivered them without a king)
C. They had rejected God and His plan for them (v.12)
(they wanted to be like everyone else – v.12)
II. There is the Principle of Reasoning (v.7-15)
A. Importance of serious consideration/deep reflection (v.7)
(New Testament principle of Phil. 4:8 “meditate”)
B. Importance of the historical “if/then” proposals (v.8-11)
(God protected and God corrected)
C. Importance of the “if/then” proposals now
(Rom. 8:5-we’re to “set our minds on things of the Spirit”)
READ: 12:16-25
III. There is the Principle of Response (v.16-19)
A. Stand – pay attention
(an act of reverence and respect)
B. See – look beyond the surface
(more than a casual glance)
C. Perceive – gain knowledge of God’s ways/workings (v.17)
(humility and realization that is much to be learned)
D. Act – move from knowledge to action (v.19)
(coming to terms with what has been revealed)
IV. There is the Principle of Resolve (v.20-25)
(Resolve: a determined decision)
A. Determine to serve Him with heart-mind-strength (v.20)
(the spirit of the Shema – Deut. 6:5)
B. Determine to see the alternatives for what they are (v.21)
(be willing to see the emptiness of sin)
C. Determine to learn/live/teach what is good (v.23)
(there is good and bad according to God’s definition)
D. Determine to learn/live/teach what is right (v.23)
(there is right and wrong according to God’s definition)
V. Conclusion/Discussion
Discussion: How do you see this ‘Old Testament’ speech as a foundational expectation for a ‘New Testament’ commitment?
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Timeless Truth-The Prophets 12-21-25
Part 5 – I Samuel 5:1-7:1
“The Supremacy of God”
Intro: By the time of Samuel, Israel had been through many eras as a people. Part of that history is the moment God revealed His personal name to Moses at the burning bush encounter. Before that, the name of El Elyon was often used which means “God Most High”. In other words, it expresses that whatever man imagines or devises as a deity, God is above or supreme.
Today, we’re going to look at the events following the judgment of Eli and his sons that clearly displayed God’s supremacy.
Let’s take a look:
READ: I Samuel 5:1-7
(they moved the ark from city to city with same results)
READ: I Samuel 6:1-3
(they sent it back on a cart with gold tumors/rats)
I. The Superiority of God (5:1-6:13)
A. History of superiority over Dagon cult
(Samson and the destruction of their lords/temple)
B. Specific illustration of His superiority in this event (v.7b)
(harsh toward their god)
C. There was a realization of the Philistines after the fact
(they clearly knew then that God is the One True God)
(similar realizations of Nebuchadnezzar/Cyrus later)
Next:
II. The Holiness of God (6:14-7:1)
READ: 6:14-7:1
A. First, there was joy, worship, sacrifice
(as it should be)
B. Second, they showed carelessness and disrespect
(their approach was so casual it led to sin)
C. Third, there were consequences for their actions
(severe punishment and realization “afterwards”)
Next:
III. The Forgiveness of God (7:2-9)
READ: 7:2-9
A. Provision of Samuel as a Prophet
(they had someone to lead/instruct them)
B. There was an “if/then” proposal
(clear instructions)
C. There was repentance/follow-through (v.4, 6)
(Served the LORD only…key word “only”)
Next:
IV. The Protection of God (7:10-17)
READ: 7:10-17
A. Direct action intervention
(sometimes God chooses to act alone)
B. Empowerment of the people (v.11)
(sometimes God uses people)
C. Empowerment/use of Godly Prophets (v.13)
(all the days of Samuel)
(for God’s purposes/their protection)
IV. Conclusion/Discussion
Discussion: Since the principle of God’s Supremacy hasn’t changed, how do you see it at work now in our life/times?
_________________________
Timeless Truth-The Prophets 12-14-25
Part 4 – I Samuel 4:1-18
“God is Not Mocked”
Intro: There are numerous principles that are evident throughout scripture. Sometimes they are associated with the Old Testament, such as God being Creator (even though He still creates). Others are more associated with the New Testament, such as the grace of God (even though He has shown grace from the beginning).
Today, we’re considering a principle that is woven throughout the text. It’s the one Paul wrote of in Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
In the early chapters of the book of 1 Samuel, Eli the Priest and his sons had been “sowing” for a lot of years and “harvest time” was coming. In the process, we can see several applicable and timeless principles. Let’s take a look:
READ: I Samuel 4:1-18
In this story, there are three risks for us to be mindful of.
First, there is the risk of:
I. Creating Ideas and Goals Apart from God (v.1-2)
A. The threat of the Philistines was familiar and real (v.1)
(historical enemies from the day of Joshua)
B. There was a precedent in scripture for such moments
(to take time to seek the Lord)
(there is no mention of Israel seeking God or Samuel)
C. There was a history to remember back to Moses/Joshua
(history included both positive and negative stories)
(many “if/then” moments regarding their faithfulness)
Second, there is the risk of:
II. Developing Wrong Expectations of God (v.3-9)
A. Their wrong thinking produced the wrong conclusion (v.3)
(they assumed the ark was the answer for defeat)
(they assumed a technicality/procedure was the cause)
B. They believed God’s power was bound to the ark
(that it was wielded by those carrying it)
(they viewed it like pagans viewed talismans/charms)
C. They foolishly drew confidence by its physical presence
(they missed the point of the ark)
(they forgot what was inside the ark-the tablets)
(they mistook a symbol for substance)
Third, there is the risk of:
III. Confusing God’s Patience with Passivity (v.10-18)
A. Eli/sons mistook the years of God’s grace as ambivalence
(even though the prophecy had come, no repentance)
(no record of Eli repenting or telling his sons to)
B. The sinful leadership of Eli/sons led many to their death
(4,000 the first time and 30,000 the second time)
C. The legacy of Eli’s house was permanently altered
(no longer the family of High Priest)
IV. Conclusion/Discussion
Discussion: In addition to Eli/sons deaths, what else do you see as an illustration of the “God is not mocked” principle?
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Timeless Truth-The Prophets 12-7-25
Part 3 – I Samuel 2:11-3:21
“Contrast of Character”
Intro: Often times in the scriptures, there are contrasting figures to consider within the same context. It may be comparing the different kings of Israel, Jewish leaders, or the various prophets.
Today we’re going to see a contrast between Eli the priest and the young Samuel. Although environment and people involved are common to both, there are lessons to be learned from how the story unfolds.
First, let’s take a look at the house of Eli.
READ: I Samuel 2:11-17, 22-25
I. The House of Eli
A. Eli’s house did not honor the Lord
(they disrespected the Lord’s Law)
(they disrespected the Lord’s tabernacle)
(they disrespected the Lord’s people)
B. Eli’s poor leadership (v.23-25)
(He failed to discipline his sons when they were young)
(He failed to discipline his sons as tabernacle officials)
(His words were ignored when it really mattered)
READ: v.27-36
C. The judgment of Eli’s house
(Eli failed to teach them of God’s faithfulness-v.27-29)
(Eli honored his sons more than God-v.29)
(Eli’s family would serve a better priest-v.36)
(Eli’s priestly family line would eventually dwindle away)
Now let’s take a look at the calling of Samuel.
READ: I Samuel 2:18-21, 26
II. The Calling of Samuel
A. His calling was of the Lord (God’s idea and doing)
(God was preparing him v.26)
(God declared that He would raise up a prophet-v.35)
(this could mean Samuel or Jesus in the future)
(Eli’s judgement was delayed he was ready-God’s time)
STORY: 3:1-18
READ: I Samuel 3:19-21
B. The source of his power came from the Lord’s presence
(His words were directly from God and empowered)
C. The scope of his influence was broad-the whole nation
(God ordained/established him)
D. The sequence of his activities were God directed/purposed
(He heard from the Lord and spoke what he heard)
(He stayed true to what he heard)
III. Conclusion/Discussion
Discussion: What do you see as the primary contrast between Eli and Samuel?
________________________
Timeless Truth-The Prophets 11-30-25
Part 2 – I Samuel 2:1-10
“Hannah’s Song”
Intro: Prophets didn’t live and minister in a vacuum apart from people and events, but quite the opposite; they were very much tied to the context of their day. When considering Samuel (lit. “heard by God”), it helps to remember the woman God chose to produce such a prophet…Hannah.
Her context…Israel was still tribal with the center of worship located in Shiloh, and it was still the time of the Judges (much inconsistency across the nation)
Her story…1 of 2 wives of a faithful Ephraimite with no children, and mercilessly mocked by the other wife. She grieved and prayed continually for God to intervene. At the Tabernacle, she was noticed silently praying and weeping (a tender, personal moment) and she promised to dedicate her son (if given) to the Lord.
Her song…after Samuel’s birth/weaning, let’s take a look:
READ: I Samuel 2:1-10
What direction do we get from her prayer?
I. We are to Rejoice in the Lord (v.1)
A. Strength is manifested in rejoicing
(drawing strength from His strength)
B. Perspective is clarified in rejoicing
(smiling even when challenged)
II. We are to Declare the Supremacy of the Lord (v.2)
A. You are the One and Only God
(speaking the words (silent or aloud) affects us)
(1st Commandment)
B. You are the unmovable reality and truth
(this raises our mental sightline to focus on Him)
(He is the constant)
III. We are to be Humble Before the Lord (v.3)
A. Pride is an ever-present, nearby poison
(often subtle, complying outside but resisting inside)
B. True guidance comes from His knowledge
(which is complete and unbiased)
IV. We are to Remember the Sovereignty of the Lord (v.4-8)
A. God does as He chooses according to His purposes
(He alone has complete picture/knowledge v.3)
B. He ultimately can change the course of history
(for a person, family, nation, the world)
C. The reason is because He is the Creator/Originator
(He made/owns “the pillars” the world sits on-v.8)
V. We are to Trust the Promises of the Lord (v.9-10)
A. He will deal with our enemies according to their work
(He is the final Judge and will judge righteously)
B. He will provide a righteous King to deliver us
(David as a model, Jesus as the King of Kings)
VI. Conclusion/Discussion
Discussion: Which one of these reminders do you find to be most helpful in “resetting” our thinking?
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Timeless Truth-The Prophets 11-23-25
Part 1 – Introduction
“One Who is Called to Speak”
Intro: In the Old Testament, the office of Prophet is one that God introduced and used at different times according to His purposes. Their life and times give us much to consider through the lens of the New Testament and how it applies to us today.
Let’s take a look:
(Moses as a “prototype”)
READ: Exodus 3:10-17
I. The Qualifications of a Prophet (Deut. 13:1-6, 18:20-22)
READ: Deuteronomy 13:1-6, 18:20-22
A. There had to be a call from God
(not because a person felt the need or desire)
(the role of prophet was God’s idea/method)
B. They were to speak the words of God
(not personal declarations, ideas or agenda)
C. They were always consistent with other words of God
(and/or scripture/Law already given)
D. They always called for singular/exclusive worship of God
(YAHWEH the One True God)
E. Their predictions always came true-100% of the time
(or conditional predictions based on people’s response)
II. The Methods of Hearing/Encountering God
(there was a diversity of ways)
A. There were direct words from God
(such as Moses at the burning bush or Mt. Sinai)
B. There were preincarnate appearances of Christ
(Angel of the LORD and Balaam-Numbers 22)
C. There were visions-not dreams
(Isaiah, Ezekeil and many more)
D. There were dreams-while sleeping
(some mentions but less so)
E. Even through the voice of a donkey
(Balaam again)
III. The Activities of a Prophet
(also diverse)
A. They may call for repentance/obedience
B. They may predict the future
(straight out or an if/then proposal)
C. They may do miracles (people and nature)
(even raising the dead-Elijah the widow’s son)
E. They may act out symbolism
(such as Hosea)
F. They may intervene in situations
(Samuel anointing David)
G. They may call for remembrance
(Many occasions from the beginning-as Moses did)
On the note of remembrance…
IV. The Remembrances and Reminders of a Prophet
A. Remember the words of God
B. Remember the faithfulness of God
C. Remember the holiness/sovereignty of God
D. Remember the judgments of God
E. Remember the provisions of God
F. Remember the love of God
G. Remember the forgiveness and healing of God
H. Remember the protections of God
I. Remember the promises of God
V. Conclusion/Discussion
Discussion: In the spirit of Thanksgiving, what’s one of the remembrances that stands out to you?
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