Topic: THE MAN SAMUEL ( Part 2 ) [Church of God Mission International] CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL 3 October 2021
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CGMI ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
SUNDAY 3RD OCTOBER, 2021
CENTRAL THOUGHT: Those who rebel against God’s authority and rule are directly pledging loyalty to satan.
HYMN: S.S & S. 706.”Onward Christian Soldiers!”
TOPIC: THE MAN SAMUEL ( Part 2 )
TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 7:1-17;8:1-5
INTRODUCTION:
The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died in the battle against the Philistines. Eli also died when the bad news of the death of his sons and the seizure of the ark by the Philistines reached him.
The worship and pilgrimage to Shiloh was truncated and Israel became subservient to the Philippines. It must have been a big blow to Samuel considering how close he was to this family. This was the state when Samuel became a judge in Israel.
After many years of reflection, Samuel took his first major steps, which was to initiate national repentance and prayers. This action provoked the Philistines who now launched another attack against Israel. The intercession of Samuel and his words of motivation gingered the people of Israel to the resounding defeat of the Philistines at Ebenezer.
Samuel had a complex administrative structure that made him create offices in Bethel, Gilgah and Mizpeh. While his home was in Ramah.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this lesson are to:
- highlight the key points of Samuel’s leadership over Israel;
- identify the major challenges he faced as a judge, a prophet and a seer in Israel;
- explain why the elders of Israel demanded for a King;
- explain how God reacted to their demand; and
- comment on the lifestyle of Samuel’s sons.
BIBLE TRUTH:
Q.1 WHAT WERE THE HIGH POINTS OF SAMUEL’S RULE AS A JUDGE, PROPHET AND PRIEST IN ISRAEL?
For Samuel, the transition to leadership was sudden. It followed the tragic death of Eli and his sons. After twenty years, the people the peoples heart yearned for God and Samuel led them to repentance. While the people gathered at Mizpeh, the Philistines attacked and God thundered from heaven , and the Philistines were defeated.
He administered the land by going round in circuit with bases in Bethel , Gilgah and Mizpeh, while his permanent home was in Ramah. As he grew old, he appointed his sons to serve as judges. But they were materially minded, took bribes and perverted justice.
The Elders of Israel came and demanded for a king so as to be like at other nations. Samuel was displeased at this, but God told him to oblige them. Eventually he had the privilege of anointing the first and second kings of Israel in the persons of Saul and David. Samuel was not a warrior, but he commanded great respect among the people.
Q.2. WHAT WERE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES SAMUEL FACED, AND HOW DID HE TACKLE THEM?
There were several challenges Samuel faced as a leader. The tragic events that led to the death of Eli and the seizure of the Ark by the Philistines were the first major challenge. Suddenly he became the leader. He had no choice but to learn from the errors of Eli. Next his administrative approach took much of his time , visiting three other cities in turns to examine matters for adjudication. Also he had his family challenge in that his two sons did not walk in his footsteps and were cited later by those agitating for monarchy. Another challenge was the regular departure of the people from Jehovah to strange gods. Security threats from the Philistines from time to time also occurred. In many of these challenges he look up to God and often interceded on behalf of the nation. Samuel was firm at dispensing Justice and was well known as a true voice of God throughout his life time.
Q3. WHY DID THE ELDERS OF ISRAEL DEMAND FOR A KING ? 1 Samuel 8:1-5
The ministry of Samuel was an integrated one that put the judge, the prophet and the priest into one. He was not a military leader but in times of danger he was able to mobilize the people under God.
The elders of Israel cited three reasons why they asked for a king. First age was not on Samuel’s side and they knew that one day he would transit. Furthermore, they cited the corrupt ways of his two sons, Joel and Abiah and felt they were unworthy successors to their father. Finally, they want to be like nations around them, with a king who will be a military leader with a standing army to defend them. It seemed that the people at this time had lost real touch with their background as a nation under God with rich history of divine exploits.
Q4. HOW DID GOD REACT TO THE DEMAND FOR A KING BY THE ELDERS? 1 Samuel 8:6-9
For both personal and divine reasons, Samuel was highly displeased with the demand. However he brought the matter before God to seek His direction. God saw it as a rejection of his authority over them and a rebellion against his rule. But he directed Samuel to accede to their request and to warn them to be prepared for the bondage under the new king (1 Samuel 8: 11- 18).
God does not impose Himself on anyone. Rather, He continues to persuade His people to see reason for sustained fellowship with Him, and the blessings in it. Those who rebel against God’s authority are directly pledging loyalty to Satan..
Q5. WHAT LESSONS CAN WE DRAW FROM THE LIFESTYLES OF SAMUEL’S SONS?
Samuel was an exceptional leader of high repute. But it was not same for his sons, Joel and Abiah whom he appointed judges. They were friends of mammon. They took bribes to pervert justice in favour of highest bidders. Assignment of leadership roles in divine matters must not be based on family background or connections , but on divine qualities and approval. Parental salvation, auction and integrity are not necessarily inherited by children. They are developed through personal encounter with God and through adequate preparation. It was not a bad idea to delegate authority , but such must be done dispassionately, and delegates must be held accountable on regular basis.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
Leadership in the house of God must come by divine mandate. The body of Christ must be careful in things we copy and put in practice in the church. We should seek God’s approval before such is contemplated. There are also divinely instituted ways for registering grievances in the body of Christ. Such channels must neither be suppressed by leadership nor abused by members.
Every Christian parent must devote quality time to minister to members of his family. We should not presume that our children are always with us, they can be tempted to learn the ways of the world. We should pray and work hard to ensure that we are worthy and better successors of those before us in every area of life, including ministry.
MEMORY VERSE:*
1 Samuel 7:13
“So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel…”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE:
MON: – In the day of my trouble. Psalm 86:7.
TUE:- The rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous. Psalm 125:3.
WED:- And his sons walk not in his ways. 1 Samuel 8:3.
THU:- Children are God’s heritage. Psalm 127:3.
FRI:- ” Righteousness exalts a nation” . Proverbs 14:34.
SAT:- Call upon Me in the day of trouble. Psalm 50:15.