God Raises a Prophet - Study of 1 Samuel: WEEK 1

Week 1 starts with the exploration of 1 Samuel 1-3, as we witness the transformative power of persistent prayer and unwavering faith. Hannah's journey from barrenness to blessing serves as a poignant reminder that God hears our deepest cries. Her story teaches us that even in our moments of greatest despair, we can approach God with raw honesty and trust. The birth of Samuel not only answers Hannah's personal prayer but sets in motion God's plan for Israel's leadership. This narrative challenges us to consider: How do we respond when our theology doesn't match our reality? Are we willing to trust God's timing and purposes, even when His answers seem delayed? Hannah's example encourages us to bring our whole selves before God, knowing He can use our pain for His greater purposes.

Key Points:

• God uses ordinary lives to make extraordinary impacts and redirect the course of human history

• Hannah's faith and perseverance in prayer despite her struggles

• The importance of keeping vows made to God

• Contrast between Samuel's growth in faith and the corruption of Eli's sons

• God's rare but powerful communication with Samuel, marking a new era in Israel's spiritual history

• The consequences of failing to discipline and lead one's family in godliness

Scripture Reference:

1 Samuel 1-3

Deuteronomy 7:12-14

Deuteronomy 23:21-23

Discussion Questions:

How does Hannah's perseverance in prayer despite years of unanswered requests challenge or inspire our own prayer life?

In what ways can we relate to Elkanah's attempt to 'fix' Hannah's sadness, and how might this reflect broader dynamics between men and women in relationships?

How does the concept of making and keeping vows to God, as illustrated by Hannah's vow, apply to our modern Christian lives and commitments?

What can we learn from Hannah's ability to trust God and maintain her theology even when her personal experiences didn't seem to match God's promises?

How does the corruption of Eli's sons as priests contrast with Samuel's growth, and what lessons can we draw about authentic faith versus religious hypocrisy?

In what ways does God's use of Hannah's personal struggle to address Israel's larger issues demonstrate His ability to work through individual lives for greater purposes?

How might the rarity of God's word and visions in Samuel's time relate to how we perceive and seek God's guidance in our current era?

What insights can we gain from Eli's failure to restrain his sons, and how does this relate to leadership and accountability in the church today?

How does Samuel's first prophetic message to Eli demonstrate both the difficulty and necessity of speaking truth, even when it's painful?

In what ways does the transition from judges to kings in Israel's history parallel transitions or changes in our own spiritual journeys or in the broader church?