10/27 Samuel's Warning

Patterns logo Title: “Samuel’s Warning”

Texts:   1 Samuel 8; Hebrews 8:8-13; Malachi 4:6

In a Nutshell: Life in Israel had declined to the point that the leadership set to take over was clearly inadequate.  But as God points out, those being lead were equally selfish and uncommitted.  When people demand what they prefer for their lives, neglecting or even refusing what God has provided, then the consequences will be painful.  That is the ever-cycling pattern God has put up with since the Garden of Eden. But God has a better plan for us!  (Hebrews 8:8-13)  The patterns God desires for us are ones that “puts His laws into our minds, and writes them on our hearts.” Godly patterns will help us to reject the world’s standards and seek His standards for our lives.  They will cause parents and children to long for each other’s relationship, passing on God’s grace to those that are following us. (Malachi 4:6)

Ice Breaker: Have you ever fallen asleep at a very bad time?  What caused you to wake up? What would have happened if you hadn't woke up in time?

CONNECTING WITH THE TEXT:

  1. What was bad about Samuel’s sons?  (1 Sam. 8:1-3)
  2. Why do you think Samuel wasn't better prepared for dealing with his sons?  1 Sam. 3:10-18
  3. What did God say Israel’s deep seated problem was? 1 Sam. 8:7,8
  4. What did God say the King would do? (1 Sam. 8:10-17) How would the people eventually respond? (1 Sam. 8:18) What then would be God’s response?
  5. What did the people specifically see a king doing for them?  1 Sam. 8:20
  6. What was the problem with the Old Covenant and how would the New Covenant be different? Heb. 8:8-13
  7. What would be a sign that God was moving in a new covenant?  Mal. 4:6

REFLECTING ON YOUR LIFE: 

  1. What have you done as parents to protect your family from being more influenced by culture than by your faith in God?
  2. What activities or life priorities have helped you and your kids (or you and your parents) grow together in your relationship with God?
  3. What bad patterns and good patterns for your life have you learned about from the “Patterns” sermon series? Patterns & Judges

CONNECTING WITH YOUR CHURCH:

  1. What does our church do in order to help families become more influenced by God rather than the culture we live in?   (see Synergy)

NEXT WEEK:

Title:  “Road Trip!"

Text:  Luke 9:51

Questions: Between Luke 9:51 and 15:32 how many references do you find to geographic or demographic context? Where was Jesus and who was listening?

Parents with your children: 

Look at your November and December calendars as a family.  Set some dates for when you might be going somewhere (taking a “Road Trip”).  Maybe shopping… Maybe reunions… Maybe a holiday event like a movie, or looking at Christmas lights.  Schedule now some specific times you will commit to be together as a family.

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