Life Group Questions

1. If you were not able to hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What are some main ideas that you gathered from the sermon? Do you have any questions?

2. What does it mean that we are born with a sin nature (cf. Romans 5:12)? Do you believe that every person conceived is already guilty of sin (Psalm 51:5)? What are the consequences of this condition?

3. As saved people, why do we still struggle with sin (cf. Romans 7:18-20; Galatians 5:19-21)? Do you think there is anyone who does not struggle with sin (cf. Romans 3:10-12)? How can we gain victory over the flesh?

4. Read the first two chapters of 1 Samuel and describe any contrasts you see the writer giving us between the family of Hannah (Samuel) and Eli (Hophni and Phinehas). Note their actions and also any descriptors provided.

5. How would you rate Eli as a priest and a father? How did he do with watching over and protecting the sacred things of the Lord? How did he do with confronting and correcting his sons? What should he have done?

6. Why did the Lord desire to put the sons of Eli to death? Does that seem like a harsh statement (cf. Isaiah 42:21; Malachi 2:17; Isaiah 53:10)? How do we balance the love of God for people and yet His stern judgment for their sin (cf. Ezekiel 18:32-33)?

7. Consider the following passages: Exodus 4:21; 7:3-4; 14:4; 17; Joshua 11:20). What does it mean that God sometimes hardened the heart of various people? Do you think God still does such things? Does this action of God make Him responsible for man’s rebellion and sin? Explain.

by Terry Beatty /  Lead Teacher and Ministry Vision