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 are some major ideas and themes that you see presented in the book of Samuel? Take the time to read through the entire book and consider the writer’s main thoughts.

3. Why would it be important to see that Samuel is actually one book in the Hebrew collection, as opposed to divided into two sections (i.e., 1st and 2nd Samuel)? What is the significance of the book beginning with the word “and” and coming after the book of Judges (Hebrew) instead of Ruth (English translations)?

4. What importance is there in recognizing that Samuel is part of the prophetic collection of books in Hebrew and not just historical information? How does the writer use Israel’s history to tell the story of God?

5. Have you ever considered that the title “Samuel” does not mean that Samuel wrote the book? Do you think Samuel wrote the book? Why or why not? (Remember, Samuel is one book, not two). Does not knowing the author of Samuel cause concern? Explain.

by Terry Beatty /  Lead Teacher and Ministry Vision