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 to be called by God? Read the following passages and describe the calling involved: Genesis 3:8-9; Isaiah 51:2; Matthew 4:18-22; 1 Peter 2:9.

3. How does the calling of Samuel compare with some like Abraham (cf. Genesis 22:1-11), Moses (Exodus 3:1-4) and Saul (Acts 9:1-4)? How would you describe God’s call upon your life? Have you heard the voice of God in your life? Explain.

4. What does the writer mean by saying that Samuel did not know the Lord (cf. vs 7)? How does this statement compare to the sons of Eli in 1 Samuel 2:12? Do you think Samuel was saved before this calling? Explain.

5. Describe the instruction Eli gave Samuel for responding to the voice of God (cf. vs. 9). What are some elements of this that we can apply to our own relationship with God? What does it mean to be a servant of the Lord?

6. Describe the significance of the writer telling us that the word of the Lord was rare (literally, “dear”) in those days. How is this condition related to such passages as Psalm 74:9, Lamentations 2:9, Amos 8:11, Micah 3:6 and other passages? Do you think the word of the Lord is rare today? Explain.

by Terry Beatty /  Lead Teacher and Ministry Vision