PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should review the previous week’s lesson.
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 7:7-10 (KJV)
7 And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.
8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.
9 And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the Lord: and Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard him.
10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the Lord thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.
MEMORY VERSE: “And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.” – 1 Samuel 3:19 (KJV)
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Samuel, the 13th judge of Israel was born of Levitical parents (1 Chronicles 6:16 25-28; 1 Samuel 1:1). The date of his birth was around 1070 BC.
His mother was Hannah, a noble and good woman, married to Elkanah. The meaning of the Hebrew word translated Samuel is ‘God heard’ (1 Samuel 1:20).
Being a Prophet and a Seer, he was the last and greatest of the Judges of Israel, who were chosen by God to rule over the people, and to save them in time of war and oppression.
TEXT REVIEW: 1 Samuel 7:7-10
This passage narrates the unusual event that happened when Samuel prayed and offered burnt offerings to the Lord and He responded by demoralizing the Philistines.
It further evidenced God’s overwhelming backing for Prophet Samuel. It says that:
When the Philistines………. v7.
The children of Israel said …………. v8.
Samuel took ………… v9.
As Samuel………… v10.
LESSON OUTLINES
HIS CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE
1. HIS CHARACTER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
The Character called Samuel
Samuel was a good and obedient man from childhood (1 Samuel 3:9-10).
He was committed to serving God under the tutelage of Eli the Priest (1 Samuel 3:1a).
He was available to hear from God at a time when the word and visions from the LORD became rare (1 Samuel 3:1-4).
He was bold to declare God’s counsel to the house of Israel when they abandoned God (1 Samuel 7:3).
He preferred the theocratic system to the monarchy demanded by the Israelites and he openly displayed his displeasure to the latter (1 Samuel 8:4-6).
He was known as an intercessor who hears from God (1 Samuel 7:8-9; Psalm 99:6-7).
He was a man well known for his integrity (1 Samuel 12:1-4).
HIS ACHIEVEMENTS
In 1050 BC, the Lord instructed Samuel to anoint Saul as king over Israel (1 Samuel 9:15-17; 10:1).
He defeated the Philistines and ended their forty years oppression of Israel in 1030 BC (1 Samuel 7:13).
Through this victory, the Israelites recovered their captured cities and had peace all the days of Samuel (1 Samuel 7:14).
God gave him the opportunity to also anoint David as king in place of Saul (1 Samuel 15:28; 46:1, 13).
The Lord did not let his word fail (1 Samuel 3:19).
Prophet Samuel died in Ramah in 1011 BC and the whole nation mourned the loss of their beloved leader (1 Samuel 28:3).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1 The class should discuss the probable reasons God did not punish Prophet Samuel for the sins of his sons as He did Prophet Eli.
2. LESSONS FROM HIS LIFE
Here are some of the things believers can learn from the amazing life of Prophet Samuel:
The gift of Samuel to Hannah is a testimony to the fact that God knows the hearts of everyone and His promises never fail (1 Samuel 1:17-20).
Samuel was a passionate, consistent and faithful lover of God and His righteousness (1 Samuel 3:20; 8:4-6).
God will always talk to His loved ones and reveal His secrets to them (1 Samuel 3:11).
Faithfulness to God commands authority and great respect from people (1 Samuel 15:26-28; 16:4).
We must choose to obey and honour God totally above men (1 Samuel 15:24, 32-33).
God helps and supports His beloved (1 Samuel 7:10).
Everyone must prepare for the day of accountability and reckoning because it is certain (1 Samuel 8:1-5; 12:3).
He was referenced in Acts 3:24 and 13:20 by the Apostles as a Seer and a Prophet and numbered in the hall of fame in Hebrews 11:32.
CLASS ACTIVITY 2 Considering 1 Samuel 15:24-25, was Samuel completely fair in the way he handled Saul’s disobedience even though the latter acknowledged his sins and asked for pardon?
CONCLUSION God can make use of you like Samuel if you are willing and ready to pay the price.
CLOSING PRAYER Father, I am willing and ready for You, please use me for Your glory like You did with Samuel.
ASSIGNMENT From 1 Samuel 12:3, identify five questions asked by Samuel to prove his integrity before the people (2×5=10 Marks).
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, O how I love Thee well, I am happy, it makes me glad To rejoice at Thy birth.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well, Both young and old will sing Thy song, We long for Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Christ was Thy first teacher, The Holy Spirit, great teacher, Does manifest in thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, This testimony is sure, That God, the Father Almighty, Poured His blessing on Thee.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Though the sun be so bright, Or if the clouds black with rain, I’ll be in Sunday School.
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, I rejoice to see Thee, Will thou pass over me today? Without my being blest?
Action Point
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