Choose God's way...life is better when you do! (Class notes from 9/28/08)

Background passage: 1 Samuel 7: 2 -- 8:22

This week, we are continuing our study of 1 Samuel. Last week, Keith discussed chapter seven focusing on the importance of avoiding idolatry. In chapter seven, we see the Israeli people turn back toward God after a long period of rebellion. As a result, the Philistine rule under which they have been living is lifted. They regain their freedom and their lands are restored. Samuel travels the country on a regular basis as judge of the nation. They are at peace and they are prospeous (chapter 7:13-- 16). However, a problem is looming that leads to uncertainty in the mind of the Israelites...Samuel, there earthly leader, is growing old (chapter 8: 1).

1 Samuel 8: 3 --5

Samuel's sons are corrupt and the elders of Israel become concerned about their future. They have been prosperous and they do not want to lose what they have gained. Therefore, they think that it is best to move away from the priestly leadership that they have followed up to that point and moved to a monarchy, just like the pagan nations that surround them. Notice that instead of relying on God's plan, they begin to follow the model of non--believing people around them. Keep in mind also that it is God's plan for them to eventually have a great King (Jesus). However, their timing is wrong.

At the present time, our country seems to be facing the same type of situation. We have generally been prosperous for a number of years and currently, we seem to be facing increasing corruption and decay. Many of our own class members have been working hard for several years to provide for our families and save for the present/future. We worry about losing what we have gained or stored up (much like the Israelites in Samuel's time). Our job is to seek God's will for us and to trust Him with the outcome. Whose voice and whose example do you find yourself following when trouble seems to be on the horizon? Are you listening to an unsaved financial advisor, following the example of a lost neighbor, seeking help from Oprah, or reading secular self--help books for your answers?

Read Psalms 37:1-- 2. Remember that God is in control of both good and evil men. He makes the rain to fall on both the good and the bad. He raises up governments for His purposes. Praise Him for His power as you go through the day today and commit to following HIM even in uncertain times.

1 Samuel 8: 9-- 19 Samuel reports the request of the Israeli people to the Lord. God instructs Samuel to explain to the people what life will be like under rule of the king that they are requesting. Life will be difficult. A king will take their property, their children, their goods, and will eventually enslave them. Knowing all these things, they ask for a king anyway.

As Christians, we also face a choice. We can use the freedom that we have obtained through our faith in Christ however we choose. God gives us that choice!

Read Galatians 5: 13-- 16. In these verses, Paul encourages us to use our freedom to serve each other in love. He encourages us to follow the teaching and leading of the Holy Spirit. Choosing to follow our own worldly "king" leads to immoral acts (Galatians 5:19--21) and I am sure we can all think of instances where we have travelled down this path. Recall the remorse and pain that you felt along the way (or the guilt afterward). On the other hand, following God's plan and the direction of the Holy Spirit leads to love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self--control (Galatians 5:22). Obviously, these qualities lead to fulfillment and contentment!

Make a commitment today to trust God with your future, even in the face of uncertainty. His way is the best way. He loves us. If he says turn left, it is because it is not in your best interest to go in any other direction. Read Psalm 37 this week. Pay attention especially to verses 3--5, 7-- 8, 18-19, 23-24, 30-31, 34, 37, 39-40.

I love you all and thanks for reading the Sunday School Letter!!

When troubled... (class notes from 9/7/08)

Background passages: I Samuel chapters 1 and 2

Focal passages: I Samuel 1: 1-11.

This week, we are starting a study of first and second Samuel. First Samuel covers a period of time that lasts approximately 115 years. It starts with the birth of Samuel who was the last judge of Israel. He was born in1085 B.C. which was the same year that Samson began to judge Israel. Therefore, the events that take place in today's focal passage occurred during the years prior to Samson's judgeship. Israel at that time was under the control of the Philistine nation. Since this occurred during a time of rebellion, many of the people would not have been very devoted to God. Elkanah, however was not one of these. He was devoted to God.

1 Samuel: 1 -- 3

A. The family unit

1. Elkanah (the husband): he was devout. Even during a time when many of his neighbors were in rebellion against God, he was faithful. 1 Chronicles tells us that his family lineage was that of a Levite (the priestly line). However, there is no mention of him serving in the temple in any official capactiy. Most likely, he was a common man (just like us) . V. 3 says that he went to worship and sacrifice at Shiloh yearly and that this continued to be his custom. He brought his offerings even though the priests Hophnis and Phinehas who received the offering were corrupt (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22). However, he was not perfect. He had married two wives. In his commentary, Matthew Henry writes, " Thus are men often beaten with rods of their own making." I think Elkanah found this statement to be true.


2. Hannah: likely Elkanah's first wife. She was blessed in that Elkanah loved her. (V.5) However, this blessing wasn't enough. She, like most of us, focused less on her blessings and more on what she lacked... children. Make a list of blessings God has given you. Post it in a place that you will see it during the week. Take time to thank God for your blessings!


3. Peninnah: Elkanah's second wife. She was blessed with many children. However, instead of this blessing leading to compassion and thankfulness, she became haughty and insolent. She began lording her fertility over Hannah "to irritate her" (v. 6). She wanted to inflict pain. Her actions intensified whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord (v.7). Think of people that you know are suffering some type of pain or loss. Do something today to help show compassion toward them.

B. The problem: Hannah is barren and becomes so distraught that she allows her lack of fertility to become the overriding concern in her life. She is incapacitated by her grief (v.7) to the point that she weeps and will not eat. This occurred at a time when she should have been worshipful (she had gone up to the house of the Lord to give her offering). Contrast this to Paul's response last week during the midst of the storm. He stood in chains, encouraging his captors, and offering prayers of thanksgiving to God.

C. The solution: First, Elkanah played a role in helping. He knew that his wife's barrenness was troublesome to her. Therefore, he gave her a double portion (v.5). He was assuring her of her value to him. Even though she was not perfect, with this gift he was telling her that it did not matter. He loved her anyway. He did not wait for her to ask. He simply acted. He also provided encouragement when she was in her deepest time of despair. He lovingly, with empathy, inquired about her pain. He did not condemn her but does remind her of her blessing (v. 8). None of us have perfect spouses. However, we need to take steps to assure them that we love them and will stand by them no matter what. This is how we demonstrate unconditional love. Second, Hannah stands up and in a moment of true worship, prays for help. Her prayer is deeply sincere but simple (V.10-11). She has a sense of grief as she prays. We also need a sense of grief in order to pray effectively. James tells us that we should grieve, mourn, and wail over our sin. Jesus instructs us in the Lord's prayer to ask for forgiveness for our sin. If we are to find help with our troubles, we must deal with the sin in our life and trust God with the rest of the plan. This is exactly what Hannah did. (v.10-11).