When raising our children, my dear friend Shell and I used to lovingly call one another “Law” and “Grace” for I felt she was too strict, and she felt I was too lenient. We also thought God brought us together to help us each move more toward the middle.
Tim Keller says that often those who are too strict are so because they are concerned about the praise of man and therefore want perfectly behaved children. Those who are too lenient want the praise of their children. Both are valuing man over God. This was Eli’s great sin and we must take it seriously.
Why did Eli, the priest, permit his sons to continue blaspheming the sacrifices and sleeping with the women working in the Temple? Paige Brown said it was because he valued his sons and their position as priests above God. He talked to them about their sin but did nothing. As Paige says, we can talk all we want to our kids about their screen time, attitudes, or disobedience, but if they have not experienced consequences, they will continue on their destructive path.
We can see from this passage that Eli was complicit, which is why it was the will of God to put all three to death.
What drives everything we do, including parenting, is our hearts. Is God more important than anything else? Paige talked about the first and second table of the Ten Commandments, which are like the first and second greatest commandments.
God was a lightweight in Eli’s heart, and his sons were the heavy weight. Therefore he let them steal, commit adultery…The truth is, if we have no other gods before God, the rest of the commandments will fall into place. Value anyone or anything higher than God, and you will be sinning.
It’s the heart, Stupid.
So often our prayer life is for God to change our circumstances or the circumstances of those we love instead of our hearts. I’ve told this story before, but it so fits here.My grand-daughter Miabelle is 11 (in this picture she is 6 — the eldest, in the middle.)
Two years ago at Christmas when we were sharing a way Jesus had been a light to us, she said:
When I get in a huff and have a bad attitude, I go to my room and ask Jesus to change my heart. He’s been doing it. And then I feel so much better.
Her mother, Annie, said, “It’s pretty amazing how she will come out so different. And Steve, who was 4 then, has started to do it too. He’ll lose his temper, I’ll send him to his room, and he’ll come out saying, “I’m sorry, Mommy.”
How we need to pray for our own hearts, and for the hearts of those we love.
The three talks I am covering that Paige gave are over, though if they put them up again, I’ll let you know. If you are interested in jumping in mid-stream. here’s the link:
http://www.westendcc.org/paige
Next week Lent begins. Please get Paul Tripp’s book in book form or kindle form:
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. What do think the world sees as sin today — first table or second?
Monday: Contemptuous Hearts
3. What does Leviticus 7:25 say about the fat of an offering?
4. Read 1 Samuel 2:1-17
A. What was the root problem in the hearts of Eli’s sons? (vs. 1)
B. Describe the fruit of their hearts. (vs. 13-15)
(Paige said this may be the origin of the word “potluck!”)
C. Why does verse 17 say this sin was very great in the Lord’s sight?
The sacrifices of the Old Testament can seem so mysterious to us that we may have trouble understanding the gravity of the sin of the sons. Because these sacrifices were a foreshadowing on the ultimate sacrifice, the Lamb of God, what the sons were doing was apostasy, or the rejection of the sacrifice, the only sin that cannot be forgiven.
A passage that used to terrify me was Hebrews 10:26 which talks about deliberately sinning after receiving knowledge of the truth — all that is left for that person is a raging fire. But this isn’t talking about all sins, but about the sin of apostasy, the sin which Hophni and Phineas were practicing: treating the sacrifice with contempt.
5. Read Hebrews 10:26-31
A. Verse 29 describes a “New Testament” apostate. What does it say?
B. What does it mean to trample the Son of God under foot? To treat as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant?
C. Why can there be no forgiveness if we reject Christ’s sacrifice?
6. How does Hebrews shed light on the gravity of what Hophni and Phineas were doing?
There is forgiveness for all other sins, yet Paige pointed out when we fail to take worship seriously, whether it is in church or in our daily lives, we are regarding the grace of God and the sacrifice far more lightly than we ought.
She also pointed out that those in the greatest positions of responsibility will be judged more severely. I pondered how other fathers, like David, did not restrain their sons but were not judged so severaly. Perhaps it was because Hophni and Phineas had the great responsibility of being priests.
Tuesday: Complicit Heart
I am not a naturally confrontive person, even though I am thankful for the godly people who have confronted me in a spirit of gentleness. Two weeks ago a man at pickleball sat next to me and vented to me about his life, with the F word as his adjective in every sentence. He also sought me out to tell me about a disagreement he had thirty years ago with a man I very much respected who mentored my father. Again, the F word repeatedly. I was grieved for I happened to love the man he was talking about. I was simply silent. But I was upset!
I told my sisters at Bible study that I was troubled by this encounter and they told me I should confront him. I thought, “No — it wouldn’t do any good. He’s not a believer.” But my sisters were insistent.
Because of my sisters and because of Paige’s study, I decided I would earnestly pray for his heart and then talk to him. I prayed he would receive what I planned to say. I prepared a short speech that I hoped was winsome. When I walked up to where he was seated at pickleball he spoke first: “Dee, I owe you an apology. I was so wound up the other day.”
I nearly fell down. But I managed to say, “Thank you.” I didn’t need to say anything else.
God did it. He worked on his heart!
Confrontation is hard — and as a parent, it involves following through with consequences if they do not listen. That’s hard too! But proverbs warns repeatedly it is going to harder in the long run to refuse to discipline your son.
PRAY HERE, EITHER SILENTLY OR WRITE IT DOWN, FOR YOUR HEART AND THE HEARTS OF A FEW OTHERS.
7. Read 1 Samuel 2:22-26
A. What did Eli know according to verse 22?
B. What thoughts do you have about the women who were being used?
C. What did Eli say to his sons?
D. How did they respond and why? Comments?
E. Is there any evidence that Eli did more than talk? Why not, do you think?
F. What contrast is there in verse 26?
8. As a parent, where did you do well and where did you fail? Have you talked to your children about this, especially the failure, to help them break the chain?
Wednesday: Complacent Heart
Paige told about a quiet college student in one of her classes. On a bitterly cold winter night she found her ringing the Salvation Army bell outside a store. Paige said, “Why are you doing this — it’s so cold!”
She found out the student had volunteered to do it every night for a month because she had been studying the most repeated commands in Scripture — and caring for the poor is everywhere.
It isn’t enough to be avoid the sins of commission, we must not be complacent about the sins of omission. Paige said: “Hannah surrendered her son when not commanded, and Eli would not surrender his sons when commanded.”
Eli failed to discipline his sons, so there was a knock on the door.
9. Read 1 Samuel 2:27-29
A. What did God do to make Eli wake up and smell the nastiness?
B. How do the words of the man of God show that Eli was complicit in the sin? (v. 29)
10. Read 1 Samuel 2:30-36
A. What do you learn in verse 30 about those who honor the Lord and those who despise Him?
You may remember, and this actually happened, that Eric Liddell’s masseuse gave him the first part of verse 30 on a note just before he ran his race in the Olympics. Here’s that clip from the film Chariots of Fire:
B. Comments on the above?
C. How does the rest of the man of God’s prophecy fulfil those words about “He who honors me I will honor, but those who dispise me will be disdained?”
11. Paige kept stressing: conviction is not repentance. What did she mean? How does this speak to you?
Thursday: BUT GOD
For those of you who did Romans with Paige, she always talked about how God’s light would come into the darkness with a “But.” The book of Samuel took place in the dark days of Judges, and Eli, Hophni, and Phineas were part of the darkness. Yet in the midst of that darkness there were some shining lights: Ruth, Hannah, and Samuel. Samuel was the last of the Old Testament Judges and the first of its prophets.
7. Read 1 Samuel 2:18-21
A. How is the word “but” signficiant here?
B. What do you learn about Samuel?
8. Paige said that though Samuel was growing up in the presence of the Lord, he did not yet know him. (See 1 Samuel 3:7) What do you think is the difference?
9. Read 1 Samuel 3:1
A. What do you learn about the word of God in those days?
B. Paige said we often think of God’s Word as judgment, but actually, the absence of God’s Word is judgment. Why, do you think?
Paige said “Any word of God that is judgment is also a word of invitation. He is pursuing us to capture us.” The answer is never to flee from the Lord’s presence!
10. In what ways do you feel God is pursuing you now?
A. What did Eli do concerning his sons?
B. What didn’t he do? Why, do you think?
C. What motivates people to take religious positions if they don’t know the Lord?
11. Eli’s physical condition was parallel to his spiritual condition.
A. What do you learn about his physical condition in 1 Samuel 3:2?
B. What do you learn Eli’s physical condition in 1 Samuel 2:29? In 4:18? How does this show he was complicit in his sons’ sin?
So often, especially when we teach children, we tell them to be like David, be like Samuel, be like Mary. But we’re missing it, just like Mr Zuckerman missed it in Charlotte’s Web. When he saw what the spider, Charlotte, had written, he said, “Looks like we have some pig!” Mrs. Zuckerman said, “No, it seems we have some spider!”
We have SOME GOD that can transform hearts.
Friday: A Receptive Heart
11. Read 1 Samuel 3:3-6 and summarize what happened.
12. What does verse 7 say? We have already read that Samuel was growing up in the presence of the Lord. What is the difference between that and knowing the Lord?
13. Read 1 Samuel 3:8-10
A. What does Eli tell Samuel to do?
B. How does the Lord approach Samuel differently this time? Why, do you think?
14. Read 1 Samuel 3:11-21
A. Summarize in a sentence what Samuel was supposed to tell Eli. Why might this have been hard for him?
B. How does Eli respond?
Some say this shows repentance on Eli’s part. Paige said it is more like somebody coming out of a shoot-out with his hands up.
15. What do you think and why?
16. How well do you listen to the Lord? What is the proof of listening to the Lord?
Saturday:
17. What is your application to your life?
43 comments
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The conviction of what kind of mother I was and why. I stood on the side of “law” because I didn’t want to be embarrassed by my kids, concerned about the praise of man…sigh. I learned as they got older and I grew spiritually that their relationship with Lord was much more important but I do struggle with where they are at spiritually today…was it too little, too late? I have had to put them in God’s hands and pray they come into their own relationship with Him, not to please me (or because I can brag about them…keeping my heart right) but to have a heart that desires to follow after Him. I ask Your forgiveness Lord for making it about me and keeping such a tight grasp of my idol of approval. May I continually go to my room (love the story of your granddaughter), asking You to search my heart, show me any wicked way so all that I do would be pleasing to You.
2. What do think the world sees as sin today — first table or second?
The 2nd table as I think there is little regard for the things of God. If I don’t do the things in the 2nd table I’m a good person so I’m not sinning.
Oh Sharon — I have regrets about being too lenient. But God is so full of grace and I know He hears a mother’s prayers.
What stands out to you from the above and why? Eli being more concerned with what people saw and thought about his family or his own reputation than what God thought. I have recently been struggling with some sin in my own life and I have come to realize that my greatest concern has been what other people have witnessed and trying to minimize the seriousness of the situation. I’m seeing that my heart is not in the right place.
2. What do think the world sees as sin today — first table or second? The second table. The world if it is concerned at all about sin is more concerned with what is going on right here on the earth than what is going on spiritually.
I am watching the Paige Brown study after this.
My pastor preached on 1 Samuel this morning. I love when that happens.
I love that too!
What stands out to me, in blazing colors, is that I idolize my children and crave their love. This leads me often to overlook their overt sins so as to avoid causing a tempest in my home. I adopted them as teenagers from a boatload of trauma. I also come from a background of deep trauma. I’m an older single mom. Why would I want to rule with an iron fist? There is so much unbelievable stress in my life just going from hour to hour with meeting all of their constant needs and also needing to support my family financially alone. In the quest for a peaceful home, so as to not add to the stress, I find myself winking at wrong-doing and sinful attitudes. It’s so hard being a tender mother with new teens from trauma and being a strong disciplinarian at the same time. I have to be both mother and father, and my own personality definitely favors the nurturing side of parenting. How much I long to see my children loving God with all of their hearts. And yet, I have seen many many examples of great parenting, or so I thought, from families I have known and observed. They seemed to have the perfect balance of nurturing and discipline, and yet, their children have strayed from God. I’m learning as I age, that even at our best efforts in parenting or any other task, we are undone and fall so far short of His glory. I’m learning that God sees me, He chose me in my great weakness with so many odds stacked against me, and yet He loves me and will work through me with these children. If He could use a donkey, He can use me. I so much yearn to be molded into His image, parenting from His heart, but also realizing that He must draw them to Himself, and I cannot. How much this lifts my burden, but does not lift my responsibility to do as He would want me to do. Please pray for me in this great weakness and currently in the throes of raising children alone. Please pray that God would give me a good church to come alongside me. I am so alone, having to leave my church of 20 years due to some great deep issues. It grieves my heart so much every Sunday to go to church where I don’t feel a part of it. He is teaching me so much of Himself through this great trial of the soul. I also have a 31 year old son and am still learning to navigate the path of relinquishing control and not always speaking my mind to tell him when he is doing obvious wrong. So hard!! Thank you for this study! I look forward to hearing the spiritual insights of others who are waking this road.
Missy, I truly understand this dilemma you feel. Raising kids is so hard. We are being given a second chance and I have found I am flipping much of what I did with our own kids for the grandkids. One thing that is really different is the immersion in Christ from their birth. I really think this is what will matter the most to these two. I find myself being too tired to follow through with the hard consequences often. I get that for sure. I also have not wanted to “rock the boat” with my adult children because I’m too tired and want the house to be peaceful. I will share with our daughter, but the sons are harder for some reason. I will pray for your situation, especially the church. Teens need a good youth group to help keep them in line. That comradery is so sweet and they hold each other accountable; it’s ALL about the friends for sure, one way or another.
Oh Missy, you are a brave “Deborah or Abigail” in my book. And yes, God sees. I’m praying right now:
Oh Father, You know how Missy needs a church family to walk alongside her, to love her and these two children. I pray You will lead her clearly. And give her anointing on when to give grace and when to hold the line. In Jesus Name
I think our situation with older adoptees might have been a little different — both were so compliant it was almost scary – due to abuse, like beaten puppies. Kids react differently to trauma. I had more challenged with our biological children– yet today all are walking with the Lord as adults — some closer than others. I will be praying, Missy.
Missy, you have my prayers for a church to come alongside you and to have the wisdom, direction to navigate all the challenges that are coming from adopting kids of trauma backgrounds. He is your Jehovah Jireh-our provider.
3. What does Leviticus 7:25 say about the fat of an offering?
You must not eat the fat of a sacrifice or you will be cut off from the community.
4. Read 1 Samuel 2:1-17
A. What was the root problem in the hearts of Eli’s sons? (vs. 1)
They were selfish. They cared only about their own wants. They ruled themselves.
B. Describe the fruit of their hearts. (vs. 13-15)
They has no regard for any Israelite who came with an offering. They took for themselves during the cooking of the sacrifice. They were bullies! They had no respect for God.
C. Why does verse 17 say this sin was very great in the Lord’s sight?
The rejected the Lord’s ways; they were in contempt of God.
Sunday:
What stands out to you from the above and why?
This comment stood out to me:
“So often our prayer life is for God to change our circumstances or the circumstances of those we love instead of our hearts.“
In the ongoing battle with the flesh self defaults often to being consumed with it’s own concerns and circumstances or the circumstances of those I love always wanting to get things fixed. I am so slow to recognize often it is my heart that needs changed.
2. What do think the world sees as sin today — first table or second?
Definitely the second table. Predominately sin is equated solely with actions and what they do wrong. God has been so marginalized and diminished that few in the world consider that the primary cause of sin is a heart that loves anything or anyone above God.
Monday: Contemptuous Hearts
3. What does Leviticus 7:25 say about the fat of an offering?
25. For every person who eats of the fat of an animal of which a food offering may be made to the LORD shall be cut off from his people.
4. Read 1 Samuel 2:1-17
A. What was the root problem in the hearts of Eli’s sons? (vs. 1)
Their hearts did not exult in God.
B. Describe the fruit of their hearts. (vs. 13-15)
They were worthless men who did not know the LORD. Instead of respecting God’s requirement to give Him the burned fat portion. They were basically taking the sacrifices of the people as they were cooked for themselves and even taking prime cuts of raw meat before they were offered to God and totally disregarding the proper worship of God in what was the practice of forgiveness of sins for the people. They were cheating the people and stealing from God.
C. Why does verse 17 say this sin was very great in the Lord’s sight?
It was incredible disrespect and disregard for God. They practiced out and out contempt for God.
5. Read Hebrews 10:26-31
A. Verse 29 describes a “New Testament” apostate. What does it say?
”How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?”
B. What does it mean to trample the Son of God under foot? To treat as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant?
It means to show total disregard for what Jesus did on the Cross to redeem us from our sin. The sufferings and shedding of His blood were an incredibly holy thing. Perfect in what He did it we dare not approach it lightly. Paige said we should never treat worship in causal cavalier ways.
C. Why can there be no forgiveness if we reject Christ’s sacrifice?
Just simply because it is the only way of salvation from our sinful condition to be forgiven of sin and accepted by a perfectly holy God.
6. How does Hebrews shed light on the gravity of what Hophni and Phineas were doing?
It was God’s ordained order of worship using the sacrifices as a picture of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus Christ would make for us for our sin so that we could be cleansed of our sin and be made right with God. In a way Hophni and Phineas were spitting in God’s face and saying his instituted ways of worship were meaningless. They were clueless as to Who they were dealing with. A perfectly holy God. Paige said their calling as priests of God was one of great privilege and they were corrupt abusers of that privilege.
Sunday:
What stands out to you from the above and why?
I have tended to be more on the lenient side having only one child. And I have never seen “law” and “grace” as valuing man than God. Value anyone or anything higher than God, and you will be sinning. Oh, how I have grieved God’s heart. Thankful that with this admonition, God is giving insight into the root sin behind the “fruit” sin.
I need to have a “Miabelle” attitude. “Change my heart, O God, Make it ever true.”
2. What do think the world sees as sin today — first table or second?
Second because they are measurable and see-able. When we can see sin in other peoples’ lives, it may make us feel better about ourselves if we think we have not done what others are doing?
We want the praise of man.
Interesting about measurable and seeable.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – Our hearts are so important for us to function in more ways than I ever had imagined. To think it is our lifeline to be in existent and yet it can be the biggest part of how we act or sin. It’s a blessing and a curse and where we have God in our heart is so eye opening to me. I need him to be completely filling my heart that there is more of Him coming out than any other person in my life. I need to not worry about what others think, but what my God thinks. Loved how your grandkids know that when they have an attitude issue they go and recoup and come out so much better. What a great blessing your daughter and son in law are to them.
2. What do think the world sees as sin today — first table or second? – The way this world is going and what the media reports, it’s more of a sin to love and honor God then it is to inflict harm or abuse to others. My husband and I just watched A Case for Christ last night and Lee Strobel did everything he could to prove the resurrection was false that those who believe are the crazy one, even to the point of telling his wife that if you continue to believe in two years or five years, he doesn’t want to be a part of it (their marriage) any longer. Instead of trying to see why we believe, others will just find fault in everything we do. My faults is not standing up to them as strongly as I should because I’m afraid I will be offensive, but yet I let others say whatever is on their minds and let their offense slide. I need to go and get my attitude adjusted like your grandkids.
How I need to practice this too, Julie — attitude check. A man in our church has rubbed me wrong from the beginning, but praying for my own heart has helped more than anything else.
Monday: Contemptuous Hearts
3. What does Leviticus 7:25 say about the fat of an offering? – the person who eats the fat of an animal that can be used as an offering must be cut off from their family.
4. Read 1 Samuel 2:1-17
A. What was the root problem in the hearts of Eli’s sons? (vs. 12) – They were wicked men; they had no regard for God.
B. Describe the fruit of their hearts. (vs. 13-15) – Selfishness, no regard for others. They thought they could do and have whatever they wanted.
(Paige said this may be the origin of the word “potluck!”)
C. Why does verse 17 say this sin was very great in the Lord’s sight? – Because they were treating the offering to the Lord with contempt. They didn’t care what was being done and for who.
5. Read Hebrews 10:26-31
A. Verse 29 describes a “New Testament” apostate. What does it say? – I sense that it is saying if we do not take his offerings and His Word serious and do as we are being instructed to do, there is no punishment that can be worse than frivolously throwing to the wayside the Son of God and the blood of the covenant. We will not be forgiven when we act in this way.
B. What does it mean to trample the Son of God under foot? To treat as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant. – As I’m doing this study, which I need quiet to do it, there is someone in my house who seems to not care that I’m trying to concentrate and think through God’s Word. It seems to be the same but only much, much worse. Those who think they continue to keep on sinning with no regard to what God’s Word says is just ignoring the sacrifice done at the cross by Jesus.
C. Why can there be no forgiveness if we reject Christ’s sacrifice? – With Christ’s sacrifice came the Holy Spirit given to us as a helper in place of Jesus. There is nothing more to come from that. The Holy Spirit is our last helper to bridge the gap between us and God, I think.
6. How does Hebrews shed light on the gravity of what Hophni and Phineas were doing? – Because they knew what was right and what was needed to be done to follow God’s Word, they sinned even greater because of the knowledge they had. They would be held more accountable for sinning continually.
7. Read 1 Samuel 2:22-26
A. What did Eli know according to verse 22?
Eli heard from the people and he knew about his sons and the awful way they were sinning.
B. What thoughts do you have about the women who were being used?
Correct me if I am wrong but I got the impression from Paige’s teaching that these were not just “loose” women hanging around the tent of meeting but that they were there because they had specific serving roles and duties related to the preparation of the temple sacrifices and worship. It sounded like Hophni and Phineas were taking advantage of these young women by their presence at the temple and frankly just using them which was basically sexual abuse. As the priests they had positions of power and they were abusing with that power. Perhaps there was some complicity by these women but we aren’t told. It sounds just like today’s world in many places.
C. What did Eli say to his sons?
He kind of verbally slapped their hands trying to give them a warning but they had stopped listening to him long before that.
D. How did they respond and why? Comments?
They would not listen to the voice of their father. Back in verse 12 it tells us plainly they did not know the LORD. It was apparent they had not only rejected their own father’s voice but God Himself. It says at this point it was the will of the LORD to put them to death. I think that goes back to what God says in Hebrews 10:26-29 that we looked at yesterday. Hophni and Phineas were deliberately sinning after being told the truth and had set aside the law of Moses so in essence they were trampling under foot Jesus the Son of God Who would ultimately be the one and only sacrifice for sin. They had essentially condemned themselves so it was only a matter of time before God carried out their sentence to die.
E. Is there any evidence that Eli did more than talk? Why not, do you think?
No sadly there isn’t when it is apparent his sons completely practiced their sinning without restraint. His talk meant nothing to them. Unrestrained children don’t listen.
F. What contrast is there in verse 26?
It is one thing to sin against another person. Even in that case God had provided a mediator with the priests and the system of sacrifices but when someone sinned against God directly and intentionally there was no one who could serve as a mediator to God. They had rejected or trampled on their only hope of redemption from their sin.
8. As a parent, where did you do well and where did you fail? Have you talked to your children about this, especially the failure, to help them break the chain?
As the parent of four adult children I look back on a world of failure. I would have leaned more to the law side of parenting. I personally grew up with an element of legalism from one side of my family and tended to adopt that philosophy. But it never felt right. As I grew in my Christian walk with the Lord I was slowly coming to a greater understanding of grace. We had our first two children in our early twenties and our second two in our early thirties so lacking a great deal of wisdom and maturity with the first two we definitely had made changes in raising the second two. We have had to ask forgiveness for mistakes made. And to be frankly honest we were recently confronted by our oldest daughter about some things that have been hard for us to hear. But she is growing in her walk with the Lord and felt compelled to start a discussion with us. It is hard on one hand but I am glad on the other as it is giving her opportunity to hear some of the struggles from my own background that have contributed to some of my own character flaws. I need her understanding of me as well as she needs to feel heard about her needs. We all bring our own sinful selves and ways in this fallen broken world to the table. But God be praised that we all know our only Hope and Source for resolving issues is found in our relationship to Jesus Christ. I don’t claim to have done much well but our children did grow up knowing their parents knew Jesus as their personal Savior and wanted that for them as well. Also we were always a part of a fellowship of believers and attended good Bible teaching churches so they grew up hearing God’s Word taught and we had a circle of godly friends who loved our kids and were positive voices in their lives as well. I do not take it lightly that all my children and their spouses know Jesus as their personal Savior.
Tuesday: Complicit Heart
PRAY HERE, EITHER SILENTLY OR WRITE IT DOWN, FOR YOUR HEART AND THE HEARTS OF A FEW OTHERS. – Lord, help me to be open to your leading and not be afraid to speak to others of what offends me. But Lord, I need your help to say it in a soft but corrective way. Not in a way that would offend the one I’m trying to let know how I feel. Give me the words you want me to give to them to hear. Pray for the hearts of those I speak to that they are open to hear just what it is you are wanting them to hear and nothing more that is just from me. Thank you Lord for your guidance.
7. Read 1 Samuel 2:22-26
A. What did Eli know according to verse 22? – He knew of all the things his sons were doing that was against Israel that did not line up with the ways of the Lord
B. What thoughts do you have about the women who were being used? – They were being disgraced because of the acts that Eli’s sons were doing. They had no say in what was being done, I’m guessing? Eli’s sons were treating them like dirt and made them feel that they were not worthy of respect.
C. What did Eli say to his sons? – He asked them why they were doing such wicked things and that it was not good for them to do it against God. That there would be no one to defend their actions since they were sinning against God.
D. How did they respond and why? Comments? – They didn’t respond to their father because it was the Lord’s will to put them to death. So, did they become speechless by the Lord because it was too late for them to repent and ask for forgiveness? Did they realize the outcome so had not words for their actions, know that there was no hope for them any longer?
E. Is there any evidence that Eli did more than talk? Why not, do you think? – I don’t think he did anything but speak. I just keep seeing the word ‘hear’ like he was at home and others came to him and told him what was going on when his sons were away from the home. Others were coming and reporting to him, if he was old he may not have been up to travelling any longer.
F. What contrast is there in verse 26? – Samuel continued to grow and found favor with the Lord and with men. Eli’s sons were not liked by others and certainly did not favor with the Lord.
8. As a parent, where did you do well and where did you fail? Have you talked to your children about this, especially the failure, to help them break the chain? – My fails were as a single parent was not always being interested in what my kids were doing. My oldest son like to paintball and to me it was a violent, painful mostly sport that I did not like to go and watch. I was being both mom and dad to them, so I know my actions were not always loving because I was weary from working 2 jobs. I think where I did well was not pushing them aside when they did wrong. They both got caught stealing, the oldest ended up in juvenile detention and the youngest was more of a slap on the wrist. But through all the court time with the oldest I think he knew I was always there for him. Even after his time in Afghanistan and he was home he got a DWI and I left him in jail for the weekend, but he realized after his Veterans Court program that what I did was what he needed. My youngest learned quickly after his stunt and was not a problem for me after that. It really scared him. I’ve told both my boys that our consequences will bring about our life path, and I try to get them to realize God is there for them as well and things happen because of what we have chosen to do but that God is in all of it. They both have come to realize that is true. The youngest has married a young lady that was going to church, so he is now back in church. Thank you, Lord. The oldest I’m still praying for that to happen as he thinks he has done too much for the Lord to not forgive him.
5. Read Hebrews 10:26-31
A. Verse 29 describes a “New Testament” apostate. What does it say?
It says those who trample the Son of God, treated the blood of the covenant as if it is unholy, and insulted the Holy Spirit will be punished.
B. What does it mean to trample the Son of God under foot? To treat as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant?
Trample underfoot means to disregard. Treat as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant might be treating Jesus disrespectfully?
C. Why can there be no forgiveness if we reject Christ’s sacrifice?
He died for us. He gave the ultimate sacrifice. I must remember to respect that first.
6. How does Hebrews shed light on the gravity of what Hophni and Phineas were doing?
It talks about those who sinned by not following the Law of Moses (in the past) were put to death without mercy.
7. Read 1 Samuel 2:22-26
A. What did Eli know according to verse 22?
His sons were sinning against God. They were seducing women at the entrance of the Tabernacle.
B. What thoughts do you have about the women who were being used?
They were trying to earn money?
C. What did Eli say to his sons?
He told them to stop their sinning.
D. How did they respond and why? Comments?
They didn’t listen because their death was imminent. I suppose they already knew what their fate was and didn’t care?
E. Is there any evidence that Eli did more than talk? Why not, do you think?
No evidence. Perhaps he knew he was wrong and he should have intervened at a much earlier time than this. He knew it was a hopeless situation because his sons had already sinned against God that no one could help them.
F. What contrast is there in verse 26?
Samuel grew taller and was in favor with the Lord and people.
8. As a parent, where did you do well and where did you fail? Have you talked to your children about this, especially the failure, to help them break the chain?
We were too lenient with our words and actions. For example, if a child needed a punishment, we would impose one but then not follow through. In contrast, second chance with grand babies, tonight Grace physically hurt her brother and I told her if she did it again she would not be allowed to attend Awana tomorrow night. She did it again and I imposed the consequence. We are better, but it is hard.
I also would have been more present in our teens lives, and not allowed them to roam so much, unsupervised.
I have sort of talked to our kids about these issues…to explain to Sarah about the “1,2,3 Magic” technique with consequences. She knows we didn’t do that with her. Sigh….it is hard.
I guess talking about the failures as parents comes when the situation calls for it. For example, I will tell Sarah about the supervision with teens as we approach those years. It wouldn’t mean as much if I told her now (I don’t think anyway).
So proud of how you learned and are doing so much better with your grandkids. And God can restore the years the locusts have eaten. Wonderful hope from Amos.
Monday: Contemptuous Hearts
3. What does Leviticus 7:25 say about the fat of an offering?
4. Read 1 Samuel 2:1-17
A. What was the root problem in the hearts of Eli’s sons? (vs. 1)
B. Describe the fruit of their hearts. (vs. 13-15)
(Paige said this may be the origin of the word “potluck!”)
C. Why does verse 17 say this sin was very great in the Lord’s sight?
The sacrifices of the Old Testament can seem so mysterious to us that we may have trouble understanding the gravity of the sin of the sons. Because these sacrifices were a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice, the Lamb of God, what the sons were doing was apostasy, or the rejection of the sacrifice, the only sin that cannot be forgiven.
A passage that used to terrify me was Hebrews 10:26 which talks about deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth — all that is left for that person is a raging fire. But this isn’t talking about all sins, but about the sin of apostasy, the sin which Hophni and Phineas were practicing: treating the sacrifice with contempt.
5. Read Hebrews 10:26-31
A. Verse 29 describes a “New Testament” apostate. What does it say?
“…who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?”
B. What does it mean to trample the Son of God under foot? To treat as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant?
To trample the Son of God under foot means one does not accept Jesus for who He is; to treat as unholy thing the blood of the covenant means you do not accept the sacrifice Jesus made. In summary, one does not accept Jesus for WHO He is and for WHAT He has done for you.
C. Why can there be no forgiveness if we reject Christ’s sacrifice?
His sacrificial death is the only way that would appease God’s wrath we deserve because of our sins. There is no other sacrifice fitting.
6. How does Hebrews shed light on the gravity of what Hophni and Phineas were doing?
They refused to accept the truth that they were made aware of. And they were leaders as priests! They should have set examples for the people to follow.
If I were to rename Paige’s title based on Psalm 53, I would title it, “It is the heart, you fool!” Psalm 53 talks about a fool and it identifies the fool as one who says “there is no God”. Hophni and Phineas may not have said that loudly but in their heart of hearts, that was what was on the throne.
Bing — in Jan Silvious book on the fool I remember she said “The fool may be religious, but in his heart he says There is no God.” Surely true of Hophni and Phineas. Can be confusing though!
9. Read 1 Samuel 2:27-29
A. What did God do to make Eli wake up and smell the nastiness?
He sent a message for him. He reminded Eli of the way Aaron was chosen to be priest and offer sacrifices to the Lord. He wondered why Eli, as a priest, was allowing the law to be broken by his sons.
B. How do the words of the man of God show that Eli was complicit in the sin? (v. 29)
He asks why Eli honors his sons more than God. This shows he knew what was going on and did nothing to stop it. He valued the sons more.
Wednesday: Complacent Heart:
9. Read 1 Samuel 2:27-29
A. What did God do to make Eli wake up and smell the nastiness?
God sent “a man of God to Eli” to speak to him. I find that ironic in that Eli was supposed to be a man of God as the high priest. God sent this man to confront and condemn Eli’s actions.
B. How do the words of the man of God show that Eli was complicit in the sin? (v. 29)
Speaking for God he said to Eli “Why do you scorn my sacrifices and offerings?” It wasn’t just Eli’s sons scorning God’s ordained way of practicing worship. He included Eli and clearly pointed out to Eli that he was putting his sons first in his life above God. I find it interesting that Eli was literally getting extremely fat by eating the choicest portions of meat himself. His sons in their sin were providing for Eli to satisfy his own selfish sinful appetite.
10. Read 1 Samuel 2:30-36
A. What do you learn in verse 30 about those who honor the Lord and those who despise Him?
Those who honor God will be honored by God but those who despise him will be disdained.
B. Comments on the above?
Eric Liddell is a wonderful example of someone who honored God first and in return God honored him. He said God made me fast.
I love the portrayal that in his running he felt the pleasure of God.
C. How does the rest of the man of God’s prophecy fulfil those words about “He who honors me I will honor, but those who dispise me will be disdained?”
He outlined exactly how Eli’s sons would die and his family would be cut off and out of the priesthood.
11. Paige kept stressing: conviction is not repentance. What did she mean? How does this speak to you?
Conviction may cause me to be sorry for what I have done or for what I have failed to do but it isn’t repentance unless I turn around and walk away from my sin. Repentance is to change. It requires action. Paige said the things that keep us from Jesus are not our sins but our unwillingness to see it and our willingness to run to Jesus.
It speaks to me to be reminded that often I am an excuse maker for my sin. I blame my weaknesses or my circumstances but fail to just plain say I am sinning in my heart by wanting my own selfish way for my own comfort or to satisfy my own appetite. Arrrrgh!
Paige talked about willful ignorance but she said there is no neutral heart. She added these comments.
We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance.
We drift toward disobedience and call it freedom.
We drift toward superstition and call it faith.
We cherish the indiscipline of lost self control and call it relaxation.
Oh my what challenging comments.
But for Jesus!
Wednesday: Complacent Heart
9. Read 1 Samuel 2:27-29
A. What did God do to make Eli wake up and smell the nastiness? – God sent a man of God to Eli to bring to light just what was done or not done by Eli and his sons. He brought up how they want against God by sinning and taking what was not theirs to take.
B. How do the words of the man of God show that Eli was complicit in the sin? (v. 29) – he is pointing out that Eli was just as much as sin by honoring his sons and not taking hold of the sinning they were doing. He made no attempt to stop them from sinning.
10. Read 1 Samuel 2:30-36
A. What do you learn in verse 30 about those who honor the Lord and those who despise Him? – God will honor those who honor Him but will remove by death those to despise Him and those who were not put to death will only see misery and their young will die at an early age. God will not be with them any longer.
B. Comments on the above? – Though he may have been tired from the other races, God knew his heart, Eric honored God by giving it all to him and God was with him in the end. He finished the race with Eric.
C. How does the rest of the man of God’s prophecy fulfil those words about “He who honors me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained?” – The other men did not think there was anything to worry about, but they did not honor God at all. They thought it was all by human hand that would win the race, but Eric knew it took relying on God and honoring him to be in God’s good graces to win.
11. Paige kept stressing: conviction is not repentance. What did she mean? How does this speak to you? – I think a lot of times I may feel convicted by something said in a sermon, or something I’ve read, but until I get it in my heart and get down deep in my heart and repent of that conviction, I will only continue to be convicted and never freed from the sin that is holding me back. I need to want to get rid of it and be free from it so that portion of my heart can be filled with something from above and more pleasing to the Lord.
Thursday: But God
7. Read 1 Samuel 2:18-21
A. How is the word “but” signficiant here?
As opposed to Eli’s sons and their scorning ways toward the worship of God “but” Samuel was ministering before the Lord even as a child. He obviously took his place seriously in the worship practices probably in great part by the influence of his parents who revered and worshipped God.
B. What do you learn about Samuel?
Hannah his mother would make a new robe for him yearly and bring it to him when they came to sacrifice at the temple. As he grew she provided new clothes. God blessed Hannah with more children but Samuel grew up living in the temple in the presence of the Lord.
8. Paige said that though Samuel was growing up in the presence of the Lord, he did not yet know him. (See 1 Samuel 3:7) What do you think is the difference?
Samuel grew up knowing about God and I ‘m sure grew in his understanding of God’s ways and requirements but he had not yet heard God speak. Once God spoke to him and he knew it was God speaking he then personally knew God.
9. Read 1 Samuel 3:1
A. What do you learn about the word of God in those days?
God was being pretty much silent because of the great sin going on with his priests and the people.
B. Paige said we often think of God’s Word as judgment, but actually, the absence of God’s Word is judgment. Why, do you think?
Blessing always comes with the presence of God and his Holy Spirit. To not have God active in their midst left them empty and useless.
10. In what ways do you feel God is pursuing you now?
It always comes from spending time in His Word, the Scripture, and in prayer. As I read and study the Bible or hear it taught I become aware of him and his ways in my life. And as I spend time in prayer my heart is lifted and encouraged by him. It makes me think on yesterday’s video clip of Eric Liddell. I have pondered the question what do I do in life where I feel the pleasure of God? No I don’t have a clear answer to that question but I would like to.
A. What did Eli do concerning his sons?
Sadly he did nothing.
B. What didn’t he do? Why, do you think?
He didn’t honor God and put God first over his sons. He gave them place before God. If he hadn’t he would have stopped their blatant sinning.
Paige said Eli’s heart was complicit with his sons sinning and it was complacent. He had a choice but served his own feelings for his sons.
I think because his heart was hardened to the realities of what was going on around him and that it served his own selfish appetites and he had become tolerant and it made him complicit with them.
C. What motivates people to take religious positions if they don’t know the Lord?
Hmmm. It would seem for their own selfish interests of how it makes them look or feel about themselves. But I think sadly many just are mistaken in their desire to “work” for God so as to earn His favor. Trying to get brownie points with God so He will accept their good works in exchange for his letting them into His Heaven.
11. Eli’s physical condition was parallel to his spiritual condition.
A. What do you learn about his physical condition in 1 Samuel 3:2?
Eli was going blind.
B. What do you learn Eli’s physical condition in 1 Samuel 2:29? In 4:18?
He was fattening himself on the foods of the sacrifices and was extremely heavy (overweight).
How does this show he was complicit in his sons’ sin?
He turned a blind eye to the sins of his sons. It sounds awful but he was eating like a pig! He indulged himself with those meats and the choice sacrifices to the place of being grossly overweight. He was abusing his own position as the high priest for his own satisfaction. Eli was not a victim of his circumstances but a sorry old man.
A. What do you learn in verse 30 about those who honor the Lord and those who despise Him?
Those who honor Him are honored. Those who despise Him are despised.
B. Comments on the above?
Made me cry. How I long to feel that pleasure; how God loves me (I know He does) and how I make Him pleased!
C. How does the rest of the man of God’s prophecy fulfil those words about “He who honors me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained?”
I don’t really understand this question, but I read the rest of the passage and think it might be referring to this? If so, it talks about how death comes to those who deny God. Specifically, the priests of the Levi tribe who have dishonored God. The message speaks of a faithful priest (Jesus?) whose “family” will be blessed (us?).
https://youtu.be/2Mqr1gtZS54
11. Paige kept stressing: conviction is not repentance. What did she mean? How does this speak to you?
You may want to change, but real change is when you repent. You turn away from the sin and never look back. Oh how it does…
Friday: A Receptive Heart
11. Read 1 Samuel 3:3-6 and summarize what happened.
Several times God called out to Samuel in the night time while he was sleeping and each time Samuel thought it was Eli who was calling to him and so he quickly got up and went to where Eli was lying on his bed and offered himself to help him. Each time Eli told him that he had not called him and to go back to his own bed.
12. What does verse 7 say?
It says Samuel did not yet know the Lord and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
We have already read that Samuel was growing up in the presence of the Lord. What is the difference between that and knowing the Lord?
Samuel was growing up in the place of God’s dwelling and the surroundings of the practice of worshipping God but he had not yet had a personal interaction with God,
13. Read 1 Samuel 3:8-10
A. What does Eli tell Samuel to do?
When Eli realized what was happening and that it was God calling out to Samuel he instructed him on how to respond by basically saying “go ahead and speak God and I will listen”.
B. How does the Lord approach Samuel differently this time? Why, do you think?
This time God came and stood next to Samuel as he spoke to him. It would seem that Samuel was now prepared to listen to the voice of God and understood Who it was calling out to him. It was the beginning of an intimate relationship that Samuel would come to know with God.
14. Read 1 Samuel 3:11-21
A. Summarize in a sentence what Samuel was supposed to tell Eli. Why might this have been hard for him?
God was serving notice that time was up for Eli and his sons because he had done nothing to restrain or stop the evil his sons were doing and so Eli and his family would be cut off from the Lord.
Samuel had been there to serve the Lord by learning from and serving with Eli and I’m sure Eli felt favorable toward Samuel and probably treated him well. It would have been hard to be the messenger of God’s judgement.
B. How does Eli respond?
Eli understood God would have the final say. He acknowledged it was The LORD who had spoken and he just acquiesced with a “so be it” attitude. Resigning himself to the inevitable.
15. What do you think and why?
I view Eli a lot differently since listening to Paige Brown’s teaching on these passages.
Paige acknowledges that she takes a harder stance about Eli than many who have taught about him traditionally. She makes a strong case against his real heart by all of his actions. She repeatedly says the fruit reveals what the root is like. Eli’s fruit is sorely lacking. God clearly said to Eli that you honor your sons above me. That is a very serious indictment against Eli because the sins of Hophni and Phineas were blasphemous against God. Familial love naturally tends to excuse and overlook sin in children but this was was beyond excuse considering Who they represented serving in the priesthood. Justice had to be served by God. At least Eli understood he could not question God.
16. How well do you listen to the Lord? What is the proof of listening to the Lord?
Hmmmm? Good question. Hard question. It’s never easy to admit but I personally am not a good listener. I constantly am having to walk myself back out of talking too much and purposefully listening. Just look at how long my answers are. (-:
I finally understand why I am that way but old habits die hard. Especially at 73.
I would say my listening to the Lord is directly related to the amount of time I spend in God’s Word and in praying. Along with hearing the preaching of His Word and in Bible study. That is most often when and where I understand His speaking to me.
Proof comes in the way we live our lives and the choices we make. God blesses choices that honor Him. I’ve seen it in the lives of others and I’ve experienced it in my own life. Just wish I weren’t such a slow learner.
“…slow learner!” I can relate to that!
7. Read 1 Samuel 2:18-21
A. How is the word “but” signficiant here?
This is a turn from the evil to the good.
B. What do you learn about Samuel?
Samuel was well cared for; he was a child who lived at the tabernacle with the priest.He wore a linen garment. His mom and dad brought him a coat each year and he received a blessing with his parents from Eli.
8. Paige said that though Samuel was growing up in the presence of the Lord, he did not yet know him. (See 1 Samuel 3:7) What do you think is the difference?
I totally get this! I went to church for 30 years but didn’t know Jesus. When our second was born I realized I was missing something raising the kids. It was church. We decided to go and continued to go for the next 15 years. It was at that point that I fell on the floor in desperation because that child was giving us such a hard time as a teen. I began to reach out to know God better and then I learned exactly what I had been missing all those years; Him. Ugh. I wasted so much time. But, I never knew. It’s sad to me that all those churches I attended couldn’t really teach me about Him. I am so thankful for a young friend who pointed me in the right direction. She is a missionary now. Thank You Lord for my friend! Please continue to bless her family in the important work they are doing to educate people about You around the world.
Thank you for sharing.
9. Read 1 Samuel 3:1
A. What do you learn about the word of God in those days?
It was uncommon; rare
B. Paige said we often think of God’s Word as judgment, but actually, the absence of God’s Word is judgment. Why, do you think?
Well, if a person in a disagreement doesn’t speak up then I assume that they are agreeable. This is why I always speak up, because I don’t want someone to think I agree with them perhaps on a topic. If they’re silent it could be they disagree but just aren’t willing to speak up. My mom was brilliant at this. The silence was deafening!
10. In what ways do you feel God is pursuing you now?
Hmmm…not sure. Maybe in that I continue to sin when I know I shouldn’t. He is silent.
A. What did Eli do concerning his sons?
He allowed them to sin.
B. What didn’t he do? Why, do you think?
He didn’t stop them. He was afraid? He didn’t want them to turn away from him? He didn’t want to lose them?
C. What motivates people to take religious positions if they don’t know the Lord?
There is a spiritual longing inside of everyone (God left it there!), so they are searching for something. Also, if they fear for their life, they always pray to God, even if they don’t believe in Him. That proves (to me) that the spiritual-ness is there and they just need to tap into it.
Hi, a friend of mine has raved about your study’s so I’m taking part in the 40 day Lent study. Thank you
Welcome Fran! So happy you are here 😉
I’ve been kind of absent in the commenting department, but I have been doing the study and it really is changing my perspective on things.
I’ve been seeing my attitude and reactions to thing through the filter of what does it say about my heart. For example, I had to take 2 days off of my new job because of debilitating vertigo. Then a week later I woke up with my head spinning and my first reaction was I can’t call in again, this is horrible, I’m going to get fired, why? I then started telling myself that this is the situation that God has allowed me to be in and if I lose this job because of it then so be it. No matter the outcome, God is in control. After I was awake for a while the dizziness mostly subsided and I was able to make it through my work day.
I’m eager to start our new study tomorrow!
Sorry to hear of the vertigo, Dawn. A friend of mine is having the same issue and has tracked it back to the vaccine. I hope that’s not your case 🤷🏻♀️.
It’s not.
11. Eli’s physical condition was parallel to his spiritual condition.
A. What do you learn about his physical condition in 1 Samuel 3:2?
He was nearly blind.
B. What do you learn Eli’s physical condition in 1 Samuel 2:29?
He is fat off the sacrifices of others.
In 4:18?
He was old and overweight. He died by falling back in his chair and breaking his neck.
How does this show he was complicit in his sons’ sin?
He benefited.
11. Read 1 Samuel 3:3-6 and summarize what happened.
Samuel was sleeping and heard his name called. He thought Eli was calling him so he went and asked him what he wanted. Eli responded that he did not call Samuel. Samuel went back to bed. It happened again with the same results.
12. What does verse 7 say?
Samuel didn’t know the Lord at that point.
We have already read that Samuel was growing up in the presence of the Lord. What is the difference between that and knowing the Lord?
Going through the motions but not having the heartfelt relationship.
13. Read 1 Samuel 3:8-10
A. What does Eli tell Samuel to do?
He tells him to go back to bed and if someone calls again, to answer that he is the Lord’s servant and is listening.
B. How does the Lord approach Samuel differently this time? Why, do you think?
He called twice instead of once. He was trying to get his attention.
14. Read 1 Samuel 3:11-21
A. Summarize in a sentence what Samuel was supposed to tell Eli. Why might this have been hard for him?
He was to tell him the fate of his family.
B. How does Eli respond?
He agrees that the Lord is in charge and must do what He thinks is right.
15. What do you think and why?
I think it was too late for Eli; he is right to agree with the Lord’s plan.
16. How well do you listen to the Lord? What is the proof of listening to the Lord?
I do not listen as well as I can. Your action(s) is what is the proof.
This is the problem with debating Christians who believe that they can sense the presence of the living Jesus within them: Regardless of the quantity and quality of the historical evidence that we skeptics present, evangelical Christian apologists will ignore it if it at all challenges their personal experience of Jesus living within them. And apologists will ignore any majority expert opinion which casts doubt on their personal experience of a resurrected Jesus living within them. This is why I believe that most evangelical Christians reject the majority expert opinion that the Gospels were not written by eyewitnesses or the close associates of eyewitnesses. Since their personal experiences tell them that Jesus did rise from the dead, the Gospel stories must be historically accurate. Their personal experiences with Jesus rule out even the possibility that the stories surrounding the death and alleged resurrection of Jesus are legends or theological/literary embellishments (fiction). Bottom line: No amount of historical evidence is going to convince a Christian apologist who believes that he or she can perceive the living Jesus within their “heart” that Jesus is dead. https://lutherwasnotbornagaincom.wordpress.com/2022/12/19/dear-christian-apologist-if-jesus-lives-in-your-heart-why-bother-us-with-historical-evidence/
Gary — thanks so much for writing and sharing your opinion! I was converted on the basis of evidence for the resurrection, which I find overwhelming. But I appreciate your writing. Montaigne said there is always hope when people listen to both sides, when they attend only to one errors harden into prejudice and truth ceases to have the effect of truth.