Introduction
Recall how Eli responded to Hannah’s silent prayer and what that revealed about the general spiritual condition of Israel. Go on to mention that 1 Samuel 2:11–36 shows us just how deep the rot goes.
Wolves in sheep’s clothing will be judged
Explain/Apply: who were Eli’s sons? What did they do and why did they do it? How do modern church leaders tend to steal from people today? How do modern church leaders abuse their positions for sex?
Explain/Apply: how did Eli respond to his sons? How do churches often respond when there is sin in the leadership?
Explain: how did God respond to Eli? Will God allow evil to continue unpunished?
Apply: justice in God’s church. What can we do to make sure that our leaders are held accountable? Is there room in church for people to ask questions? How do we make sure that church leaders cannot abuse their power? What kind of checks and balances are in place? Are there changes we need to make in terms of our practice? Who is supervising the ministry of the Word? Who is watching over the finances etc.
A faithful priest(s) will come to serve God’s people
Explain: how do the references to Samuel encourage us? Who will be the faithful priest to replace Eli?
Explain: who is ultimately the only true faithful priest? What has Jesus done to make intercession between God and man possible?
Apply: in what sense are all Christian believers priests? What can we learn from the example of Samuel and Eli’s sons?
11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah. And the boy was ministering to the LORD in the presence of Eli the priest.