GREAT GRACE: THE RISE OF THE SHEPHERD BOY

Week 1: THE CALL OF SAMUEL

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: 1 Samuel 1-17; 18-30; Romans 5

Pilot text

1 Sam 3:1-10 Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. 2 And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see, 3 and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, 4 that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am!” 5 So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.”

And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down.

6 Then the Lord called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 (Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him.)

8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

Discussion Points

1. Whose decision was it to separate Samuel to the service of God – was it Hannah’s choice, Samuel’s choice, or God’s choice (and why)?
2. What do you think we could learn from the conduct of Eli’s sons, compared to how Samuel conducted himself? Think about the family circumstances, and the role of parental and mentoring influence.
3. Which tribe of Israel was Samuel from, and why is this significant?
4. [Understanding that grace is unmerited], where do we see grace at work in Samuel’s life?

Closing thoughts:

The story of Samuel’s call illustrates the workings of grace in a number of different ways. First, the priestly office was reserved for Levites. Samuel was not a Levite – his parents were from Ephraim; and yet he wore a priestly garment (ephod; 1 Sam 2:18). This shows us that through faith, grace will break the rules in order to establish God’s purpose. According to custom, there was no way that Samuel could have earned the right to wear an ephod and minister before the Lord. Yet, the faith of Hannah and Elkanah (who was in agreement) created the room for grace – undeserved privilege – to manifest. We see this explained in New Testament terms in Romans 5:1-2. “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory” [NLT].

Second, God called Samuel when he didn’t fully know God. Even when Samuel mistook God’s voice for Eli’s, God continued to call until Samuel responded the right way. This was divine grace in action, going beyond our limitations and weaknesses to ensure that God’s purpose is fulfilled in and through us. Sometimes we can be worried that we have missed God’s voice relating to a specific issue in our lives. Our minds can play tricks on us, suggesting that the window of opportunity has closed. We even spend hours in fearful prayer because we think that God walked away after unsuccessfully trying to direct us. But that is not grace. Grace abounds when we are weak. Romans 5:6-8 [NLT]. “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”

Application Questions (use scriptures to support your position):

1. “The abundance of grace towards us means that there nothing at all for us to do. We just need to lie back and wait for our dreams to manifest”. Agree/disagree with reasons.
2. A friend tells you that they are embarking on a 100-day fast because they need to move God’s hand to remember them. What would you say to them?