READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l The scripture passage in 1 Samuel 2:11-36 contrasts the sons of Eli to Samuel. They all grew up in the Temple under Eli’s tutelage but their lives were lived very differently. While the sons of Eli acted wickedly (vs. 13-17) , Samuel grew in favour with the Lord (vs 26). John Wesley, in “Working out our own salvation” tells us that we have been “restored to the favour of God” through the justification brought by Christ. God delights in us. But how are we to walk in God’s favour?
Sift our passions
Many of us have passion for our goals and interests. How do we assure that these are aligned with God’s will and plans? We need to take time to sieve these passions. Just as an air purifier is used to remove the particles in the air that cause health problems, we need to take time to sift our sinful passions through quiet time before the Lord. Before God, we are able to separate the worthwhile from the worthless.
Observe the impact of passions
Eli’s sons abused their positions as priests. They dishonoured God and failed to see the impact of their actions on God’s people. Do not be misled to think that sinful passions are harmless. Our attitude and behaviour become a model for the next generation.
Unite with God’s heart and mind
God was very disappointed with Eli’s sons. So much so that He will replace them with a priest of His choice (vs. 35). Just because Hophni and Phinehas were raised and served in the temple, this did not guarantee that they lived lives that pleased God. Similarly, just because we attend church does not mean we are walking in God’s favour. Our young people need good role models. Hannah was such a model to her son. As she had made a promise to God to dedicate her child to His service, she kept her word. It must have been difficult for her to leave her first-born at the temple at a young age. But her faithfulness would have guided Samuel in his growing years. In contrast, Eli failed to teach his sons to know and obey the Lord. He indulged his sons and did not restrain their actions. Apart from a verbal reprimand (vs. 23-24), he did not discipline them. He could have removed them from their priestly roles but did not do so. God’s judgement on them was inevitable as they continued in their sins (vs 25) . Are our passions united with God’s heart and mind? Do we display God-centred behaviour in our homes and workplaces?
Love God with our resources
Practical actions show our alignment with God’s plans. Verbal confession of trust in God is not enough. In John 12:1-8, Mary proves her love for the Lord by pouring very expensive perfume on Him and wiping His feet with her hair. While others criticized her, she did not let that prevent her from demonstrating her love.
Henry Nouwen, in “Spiritual Direction” reminds us that God loves us from eternity to eternity. He loved us even before we were born and will love us after we die. Therefore, in this short life on earth, let us use our lives to tell God that we love Him too.
May we apply our SOULS to enable us to walk in God’s favour.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Read 1 Samuel 2:11-3:21. Compare and contrast Samuel and the sons of Eli. In what ways were they similar, and how did they differ?
- Why was God going to punish Eli’s family as mentioned in 1 Samuel 2:31-36 and 3:13-14? How was God treated with contempt in 1 Sam 2:11-36?
- Recall what the preacher spoke about walking in God’s favour. What stood out for you in particular and why?
- Tell us about people you know personally who, like Samuel, have walked in God’s favor. Can you describe them?
- In this season of Lent, tell us about a spiritual habit that you may observe in this season to help you sift your passions and act according to God’s heart and mind (1 Sam 2:35)?
