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TODAY'S TEACHING
Renewal starts when we recognize and prioritize the One who matters most. In 1 Samuel 12, we discover how awe of God becomes obedience—and how that renewal can begin in you today.”
Accountability, integrity, honesty, & sincerity brings freedom while the opposite breeds fear that you will be found out.
Oh that we could be known as honest & sincere, people of integrity!
The term “taken” is used 4 times within this conversation. (Some translations combine “whose ox or donkey have I taken”.)
- Samuel had earlier spelled out how the king they asked for would “take your sons…daughters…fields…servants, and flocks” (1 Sam 8:11-18).
- We will see how King David took Bathsheba (the same Hebrew word as translated in ESV, NASB, LSB of 2 Sam 11:4).
- ✓Samuel, God’s judge, is contrasted with the kings; the kings will take from the people, but Samuel has not.
If you’ve read through Judges, this is the format:
- They forgot Yahweh,
- God hands them over to other nations
- They cry out saying “we have sinned…rescue us!”,
- Yahweh raises up judges like Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel to do rescue them.
The Ammonites approaching Israel was the catalyst that caused the Hebrew people to cry out for a king.
While the political structure might have changed (a king instead of a judge), the purpose hasn’t changed. The people are to fear and worship Yahweh, and that includes the king.
To fear Yahweh is an “awe that obeys.”
The wheat harvest was a time of celebration & thankfulness, when the food was gathered. Thunderstorms are rare during this time of the year and heavy rains at harvest would ruin grain. Further, remember that the people had earlier worship Baal - the storm god. But Yahweh is about to remind His people Who if really in charge.
“Don’t be afraid.” They were supposed to “fear Yahweh” (v13), but this fear is…an AWE that OBEYS, NOT a fear that causes them to RUN FROM Yahweh, but to RUN TO Yahweh.
Even though they have committed evil (sin), Yahweh has extended forgiveness. Now they are to stay the course and make sure they don’t turn away from following Yahweh.
Just as a good parent refuses to let their children get away with lies & sinful living, and will never abandon their children, so too Yahweh brings discipline & correction to His people, and Yahweh will not abandon His people!
He has determined to make you His own people. Yahweh was committed to send the ULTIMATE SAVIOR to them & through them…Jesus the Hebrew Messiah, the Bread of Life!
Samuel’s commitment to pray persistently & teach his people the good and right way is a great example for all people wanting to make a spiritual impact on others - pastors, teachers, mentors, parents & grandparents. We are to pray persistently & teach truthfully.
God’s love for people does NOT discount His justice to those who continue to do what is evil. Sadly, many have convinced themselves that God is LOVE, but that He is not JUST. He is BOTH - LOVE & JUST.
Of course, that LOVE & JUSTICE was best demonstrated at…THE CROSS - where the ULTIMATE, SINLESS KING died for our sin - LOVE & JUSTICE. When we consider the great things He has done for us…THIS should stand out as the ultimate demonstration of God’s LOVE & God’s JUSTICE.
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These open-ended questions are designed to help you LIVE what you LEARN with your Family, Friends, or Small Group.
Discussion Questions
These open-ended questions are designed to help you LIVE what you LEARN with your Family, Friends, or Small Group.
1. Servant Leadership (12:1-5).
- Samuel invites scrutiny. Who has permission to “bring a charge” against you if needed?
- Why is there honesty result in freedom while dishonesty breeds fear?
- Samuel is not known for what he takes from others, instead he is known for ________________ (fill in space). What are some practical ways we can follow the example of Samuel?
2. Recognizing God’s Role: Samuel reminds the people of their history of forgetting God (1 Samuel 12:9-11). Can you think of a time when you or your community forgot to prioritize God? What brought you back?
3. The Wheat Harvest Sign: The thunder and rain during the wheat harvest (1 Samuel 12:16-18) was a surprising act of God. How have you seen God use unexpected events to get your attention or renew your faith?
4. Awe That Obeys: Samuel says to fear Yahweh and obey Him (1 Samuel 12:14). What does “awe that obeys” look like in your daily life, and how is it different from fear that drives you away from God? Give an example when you ran from God and an example when you ran to Him.
5. Grace and Discipline: In 1 Samuel 12:20-22, Samuel assures the people that God won’t abandon them despite their sin. How does this balance of grace and discipline reflect God’s character, and how can it encourage us when we fail?
6. Impacting Others: Samuel vows to pray and teach the people (1 Samuel 12:23). Who in your life can you commit to praying for and what truth do they need to hear to know & obey God’s “good and right way”?
7. Christ and the Cross: How does Jesus’ death on the cross demonstrate both God’s love and justice, and how does that impact your relationship with Him?
8. “Consider the great things He has done for you” (12:24). Name two specific graces from the last month. How will you build a habit of remembrance (journal, weekly family check-in, sharing with another believer)?
9. Take a few minutes to pray for one another.
