‘A Voice in the Night’

Week 10: Discovering the Character of God through Samuel
10.1. Invite the group to discuss whether they believe if God audibly speaks to people.

• What do they think it’s like?
• Hand out ‘Hearing God’s Voice’ and read/discuss.
• Any changes of opinion?

10.2. Ask the group if they have ever heard of Samuel. If so, to share what they know. Read 1 Samuel 1:5, 10-11, 20, 27-28 and 2:18, 21, 26 to learn a little about Samuel’s unusual birth and childhood.

10.3. Something yet more unusual was to happen to this young man. Read 1 Samuel 3:1-10 and note3:1; the context of Samuel’s story is the time of the Judges.

• Why do you think God chose to speak to Samuel? (read 1 Samuel 3:11-18 for further insight)
• Why didn’t Samuel recognise his voice?
• How would we react in that situation?

10.4. As a result of Samuel’s prayerful, obedient response, he gained recognition as a ‘true prophet’. Read 1 Samuel 3:19-4:1. However, this didn’t stop the people from kicking off against him when they saw that they faced a bleak future. Samuel’s sons were appointed as judges, but they didn’t behave in a godly way, as their predecessors had and, rather than live under their rule, they fought for a different leadership system. Read about it in 1 Samuel 8:4-9 and the consequences of the Israelites’ request in 1 Samuel 8:19-22. As a group, discuss how God gives the people not only what they want, but what they deserve.

10.5. As Samuel ages and finally passes his authority over to the new king, Saul, he still shows God’s heart for the Israelites: not giving up on them despite their sin and still interceding for them. Read the last part of his final public address in 1 Samuel 12:20-25. What part of this speech means the most to you and why?


Week 10: Summary
This week’s characteristics of God include:

• He chooses to communicate with us and share His heart with us
• He gives us what we deserve
• It pleases Him to make us His people