Group Check-in

1. What was the best part of your week?
2. What was the most difficult part of your week?

What’s 1 Samuel 2:12–3 About?

This section draws a dramatic contrast between two households: the corrupt sons of Eli and the faithful calling of Samuel. Hophni and Phinehas, though priests, were dishonoring God through greed, immorality, and arrogance. Their actions had a ripple effect—they corrupted worship, mocked sacrifice, and brought shame on the house of God. And Eli, while not blind to their sin, failed to correct them with the urgency God required.

In contrast, young Samuel is growing up in the temple with a heart of humility and service. While the word of the Lord was rare in those days, God chooses to speak—not to Eli—but to the boy. Samuel’s simple response, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,’ echoes the posture God seeks in all of us. It’s a moment that marks the beginning of his prophetic calling and the end of an era.

These chapters remind us that leadership without integrity is dangerous. But they also show us that God always preserves a faithful remnant. Even when things feel dark, He is still speaking—still calling. The question is: are we listening? And when we hear Him, will we obey, even if the message is difficult to deliver?

God doesn’t just look for ability; He looks for availability. Samuel’s openness made him useful. In a world filled with noise and distraction, may we cultivate ears to hear and hearts to obey.

Key Verse

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” — 1 Samuel 3:9

SOAP for the Week

Passage: 1 Samuel 3:1–10

Ice-Breakers

1. What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever overheard—or been overheard saying?
2. If you had to pick a theme song that played every time you walked into a room, what would it be?
3. Have you ever felt like God was trying to get your attention? What happened?

Group Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you most in the contrast between Eli’s sons and Samuel?
2. How can spiritual leadership go wrong if we ignore sin or avoid hard conversations?
3. What do you think it means to truly listen to God today?
4. What are some things in your life that might be dulling your spiritual hearing?
5. How can you create space to hear from God in your weekly rhythm?
6. What step of obedience might God be inviting you to take right now?

Practical Takeaway

God is still speaking—and He often calls those who least expect it. A listening heart and a willing spirit are more valuable to Him than position or power.

Prayer

Lord, help us to quiet the noise and truly listen for Your voice. Make us aware of the ways You are speaking through Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your people. Give us the courage to respond like Samuel—with humble, immediate obedience. Amen.