THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Join us for a night to slow down and focus on our God. WORSHIP NIGHT is happening on November 8th at our Cascade Campus. This special night follows our Saturday evening service, beginning around 6:40 p.m. We’ll spend extended time singing together, lifting our voices in praise and creating space to connect with God. To register, click HERE.
GROUP VALUES. This week, we finish our focus on the value of CARE. How we care for one another may differ for each member of your small group, depending on the season and their circumstances. One unique season is quickly approaching: the holidays. Have a discussion with your group about what it looks like to care for one another during the holiday season. This could mean something as simple as praying for that family member who doesn’t know Jesus. Or caring could involve a more substantial opportunity to support one another, such as preparing a meal.
GROW AS A LEADER. As we explore the theme of faithfulness this week, there is a lot that can be learned from Samuel and his leadership. One key component of Samuel’s faithfulness is his commitment to listening to God. Making time for God’s voice is something Samuel made a part of his consistent, mundane routine. Listening to God is something we should also seek to implement as we lead others. It includes spending time reading the Bible and allowing the Holy Spirit to enrich our lives through his Word. Reflect on your daily time with God. Recommit to making time with him a routine part of your week.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the eighth week of our sermon series, EPIC. This week, we explore the life of Samuel and discover what it means to remain faithful to God through every season.
ICEBREAKER
Share about a person in your life who emulates the word faithfulness. What is it about their faithfulness that stands out to you? Why?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read 1 Samuel 7:15-8:7 aloud.
What do you notice about Samuel’s ministry in these verses?
How do the people of Israel respond to Samuel’s sons’ failure? What reasons do they give for wanting a king?
According to the passage, who are the Israelites really rejecting when they ask for a king?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Jeff Manion continued our EPIC series by examining Samuel’s life and aspects of his faithfulness. As a group, recall the sermon’s big ideas and key points.
Our culture is filled with constant noise and distraction. How does the noise impact our best intentions to listen to God’s voice?
Samuel prayed, “Speak, for your servant is listening” before receiving God’s word (1 Samuel 3:10). What would it look like to adopt this posture before reading Scripture, listening to a sermon, or facing a difficult decision?
Like Israel, we are tempted to place our hope in idolatrous things. What are modern idols that Christians need to turn away from as they turn to God?
Repentance is the act of turning away from something sinful and toward something better. What do you need to turn away from so you can turn toward something better?
Samuel remained faithful to his routine, visiting the same towns every year. Why is slow and steady faithfulness often less appealing to us than dramatic, one-time acts of obedience?
What does it look like practically to be faithful in our disappointments, rather than shutting down or checking out?
When Israel rejects Samuel by asking for a King, Samuel prays to the Lord in his disappointment. What are some disappointments you need to bring to God in prayer?
WRAP UP
Samuel was faithful in listening, in spiritual direction, in routine, and even in disappointment. Which of these four categories do you need to focus on to become a more faithful Jesus follower? How can our group hold you accountable?