Follow Up with Clay - 09.11.24

We live in a world that wants to beat men up…. 

We want to build men up… to bless women and children.

1st Corinthians 16:13-14, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.

Rule to live by: Remember that before she was your wife / fiancée’ / girlfriend….

She was / is His daughter…. Joint heir in the Kingdom of God.

What does this statement mean?

Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.

Great for teaching our kids….  

Biblical principle….

1st Corinthians 15:33, Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals / character.”

Paul warning about associating with false teachers…. You will be effected….

The principle applies to other areas of life as well….

It’s easier for someone to pull you down than for you to pull someone up.

True…. Throughout history we see new kings deciding which way to go….

Often influenced by those who surround them…. (Solomon’s son)

And they are the ones who chooses who gets to surround them….

But that isn’t always the case….

Sometimes you don’t get to choose….

Can you think of a modern example?

Kid leaves youth group for college….

Young man leaves family for military….

They suddenly have all the wrong people wanting to be friends….

Luke 15

Prodigal Son…. Squandered everything with reckless living / prostitutes….

The picture…. As long as he had money…. He had friends….

The money ran out…. The friends ran out…. (Really not friends at all)

Young man had left his father’s home…. For a far off country….

Representing being far from God….

And that lifestyle / people surrounding him…. Influenced him.

Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.

Samuel:  1st Samuel 1-7

Hannah: Unable to have children…. Prayed with such intensity thought to be drunk….

Vowed that if God granted a son he would be dedicated to the Lord’s service….

She got pregnant / had Samuel / brought him to Eli the priest….

At a very young age he began ministering unto the Lord (Ark of Covenant).

Eli seemed to be a good man…. But perhaps a lousy dad….

His sons…. Hophni / Phinehas…. Served with their dad in priestly duties….

But they were spoiled / corrupt / jerks…. Took advantage of people…. (Money / sex)

These are the only role models mentioned in Scripture for young Samuel….

Terrifying thought…. He doesn’t stand a chance…. And yet….

1st Samuel 2:26, Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the LORD and also with man.  

Sound familiar? (Luke 2:52)

Young Samuel heard his name called in the middle of the night….

Ran to where Eli was to see how he could help…. Wasn’t Eli…. (3 times)

Eli realized that it must be God calling…. Told him to answer God….

He did…. God spoke…. Gave him a devastating message of judgement for Eli….

The next day…. He told Eli everything….

Day of judgement: Philistines whooped Israel / sons died / ark taken / Eli died.

Reminded: Even this OT story points to Jesus….

He loves you / wants to work with you….

But He will not be mocked…. Even by those He loves.

Jesus died so that we can live…. But we must choose….

Because one day He will come back in judgement…. So choose.

Samuel had become God’s minister…. (Prophet)

1st Samuel 3:19-21, And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the LORD. And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

Samuel’s story goes on…. (1st & 2nd Samuel)

But we stop here for our lesson….

He was surrounded by weakness / corruption / chaos….

It would have been so easy to follow that path….

But Samuel chose a different path…. And he teaches us….

Lesson: You don’t have to be a product of your environment.

1st Corinthians 15:33, Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals / character.”

Absolutely true…. Beware who you spend time with / influences you….

Maybe you have no choice…. You didn’t choose your boss / teacher / coach….

The time we spend with people has the potential to influence us….

Especially of they are in a position of authority….

We may begin to follow their model of morality / behavior / habits….

But this does not have to be the case….

We are to be in the world without being of the world.

Very difficult…. But not impossible…. (All things are possible with God)

Paul goes on to give great advice….

1st Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Be steadfast / stand firm…. Against those who try to lead us away from God.

Abound in the work of the Lord / Get busy serving God….

Surround yourself with Him…. Nobody can take that from you.

Small Groups:  

Text Lesson / questions to leaders.

Lesson: You don’t have to be a product of your environment.

Questions:

In which of your environments do you have to be most careful?

How can we pray for you?

Who do you know that needs this group?

Next Week: Saul: 1st Samuel 8-15