19th Aug 2012 – Sermon by Rev. Prabhu
1 Samuel 2:12-29

Introduction

  •  To serve God is to Honour Him.
  • Israelites time and again dishonoured God in many ways. Mal 1:6
  • Eli as a priest honoured God initially.
  • But his children were a “disdain”.
  • Eli as a Father, Eli was passive, inactive, and unconcerned. He turned a blind eye to the sins of his own sons.
  • As a result they did not receive the honour from God.
  • Lessons we learn…. 

1. Dynasty rule is not healthy in God’s Work

  • Priesthood without Calling and Commitment is a Curse
  • Hopni & Phinehas didn’t know God Even though they were Priests! 1 Samuel 2:12
  • A conducive atmosphere did not help them. Even though they were raised by the High Priest! They were in the Tabernacle every day
  • There was abuse of the role. 1 Samuel 2:15-17.
  • Abuse of the place and people.  1 Samuel 2:22

          these men not only took advantage of God they took advantage of the weak women in the community.

2. Failure of the Spiritual leader – father

  • Eli failed to have a positive influence on his sons Hophni & Phinehas.
  • Eli let it go. Their Father had not instilled a sense of respect and awe for God in these men as children.
  • Our occupation should not preoccupy us to take us away from family bonding and responsibility.
  • Children left to themselves are a danger to themselves & others. Proverbs 19:18
  • Discipline your children while there is still hope! Without discipline children can destroy themselves!
  • It was too late when Eli spoke to the children.
  • 1 Samuel 2:15-18 – Eli’s response was not firm.
  • As great a man Eli actually participated in his son’s behavior.
  • 1 Samuel 2:29 – Eli was passive and rationalized their behavior.
  • Don’t empower them to do wrong. Do not rationalize wrong behavior, and thereby become part of the problem. Eating meat that was stolen from the Alter of God cannot be compromised.
  • Failure to restrain the children is equal to participation.

3. Dishonouring God in worship is serious before God.

  • 2:17-“Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD, for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.”
  • God does not approve indiscipline in His sanctuary. 1 Samuel 2:23-25 –
  • Indiscipline invites judgment.
  • 1 Samuel 3:12-14 – God sends a message through Samuel.
  • Curse is absence of God’s Blessing.

 4. You can honour god even in adverse situation.

 Samuel made the difference in a place where God was dishonoured

  • He worshiped God. And he worshiped the Lord there.  I Samuel 1:28
  • He grew up in the presence of God the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.  2:21
  • He served God. The boy ministered before the Lord under Eli the priest.  2:11 But Samuel was ministering before the Lord 2:18
  • He listened to God 1 Samuel 3:1-10
  • He honoured God – .”The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. 1 Samuel 3:19
  • God honored him too. I Samuel 3:20-21

Conclusion

Samuel did not learn a lesson from history
When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges for Israel. 1 Samuel 8:1
But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice. 1 Samuel 8:3

History repeats itself if we don’t learn from the past.

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