Dear Parents, We hope the following summary of the Sunday School lesson will help you in discussing the lesson with your children and working through this booklet together.
Pleasing God
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE:
1 Samuel 3:19-7:4 BIBLE STORY SUMMARY:
Even though the Lord blessed Samuel with godly wisdom, and others saw him as a prophet of the Lord, when it came to battle, the Israelites thought they knew what to do better than Samuel might have and they went into battle without asking for the Lord’s wisdom and blessing. They lost the first battle decisively. Convinced that they needed God’s help, but not interested in seeking His wisdom about how that should happen, the elders and military leaders summoned the Ark to go with them into battle; Hophni and Phinehas oblige without seeking the Lord. Through the battle, the Israelites are overcome, Hophni and Phinehas are killed, the Ark is captured and Eli falls over dead when told of the outcome. While the Ark may be displaced, God is not subordinated as evidenced by Dagon’s falling prostrate to the Ark - twice. After disastrous implications to the Philistines, they send the Ark back. The method with which the Ark is returned clearly displays God’s hand in the reverence of those involved as well as the incredible motivation of the oxen pulling the wagon. God’s people rejoiced and worshiped Him as the Ark was returned to a farm field. Samuel helped them return their hearts to the Lord. LESSON FOCUS:
To realize that in tough times and difficult situations, people tend to try to solve their problems without God’s help. This can be very dangerous and detrimental. Even when the Ark was gone from the people, God was still watching over His people; He returned to them in His timing.
Samuel Points Israel’s Heart Back to God
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT GOD:
God will not be subordinated to anything including idols that are in temples and the idols that we place in our lives and minds. He will work out His plan for our eventual good in spite of our shortcomings.
This Week’s Memory Verse: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.
RESPONSE:
To call on Him in time of need, not rushing into my own solution, skipping past a time of quiet and worship, seeking His direction. BIBLE MEMORY VERSE:
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows…the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life Galatians 6:7-8
A man reaps what he sows…the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8
Copyright 2009 Berean Baptist Church 309 E County Road 42 Burnsville, Minnesota 55306 952.432.7168
April 21, 2013
d Rea l mue a S 1 3 - 4: 9 1 : 3
Monday - Israel’s Plan
Fill in the blanks: “The ____________ was ________ _____________ as he _______ up, and he ___________ none of his ________ __________
Say Yo Mem ur or y Ver se!
Saturday - A-Mazing!!!
The Ark needs to be returned to the Israelites! Find the path the Ark had to take to get there. Along the way, make sure to pass through the cities it went through before getting to Beth Shemesh.
to the _______________”
Ashdod
(start here)
What do you think it means that Samuel let none of his words fall to the ground? __________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ Who were the Israelites fighting against? _________________________
Gath
Who won the battle? ____________________________ What was the Israelites'’ plan to help them win the next battle? Attack at dawn Go get the Ark of the Covenant Sneak Attack Do you think this was a good idea? _________ What would you have done?
Elkron
______________________________ ______________________________
Beth Shemesh
d Rea l mue a S 1 13 6:7-
Friday - Returning the Ark
Tuesday - The Ark of the Covenant
Rea d 1 Sa mue l 4:511
What happened when the Ark entered the Israelite camp? The Philistines did not want to touch the Ark because they feared they would die, so they had another plan.
_______________________________________________________
What did they hitch the cart to that carried the Ark of the Covenant? Mustang Convertible Oxen Two Cows that had just had calves
What did the Philistines think when they heard the uproar? Let’s give up They must be having a party We’re in trouble!
Did someone guide the cows to Beth Shemesh? Yes No
Did that make them back down or fight more? ____________________
This is an amazing story that shows that God was at work! Circle the right words to complete the story:
Who died in this battle? 30,000 soldiers including ______________ & ___________________
These cows (had/had never) pulled a cart before, so they (did not know/knew) the way to Beth Shemesh. They (wanted/did not want) to be away from their calves, and they (did not go/went) to Beth Shemesh (with/without) someone guiding them. (God/some Philistines) showed them the way!
What did the Philistines capture? ________________________________________________________
Do you think God was pleased or displeased? ________________________________ How can you please God today? ______________________________________________________ Circle your favorite word to describe God: Awesome!
Powerful!
Amazing!
_______________________________________________________ Praiseworthy!
d Rea l mue a S 1 & -18 7 1 : 4 6-7 4& 1 : 5
Wednesday - Dagon vs. Ark
Who died when he heard the news? _______________ What city did the Philistines take the Ark to? Ashdod Ebenezer Beth Shemesh
Draw a picture of Dagon, the Philistine god in the morning.
Thursday - Obedience is Important
Rea d 1 Sa mue l 5:812
The Philistines sent the Ark to lots of different cities, Because wherever it went, God brought trouble. Put the cities in order: Gath, Ekron, Ashdod, Beth Shemesh 1) _____________
2) _____________
3) ____________ 4) ________________ Were the Philistines correct when they said God had brought these tumors and plagues? Yes No I don’t know God was not pleased and He is more powerful than any other God! Would you have wanted the Ark in your city? ___________________
What happened to the people? ___________________________________________________ Who did the people say was responsible for these things? ____________________________________ God gave them consequences for their actions against Him. Tell of a time when you had consequences for bad behavior. _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________
Would any of this happened if everyone obeyed God from the beginning? __________________________________________ What does God want you to do? ________________________________________________