INTRODUCTION
When Samuel answered God’s call with those beautiful words, “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth,” Samuel was commissioned to a life of service for God. Though still a youth, he had an ear to hear and a heart to do the bidding of the Lord. How wonderful if all would answer the call of God as readily as Samuel did, and with the same consecration and zeal in their response!
THEME THOUGHTS
In this day of micro-technology, we should have no difficulty in grasping the concept that small things can be significant. We may feel that we are just one among millions on this earth, but in God’s eyes we are important, and that is the point we wish to convey throughout this quarter.
God has a plan for each of us! As we begin our Christian walk, and then continue to grow in His grace, we will want to find out what that plan is and do our best to follow it. To discover God’s plan for us, we need to communicate with Him. With that thought in mind, this quarter opens with two lessons focusing on prayer. The lessons following those deal with recognizing the call of God and fitting ourselves to be usable in His service.
We look at the importance of witnessing to others, and the vital necessity of holding on through hard places. The quarter moves on to a series of lessons on choosing and keeping friends who will not hinder our spiritual growth. The concluding thrust is the importance of staying on the alert, ready at any moment for the Lord’s coming.
SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES
Matthew 4:18-22; Acts 9:3-6
QUESTIONS
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- What is one thing to which God calls every man? See 1 Timothy 2:4. Why is answering this call important in order to serve the Lord?
- Why was Samuel ministering unto the Lord before Eli? 1 Samuel 1:11,24-28
- According to Scripture, Eli had neglected to do what the Lord required of him (1 Samuel 2:27-35). How did his neglect tie in with God’s instructions for Samuel?
- Read 1 Samuel 3:15 and describe how Samuel responded to this opportunity for service.
- Why do you think God calls us to His service?
- What are some of the things God calls people to do? How do these calls come to us?
- Is there a progression in the calls the Lord gives us? How do we qualify for “bigger” jobs?
- How can we be sure that it is God who is calling us, not just our own ideas or inclinations that are influencing our decision regarding what the Lord wants us to do? See John 7:17 and 1 Corinthians 14:32.
- After God calls us to something, does He ever change His mind? See Romans 11:29.
RESOURCE MATERIAL:
Tract No. 19 — A Witness of the Power of God