The Last Judge Message Based Study

(Week 2)

Watch the Sermon

Main Idea/Summary

The Consequences of Disobeying God

Icebreaker

• Are you naturally a rule follower or a rule breaker?

• Share a childhood story of a time you disobeyed your parents, teacher, or other authority figure. What were the consequences?

Read

1 Samuel 2:12-36

Discussion Questions

1. As we read in 1 Samuel 2:12, Eli was a high priest and his sons were “worthless men”. What specific actions and behaviors led them to be labeled as “worthless”?

2. Read Isaiah 59:2. How does disobedience affect our relationship with God? Have you experienced a time when your disobedience led to distance from Him?

3. Since Eli’s sons did not know God, they did not fear Him. Read Proverbs 1:7. How can we develop a healthy fear of the Lord and how can this keep us from living in sin?

4. Read 1 Samuel 2:18-21. How does Samuel's behavior contrast with Eli's sons? What was the difference? How does Samuel’s life show us the benefits of living a life of obedience?

5. In 1 Samuel 2: 22-25 Eli tries to correct His sons. Why was his correction ineffective? What responsibilities do leaders have in correcting those under their authority?

6. God’s judgment was shown towards Eli’s house because of his lack of discipline and the unrepentance of his sons. Read 1 Samuel 2: 26-36. What were the consequences of Eli’s son's disobedience? How does this passage demonstrate the seriousness with which God views disobedience?

7. Human nature is to downplay sin or categorize levels of sin. However, we know from God’s Word that sin is sin and all people struggle with it. Read Romans 3:23 and James 2:10. Is there an area in your life right now that you are living in sin or disobedience to God? What are some next steps that you need to take to repent and/or reconcile?

8. Read the following verses and write down what God’s Word says about obedience.

   1. John 14:15 - Obedience is closely tied to our love for the Lord.

   2. 1 John 2: 3-6 - Obedience is an indicator that we truly know God.

   3. 1 Peter 1: 14-16- Obedience to God requires a life of holiness.

   4. Luke 11:28 - Obedience leads to God’s blessings

Prayer

Spend some time asking God to reveal any areas in your life that you may be living in disobedience. Take a moment to confess, repent, and ask Him to help you live a life of obedience to Him.

Announcements

Small Group Leader, here are a few church announcements we would like you to share with your group this week.

1. Easter Baptism- On Easter weekend, we will be baptizing after each service. Encourage those in your group who have not yet taken the step of baptism to sign up. They can sign up at cfmiami.org/baptism.

2. Serve for Easter- In just a few weeks, we will have hundreds of first time guests flooding our church, many of which are far away from God. We have an opportunity to be part of the work that God is going to do in the hearts of many that weekend by serving. If there are people in your group who are not currently serving in a ministry, encourage them to sign up, even if just for Easter weekend. They can sign up to serve at cfmiami.org/serve.

3. Connect to Mission- Lastly, we have a special opportunity to serve our community and invite our neighbors to Easter service. Choose a serving opportunity as a group together at cfmiami.org/reachbeyond.