Key Verse
“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13
Read the Key Verse with your class. Help them understand despiseth means “to disrespect” and feareth means “to be afraid; reverent.” After you have explained these words to them, help them understand this verse is referring to God’s Word and His commandments. It clearly helps us see that those who disrespect God’s Word will be destroyed, but one who reveres God’s Word will be rewarded. Help them understand the difference and encourage them to choose to revere God’s Word.
Summary: As we begin the first book of Samuel, we will be introduced to the first two of four main characters found within the book. They are Eli and Samuel. Most of our time will be spent on Samuel. His mother, Hannah, had been barren and prayed to God for a son. God gave her the request, and Hannah kept her promise. When she had prayed, she had promised to give back to God the son He would give to her. Samuel grew up in God’s house serving a godless priest (remember the condition the nation was in from the book of Judges). His name was Eli. He had two sons who were wicked men. In the book of I Samuel, we see how God allowed those who despised His Word to be destroyed, and how he took one who feared God’s commands and lifted him up to be a priest and prophet of God.
Encourage your students to bring their Bibles and use them!
Emphasis: We are to make our requests known to God, so that He can answer our prayers. God’s people must always obey God’s commands and do what He tells us to do instead of what we want. Also, we must listen for God to call upon us so that he can use us to serve him as did Samuel.
Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:
Lesson 32 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1
Lesson 32 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet 1
Lesson 32 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet 2
Ideas for children:
Stickers always work well with children. Often times I watch Wal-Mart or Oriental Trading Company for specials or deals on things I can use for crafts for Sunday School (i.e. foam sheets, Bible Story scene stickers, crowns, stick on jewels, construction paper, etc.). I keep a stash and when I need something, I go search in my stash! Pinterest always has great ideas!
You could have a coloring sheet that goes with the lesson.
One idea for today’s lesson: (See picture below). For today’s lesson we found a Samuel coloring picture that we cut out to fit into a Samuel bedroll coloring picture. We colored each picture. We then cut out the bedroll coloring and glued the sides and bottom together to make a pocket for Samuel to sleep in. Remind them of the importance of hearing God when He calls and responding to that call.
Another idea to do in this lesson is to take Lesson 32 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1 and cut apart the Key Verse that is in pieces and glue it together on a piece of construction paper (see the picture below).
Mural idea:
Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.
By now your class should be in a groove as to the direction and areas in which they need to focus and work on to improve their Christian lives. Use this knowledge to help you address specific areas in each lesson that your class can discuss and share as you add new things to your mural. Continue to watch as your class grows in their knowledge of not only God’s Word, but areas in their lives that can be corrected, drawing them closer to the Lord.
Have them each add anything else they may have brought to add to the wall. Encourage everyone to participate.
