Month: July 2025

HANNAH, THE MOTHER OF SAMUEL

SCRIPTURE: I Samuel 1-2

INTRODUCTION: Hannah is one of the outstanding women of the Bible. She lived in a time when there was no king in Israel and the priesthood was corrupt, but God was about to raise up a man to lead His people. As always, when God prepares a leader, He starts in the home. For example, in the case of Moses, the book that records his beginnings (Exodus) starts with its focus on the home. Note also that the New Testament begins with a description of the family of Jesus! This underscores the importance of the home, and especially the vital part played by the mother.

HANNAH COULD LIVE WITH DISGRACE AND OPPOSITION – I Sam 1:2,6-7

During Old Testament times it was a very unnatural thing for a woman not to be a mother. No doubt Hannah was aware of God’s command to be fruitful and multiply, and the economic and cultural advantages of children in an agrarian society further heightened the desire for children. But her greatest source of anguish was the presence of another wife in the home who not only had children, but became Hannah’s “adversary,” provoking her continually because she was barren (see 1:5-8). [This is similar to the situation in Jacob’s household where the loved mate (Rachel) was barren, and Leah was hoping to win Jacob’s love by bearing him children.]

However, Hannah did not fold up under these trials and stop living for God. She is to be commended for her courage. It’s easy for a person to live as a Christian when everybody is on his side and there’s no opposition! But when things are going wrong and people look down upon us, ridicule us and question our faith, it takes real Christian character to stay on the right track and keep living for God. If we are going to be successful for Christ, we must learn, as Hannah did so well, to live with opposition.

HANNAH WANTED TO BE WHAT SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE – I Sam 1:8

Hannah had the God-given instincts of a woman–she wanted to be a mother. Even her husband’s love and special gifts could not satisfy her with anything less than what God had made her to be! Our culture is rapidly making an unholy mess out of gender. It’s sad that many today, and especially a great number of women, are unhappy with how God made them. It is mild insanity to insist that there are no basic differences between the sexes, and it is simply rebellion against God for anyone to want to be something different from what He made him to be.

HANNAH WENT TO THE RIGHT PERSON FOR ADVICE

When she went to Shiloh she went to the tabernacle and there made known to Eli, the man of God, her agony of soul. Regardless of age we all have the need for going to spiritual people for advice in making decisions. Young people need especially to counsel with their S.S. teachers, the Pastor, and spiritual leaders. And all of us need to be reminded never to accept advice from ungodly people – Psalms 1:1-3.)

ADVERSITY BROUGHT HANNAH CLOSER TO THE LORD – I Sam 1:10

How good it was that all the opposition, personal turmoil, and bitterness of soul brought Hannah to fervent prayer. Adversity happens for many reasons, but when we respond to it as God would have us to, it will bring us closer to Him.

HANNAH KNEW HOW TO PRAY

Little children should be able to hear their parents praying for them. Hannah. prayed until the answer came. She did not just go through a little routine, but she prayed until she knew that God would give her  request. See I John 5: 14,15.

SHE PROMISED TO USE THE GIFT FOR THE LORD – I Sam. 1:11

She promised God that when He gave her the son she wanted so badly, she would give him back to the Lord. We dare not use any special gift from God in a way that would fail to bring honor to the One Who bestowed it!

HANNAH REMEMBERED HER VOWS – I Sam 1:24-28

When the time came that Samuel was old enough to be out from under his mother’s care, Hannah fulfilled her promise to God and brought her young son to the house of the Lord.

HANNAH GAVE GOD CREDIT FOR THE VICTORY – I Sam 2:1-10

This is one of the greatest victory songs of the Old Testament. (Compare Hannah’s song with that of Mary in Luke 1:46-55.) What a wonderful thing for children to be able to remember Mother as one who sang the praises of God and knew victory in her daily life!

SHE GAVE HER BEST TO THE LORD

When Samuel was born, he was Hannah’s greatest and most precious possession, yet she still gave him to God! How we need to learn the joy of giving our best, and then teach this principle to our families.

GOD REWARDED HANNAH’S SACRIFICE – I Sam 2:20-21

What a “return on the investment” Hannah experienced! She gave her firstborn to God, and He gave her five more children– three sons and two daughters. Here is another illustration of the fact that you cannot out-give God. Consider the promises of Luke 6:38 and Malachi 3: 10-11. The promise of Phil 4: 19 is often claimed out of context, for it is actually given to those Philippians who had sacrificially supported Paul in his missionary labors.

LESSONS FROM HANNAH’S LIFE:

“Fair weather” Christians are a dime a dozen. How we perform in the face of adversity and opposition will reveal the “stuff” of which we are made. Knute Rockne said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Paul put it this way: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

In this day of gender confusion and dissatisfaction, we ought to be thankful for how God made us. We need to remember that each of the 5.5-plus billion people in the world is unique, and that God made each of us for a specific purpose. Consider the joy of Mary expressed in the Magnificat – Luke 1 :46ff. Compare that with the feminists today who are angry over their God-given role.

Suffering will either make us bitter or better. Thank God for those Christians who have the wisdom to let their suffering bring them closer to God. It would help us all in this connection to remember that I Thess 5: 18 is a command, and, therefore, the only correct response to an apparently tragic event is to thank God for it and to allow Him to accomplish His purpose in our life.

Everything we have is on loan from God–even our family! Thus, everything ought to be dedicated to God, nothing held back from Him.

GIDEON OVERCOMES GREAT OBSTACLES TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

SCRIPTURE: Judges 6, 7, 8

INTRODUCTION: Today, we study a man who becomes a man of might and valor, but only after rising from obscurity and overcoming severe handicaps. Gideon means “a cutting down,” which reminds us of his actions in destroying his father’s grove dedicated to the worship of Baal. No wonder they also called him Jerubbaal, meaning “Discomfiter of Baal.”

GIDEON’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

• His Family – Judges 6:25

This indicates that Gideon came from an ungodly family – one of the many thousands in Israel who worshiped Baal. The widespread practice of idolatry was the cause of God’s allowing Midian to oppress Israel. (Judges 6: 1 shows the direct correlation between Israel’s evil and God’s judgment.)

• His Finances – Judges 6: 15

Like virtually everyone else in the land, Gideon was in poverty (because of the oppression of the Midianites.)

• His Failure – Judges 6: 11

Gideon was just a poor farm worker, threshing wheat secretly, hoping the Midianites would not find it and take it away from him. At this point, Gideon was just a “nobody” – no prestigious family tree, and certainly no impressive past accomplishments.

• His Friends – Judges 7:3-6

We find here that when “the chips were down,” Gideon was surrounded by fearful and faithless people. There was no one else to inspire and motivate Gideon to be strong for God. This opens the subject of one of the most important human relationships–that of FRIEND! Think about the benefits of having a true friend and the great privilege of being a friend! The classic friend relationship in the Bible is that of David and Jonathan. You may wish to review this and consider what a blessing and help Jonathan’s friendship was to David. No doubt, about this time Gideon would have greatly valued a friend with the character of Jonathan!

• His Fear- Judges 6:11, 23, 27, 36-40

These verses indicate that Gideon was a fearful man. This makes the word of the angel of the Lord (v 12) all the more significant. Gideon, in his natural state, was anything but a mighty man of valor! (But God saw Gideon’s potential. Thank God, He can see what we cannot, even in our own selves!) Now–looking at these five facts about Gideon, his background, and the circumstances he faced, it would seem that he would never be a success at anything. BUT, when God comes on the scene with His power and enabling grace, the situation is drastically altered! Let us consider – – –

GIDEON”S EXPLOITS – Compare 6:1-7 with 7:24, 25

Notice first the pathetic condition of the Israelites – 6:7. They were in bondage to their Gentile oppressors. Vast hordes of the Midianites would come into the land, especially at harvest time, and spoil and destroy the increase of the land and leave nothing for Israel. The Israelites were helpless to defend themselves, hiding in caves, strongholds and mountain dens …. BUT THEN God called a man to lead in battle against a vastly superior host of the Midianites. The great victory God wrought through Gideon is recorded in Judges 7: 15-25. Gideon, then, became a man who freed a nation!

HE EXPLANATION OF GIDEON’S SUCCESS

How could such a miracle come about as we find accomplished through Gideon? There are at least three reasons:

• He Was Willing to Trust the Lord

The only logical explanation for Gideon’s success in the face of all the drawbacks and obstacles is that he had faith in God. (See Heb 11 :32 where we find Gideon listed among the heroes of the faith.) Please note that it is the object of our faith (God) rather than the amount of faith that is most important! Quite simply, Gideon succeeded because he was willing to do exactly what God told him to do. He was willing to put his fear in the background, forget about the failures of the past and the odds against him, and just follow God!

• He Was Willing to Go Against Conventional Wisdom

To say the least, Gideon’s approach was different! Who would have thought that surrounding the enemy with a mere 300 men, armed only with pitchers, lamps and trumpets, then breaking the pitchers and blowing the trumpets could defeat the mighty army of the Midianites!?! But this was the plan God gave Gideon, and he used it.

• He Was Willing to Stand Alone

We find in Judges 7:2-8 that many of the soldiers of Israel left Gideon! When God’s “down-sizing” program was completed, only 300 men were left to face the Midianite hordes, and Gideon was virtually alone.

In this day of apostasy and compromise, how we need men and women, and even young people, who will stand alone–stand for God and do what is right regardless of what the crowd is doing! The words of the Lord given through Moses in Ex 23:2 still need to be heeded today: “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil….“

In summary, Gideon had the indispensable requirement for being a successful Christian worker: he was willing to trust the Lord instead of trusting his own judgment.

ESTHER – THE SELF-SACRIFICING WOMAN

SCRIPTURE: Esther 1-10

INTRODUCTION: Esther was the Persian name of this lady of the tribe of Benjamin, and is from “aster” meaning “a star.” (Hadassah, signifying “myrtle” was Esther’s original name.) Esther’s people were carried into captivity with Jeremiah about 60 years earlier. Esther was brought up at Shushan, the Persian royal city. When her parents died she became the adopted daughter of Mordecai, her uncle, who was a palace official. No one seemed further away, by birth and circumstances, from being a queen than Esther was. (Quite similar to Joseph’s likelihood of becoming king of Egypt when he was a slave in Potiphar’s house.) But in the marvelous providence of God the most unlikely things do happen! Some of the notes in the song of Mary might well have been sung by Esther: “He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden … He that is mighty hath done to me great things” (Luke 1:48-49). How thrilling to know that neither poverty, nor ignorance, nor guilt are barriers to the infinite grace of God.

1. HER CALL – v 8 Esther knew that she had been called as a candidate for the crown. Not very many had this opportunity, and only one of that number would actually receive the prize. How wonderfully different it is today in the call of the Gospel. Although many are called but few chosen, it is still true that “whosoever will may come.” Praise God, Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions … ” Those who respond to the call to salvation will receive something far greater than the crown of an earthly kingdom — they will receive eternal life and all that goes with being in the presence of the KING of Kings forever!

2. HER CHARACTER – In 2:9 we learn that Esther highly pleased the keeper of the women, and thus she was clearly a very gracious lady. She was also trustworthy in that she obeyed Mordecai’s instructions not to reveal her nationality – see v 20. In this she displays an humble and submissive spirit. The character that had been instilled by Mordecai’s loving instruction and discipline now begins to show itself in the time of testing. PRINCIPLE: Crisis never changes a person’s character – it only reveals what is already there! The lesson for parents is obvious: “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” And most of the work must be done before the child is ten!

3. HER CHOICE – 2:15 We note here that Esther was satisfied with thpse things appointed by the king for her preparation. She left herself entirely in the hands of Hegai, the keeper of the women, whose task it was to prepare the women to be presented to the king. There is a spiritual lesson for us here: we need to submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit, whose office work in the life of the Believer is to sanctify and prepare us for the presence of the King and for His service. Two verses are instructive in this connection:

o Rom 8:29 – which tells us that we are predestinated by God to be conformed to the image of His Son;

o and 2 Cor 3:18 – which reveals the process by which this is accomplished. The “glass” in which we behold the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ is the Word of God! Thus, if we are to become like Jesus, we must spend much time in the Word and allow it to transform us by making it a part of our lives. We will fare well if we, like Esther, require nothing but what He has appointed for us.

4. HER CROWN – 2: 17 A crown is a symbol of honor and power, so we see Esther’s humility and faith rewarded by this public manifestation of the king’s favor. His love of Esther opened the way to the throne for her. Even so the love of God opens for us the way into God’s heart and home! What a far greater privilege to be loved by the King of Heaven, than the king of a mere earthly kingdom!

(Another Lesson: although God’s hand was working behind the scene, there is a true sense in which the king’s love of Esther was merited, e.g., because of her beauty, character, and submissiveness. However, God’s wonderful love for us is totally unmerited!)

5. HER COURAGE – 4: 16 A terrible testing time is now at hand, and all of Esther’s power and influence will be needed to save her people. Haman had succeeded in getting the sentence of death passed upon all the Jews because of his hatred for Mordecai. Mordecai pleads with Esther and makes it plain that she is the only person in a position to do anything to help. (Note the wisdom and faith of Mordecai evidenced in his message to Esther in 4:13-14.) So, in spite of the risk of death, Esther sets out to help her people. Her commitment to this mission is expressed in her classic statement: ” … so will I go in unto the king, … and if l perish, I perish.” (Compare to Dan 3:16-18) It was a bold step, but notice that she put her trust in the Lord, calling her uncle and her maidens to fasting and prayer in her behalf.

6. HER CONQUEST – The story now moves with breathtaking excitement to deliverance and victory for the people of God. The king receives Esther; she eventually reveals her racial roots and pleads for herself and her people. The king perceived the wickedness of Haman and his scheme and abundantly answered her request. The enemy was overcome, and Esther’s people were delivered! The devil was foiled again in his scheme to cut off the seed, after the flesh, of the Messiah!

LESSONS:

1. For kids to turn out right (with character as adults) you have to put the right things in them when they are young.

2. Crisis events do not make character, they simply reveal what is already there.

3. Courage is born of commitment — it is the willingness to do what needs to be done regardless of the personal sacrifice involved.

4. We are reminded again in the life of Esther that “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; … ” (See 1 Cor 1 :26-29) God delights in taking the insignificant and obscure and  accomplishing great things for which He gets the glory!

5. Although God’s name is not found in the book of Esther, His handprints are all over it. Even in the time of their dispersion as punishment for a long history of idolatry and disobedience to God, the Jews are still under His watchful eye and loving protection! How comforting to know that God has promised Believers today that He will “never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

ENOCH – FIRST MAN WHO DIDN’T DIE

Scriptures: Gen 5:18-23; Luke 3:37; Heb 11 :5; Jude 14

INTRODUCTION: There are two Enochs in the Bible. The first is the eldest son of Cain. The subject of today’s lesson, however, is the son of JARED (a descendant of Seth) and the father of Methuselah. In some six verses, the Bible sets forth the brief biography of this Old Testament saint–but what a biography about a most unusual man! Few even come close to this mysterious man. We know nothing of Enoch’s rank or profession, but two outstanding things about him are his holy life on earth and his amazing, supernatural exit from earth.

1. ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD. Twice in our Genesis passage this important truth is stated (Gen 5:22 & 24). The wicked are “without God,” and, therefore, the first prerequisite for a walk with God is to know Him as Savior. (“Can two walk together except they agree?” Amos 3:3) Although born a child of wrath as are all the sons of Adam, Enoch became a child of grace and was brought into personal fellowship with God. Therefore, Enoch was at peace with God in those terrible, turbulent days before the flood!

2. ENOCH ENJOYED CLOSE COMMUNION WITH GOD. The repeated phrase, “walked with God,” implies a real union of Enoch’s heart with the great heart of God! What sweet hours of holy and happy contact God and Enoch must have had as they communed with each other. Enoch’s fellowship with God must have been the nearest possible thing to that of Adam and Eve before the fall! (Teacher, you might want to share words from one or more of these songs with your class: “Just a Closer Walk,” “In the Garden,” “Nothing Between.”) There was never a cloud on their fellowship, but always “Son-shine.” God was a pleasure to Enoch, and Enoch pleased God in all that he did (Heb 11 :5). This is the relationship God desires to have with every believer. What is your present relationship with God like? Do you have close communion with Him?

3. ENOCH WAS SEPARATED FROM THE WORLD. This seventh man from Adam did not walk in the way of the sinners of his corrupt age. Both his char-acter and his conduct were a distinct rebuke to the godless worldlings around him. (See Eph 5:11) Jude tells us that Enoch functioned as a prophet, declaring God’s just judgment upon the wickedness of his time. Such separation from the world is both a prerequisite and a continuing condition to the sweet, intimate, unbroken fellowship Enoch enjoyed with his God. (Briefly discuss with the class some of the practical aspects of separation in today’s evil world.)

4. ENOCH’S LIFE WAS ONE OF PROGRESS. Walking with God implies a steady progress in Enoch’s course (his “race” if you will– see Heb 12:1; 2 Tim 4:7). Enoch did not walk for a while and then stand still. Each day found him nearer the divine goal. In unbroken companionship with his Friend, Enoch found himself progressively more weaned from the world and more ripe for Heaven! He did not attempt to walk alone to Heaven; rather, he walked with God, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on his heavenly Companion. (Consider Peter’s walk on the water. What mistake did he make that Enoch avoided?) Is your life one of progress in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you steadily becoming more like the Master? Or is your life’s spiritual progress more like a roller coaster?

5. ENOCH HAD A SUPERNATURAL AND GLORIOUS EXIT FROM THIS EARTH. He is the only one of Adam’s line of whom it is not said that “he died.” Rather, “he was not, for God took him.” “He was not” suggests that his friends and perhaps his family sought for him, but he was a missing person they could not trace. “God took him” means that he was translated and, therefore, did not taste death. Among the billions of men who have lived, only two never died! Someone has suggested that God and Enoch were in the habit of taking a long walk together every day. One day when they had walked quite a ways farther than usual, God said to Enoch, “Why not come on home with Me? It’s closer to My House than it is back to yours.” Isn’t that sweet?! So, at 365 years of age (one year for every day of the year) God took His servant directly to Heaven.

LESSONS From ENOCH’S LIFE:

1. God wants to have close communion and fellowship with His children.

2. Separation from the world is a must for walking with God.

3. Our Christian walk ought to be continuous and progressive.