Sermon Info
Sermon Date: 10/18/26
Series: 1 Samuel
Text: 1 Samuel 4
Title: “False Hope”
Preacher: Pastor Rich Parfrey
Series: 1 Samuel
Text: 1 Samuel 4
Title: “False Hope”
Preacher: Pastor Rich Parfrey
Announcements
After some fellowship, please highlight the information below to your group and have them check the weekly church email for more information/details.
- Mark your calendars for the Fall Festival on Sunday, 10/25 from 5-8 PM! PLEASE SEE THE WEEKLY EMAIL FOR THE SIGN UP!
- Sunday school showcase will be 12/13, kids k4-5th will rehearse every Sunday beginning on 10/18 at 9 AM while the youth grades 6-12th will rehearse all Sundays in November at 9 AM! Tech rehearsals will be 11/30 from 12:15-2 PM and 12/6 at 9 AM!
Questions
After some fellowship and prayer, read 1 Samuel 4
[Remember, these questions are only meant to be a help to start and continue your discussion. You don’t need to get through all of them and if you have other questions, you can ask them.]
Why did the Israelites believe bringing the ark would guarantee victory?
What do we know about the ark and what significance did it have for the Israelites?
Why were the Philistines fearful when they realized the ark had been brought from Shiloh to Ebenezer? How did they respond and why? How do those who do not yet believe think about God rightly and wrongly that may promote fear of God but not belief?
How can Christians today fall into the same error of treating religious practices as guarantees of God’s blessing?
What did you misplace your trust in before Christ and where are there some areas that you may need to repent of being in Christ?
What does Eli’s death teach us about spiritual leadership and accountability?
Why is God’s holiness as important to understand as His love?
How does the chapter deepen our appreciation for Jesus as our faithful High Priest?
How then should we live? This week, pray for three people that are in your sphere of influence who do not yet believe, for them to come to a repentant and trusting faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Perhaps share the story of the Israelites placing their trust in the things of God but not God Himself. Take a step of faith and encourage them in some way through your words to place their trust in Him.
[Remember, these questions are only meant to be a help to start and continue your discussion. You don’t need to get through all of them and if you have other questions, you can ask them.]
Why did the Israelites believe bringing the ark would guarantee victory?
What do we know about the ark and what significance did it have for the Israelites?
Why were the Philistines fearful when they realized the ark had been brought from Shiloh to Ebenezer? How did they respond and why? How do those who do not yet believe think about God rightly and wrongly that may promote fear of God but not belief?
How can Christians today fall into the same error of treating religious practices as guarantees of God’s blessing?
What did you misplace your trust in before Christ and where are there some areas that you may need to repent of being in Christ?
What does Eli’s death teach us about spiritual leadership and accountability?
Why is God’s holiness as important to understand as His love?
How does the chapter deepen our appreciation for Jesus as our faithful High Priest?
How then should we live? This week, pray for three people that are in your sphere of influence who do not yet believe, for them to come to a repentant and trusting faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Perhaps share the story of the Israelites placing their trust in the things of God but not God Himself. Take a step of faith and encourage them in some way through your words to place their trust in Him.