SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 18,
2015.
WEEK 42
BAD PARENTAL CARE
Smile Awhile: (focus on fellowship – 10 mins) – Lead members
to mention two bad parents in the Bible.
Into His Presence (focus on
worship – 10 mins):
Lead the cell members in a time of adoration to
God as led by the Holy Spirit.
Digging Deeper: (focus on the word – 40 mins)
Topic: BAD PARENTAL CARE
Main Text: 1Sam. 2:12, 17, 22-24, 27-30.
Memory Verse: Prov. 13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is
careful to discipline him.
Introduction
In the previous weeks, we studied about parental
care and saw how Hannah devoted her resources to see Samuel grow up to become a
responsible adult and a renowned prophet. We shall continue today by looking at
bad parental care. The sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas were, as stated in the
Bible, wicked men who had no regard for the Lord. They treated the Lord’s offering
with contempt and slept with the women who served in the temple. The big
question here is, where was their father Eli the priest? It is likely he was so
much into duties that he neglected the training of his children. According to 1
Samuel 2:19, Eli honoured his children more than God. The result was very
devastating. Parents should be intentional in training their children in the fear
of the Lord as the Bible enjoins us.
Discussions Questions
1. From the main passage, how were the sons of
Eli described?
2. Why did the sons of Eli have no regard for the
Lord? 1Sam.2:29
3. What were the consequences of Eli’s neglect of
giving his children parental care?
4. Why do you think God did not spare the
household of Eli for the sake of his service to him?
5. To what extent can we say Eli did not practice
what he preached?
6. Personally, what have you learnt from the
story?
Conclusion
The result of Eli’s negligence of his parental role was very
drastic. He was supposed to train his sons in the fear of God so they could
grow up and mature to take the priesthood mantle after him just as his father
did. His failure to do this made God break the promise He had with his
household. Like Eli we become so occupied with our profession that it becomes
difficult for us to inculcate into our children the right training. Let’s not
forget that children are gifts from God and if we really value the Giver, we would also appreciate our responsibilities that go with the gifts as well.
Stand with Me (focus on praying for members’
needs – 10 mins):
Lead members to pray for parents to be godly and
for children to be obedient. Also pray for street children and orphans.
Making Jesus Known (focus on evangelism – 10 mins):
Lead members to pray for wayward children and children
who are being trafficked.
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