C.A.C Sunday School Manual For May 4, 2025, Lesson 16 : Topic - SAMUEL AND HIS PREPARATION FOR LEADERSHIP OF GOD'S PEOPLE

C.A.C Sunday School Manual For May 4, 2025, Lesson 16 : Topic - SAMUEL AND HIS PREPARATION FOR LEADERSHIP OF GOD'S PEOPLE

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 CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH Nigeria And Overseas 

 SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 

Theme *PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE for LEADERSHIP* 

 JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2025

 MAY 4, 2025. 

 

 LESSON 16 

 Unit 2: Leadership Preparation In The Old Testament (1)* 

 Topic: SAMUEL AND HIS PREPARATION FOR LEADERSHIP OF GOD'S PEOPLE* 

Memory Scripture: You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up (Deuteronomy 6:7). 

Samuel's journey demonstrates God's work, shaping a leader of faith and integrity for righteous governance over His people.

BRIEF COMMENT: Deuteronomy 6:7 tells parents to teach God's commandments diligently to their children, which is mirrored in Samuel's upbringing. From childhood, Samu Samuel was dedicated to God's service by his mother, Hannah, who fulfilled her vow to devote him to the Lord. Just as Deuteronomy advises, Samuel learnt about God's teachings from a young age, developing the ability to hear God's voice and obey His commands. 

Samuel's leadership journey began with his upbringing, where he was immersed in God's ways. This laid the foundation for his role as a prophet and judge in Israel. Throughout his life, Samuel faithfully followed God's commandments, guiding His people and mediating between them and God in crucial moments. 

Deuteronomy 6:7 highlights the importance of early spiritual education and mentorship in preparing leaders for God's kingdom. Samuel's story illustrates how exposure to God's Word and faithful discipleship from a young age can shape one's character and leadership skills for serving God's people. 

 *DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS* 

 *Mon. Apr. 28:* Joseph: Sold As Slave, Saves Nations (Gen. 37:28) 

 *Tue. Apr. 29:* Moses: Baby In Basket Leads Millions (Exod. 2:1-10) 

 *Wed. Apr. 30:* Ruth: Loyal Daughter, Ancestor Of Kings (Rth. 1:16-17) 

 *Thur. May 1:* David: A Boy Crowned King (1 Sam. 16:11-13) 

 *Fri. May 2:* Solomon: Wise Son, Builds God's Temple (1 Kgs. 6:1) 

 *Sat. May 3:* Esther: Orphan Queen Saves Her People (Est. 4:14) 

 *DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS* 

 1. Encourage/help your children to remain in the Lord, separate from the world, in preparation for their future leadership roles.

 2. We must teach and train our children in the way of the Lord to become good and godly leaders tomorrow. 

 *BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 22:6* 

 *AIM AND OBJECTIVES* 

 *AIM:* To prove that when we train up a child in the way of the Lord, the product is a good and godly leader. 

 *OBJECTIVES:* By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to explain: 

i. how we con nurture our children to become good and godly leaders in the future; and 

ii. that living a godly life attracts mercy and favour of God as a leader. 

 *INTRODUCTION* 

 *TEXTUAL SOURCE: 1 Samuel 1:9ff; 2:18-36; 3:1-10* 

We give thanks to God for the previous lesson. We see how God W helped Naomi guide Ruth to walk in the way of the LORD, enabling her to live an exemplary life in her time. 

Today, we will consider how Samuel was prepared by his parents and spiritual father, Eli, to be a good leader in his generation. As we study this lesson, we pray that God will grant us wisdom and knowledge to train up our children to fulfil God's purpose for their lives. 

 *LESSON OUTLINE* 

 *I. THE PLACE OF HIS PARENTS* 

 *II. THE FATHERLY ROLE OF ELI* 

 *LESSON EXPOSITION* 

 *I. THE PLACE OF HIS PARENTS (1 Samuel 1:10ff)* 

Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord in Shiloh. And the child was young (v. 24). 

a) vv. 10-11: Hannah's prayer to dedicate Samuel to God showed her commitment to raising him to honour God, laying the foundation for his future leadership. Her response to disappointment taught Samuel to trust in God's faithfulness which is a vital lesson for leadership. 

b) v. 20: Her barrenness and subsequent prayer for a child showed her faithfulness and reliance on God's providence, teaching Samuel that he was a special gift from God, with a special purpose. 

d) v. 22: Her intentional dedication of Samuel to God's service from infancy exemplified her commitment to raising him in the fear and admonition of the Lord. This upbringing shaped Samuel's character and prepared him to lead with integrity and godliness. 

e) vv. 24-28: Samuel's upbringing in a devoted family gave him a strong spiritual foundation, preparing him for leadership among God's people. 

f) vv. 27-28: Hannah's vow dedicated Samuel to God's service, preparing him for a life of serving God's people.

g) v. 27: Her recognition of Samuel as a gift from God strengthened his sense of divine purpose, laying the groundwork for his humble leadership. 

h) Samuel's upbringing in the fear of the Lord by his parents highlights the crucial role of parental guidance in spiritual development, contributing to his preparedness for leadership (cf. Eph. 6:4). 

 *II. THE FATHERLY ROLE OF ELI (1:9-18; 2:18-36;3:1-10)* 

Therefore Eli said to Samuel, Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, speak, Lord, for your servant hear" "so Samuel went and lay down in his place (1 Samuel 3:9). 

a) 1:9-18; 2:18-21: Eli's compassion for Hannah and Samuel's parents' religious devotion nurtured Samuel's empathy and deep commitment to God from childhood, forming a strong foundation for his leadership journey. 

b) 2:22-36: Eli's care for Samuel nurtured his emotional well-being and leadership confidence amid challenges, highlighting the enduring importance of mentorship during trials. 

c) v. 18: Early involvement in temple service under Eli's guidance instilled in Samuel, a deep reverence for God and a sense of purpose in his leadership journey. 

d) 3:1-10: Eli's mentorship provided Samuel with spiritual guidance and practical training and prepared him to fulfil his prophetic calling and lead God's people with wisdom and integrity. 

e) v. 9: He taught Samuel to listen to God, instilling in him the skill of discernment and enabling him to lead wisely and clearly. His investment in Samuel's leadership development reflected his dedication to shaping future leaders. 

f) Through Eli's guidance and God's direction, Samuel emerged as a transformative leader, serving as a prophet, judge and spiritual guide, leading Israel with humility and courage (3:19ff).

 *LESSONS DERIVED* 

 1. From conception onward, Samuel received guidance from his parents, preparing him for leadership.

 2. Thank God for Eli's influence on Samuel's life. What legacy will those around you today remember you for in the future? 

 *QUESTIONS* 

 1. Why is mentoring children from an early stage significant?

 2. Discuss the impact of good leaders on their followers' lives.

 *SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS* 

 *ANSWER TO QUESTION 1* 

* Education should begin from conception and continue through all stages of life. 

* A solid education enhances a child's quality of life. 

* Teaching the child godly character fosters virtues essential for leadership. 

* Such upbringing discourages waywardness and promotes focus on godly values. 

* Ultimately, it cultivates an exemplary life in the child. 

 *ANSWER TO QUESTION 2* 

* A good leader with good character will have good followers. 

* Good leadership encourages followers to develop good character. 

* Good followers are likely to become good successors.  

 *LIFE APPLICATION* 

When we place our complete trust in God, He will empower us with His Spirit and the heart to lead others according to His will. Our focus should be on God's model of leadership, enabling us to guide people in His ways. In doing so, we we establish God's plan and purpose.  

 *CONCLUSION* 

God used Samuel to transform a nation, highlighting the importance of parental guidance in nurturing children for future roles. Just as Samuel's parents, and mentor, Eli, played crucial roles in his life, today's Christian parents must ensure they provide proper training to prepare their children for a life that aligns with God's will and societal values. 

 *NOTE*