Unit 9, Session 4
Dear families,
First Samuel 7 reveals the Israelites’ victory over the Philistines after God’s people turned to the Lord and away from their pagan gods and idols. Samuel interceded for the people as they began to long for the Lord after having pursued the ways of the world for so long. The Lord granted His people victory over their enemies in a way that foreshadowed how He has established an eternal victory for those in Christ.
What did Samuel lead the people to do in their helpless state? How is Jesus an even better intercessor than Samuel was?
After so many chapters of disobedience and helplessness, it is refreshing to read that the Israelites finally longed for the Lord. Realizing the emptiness of idol worship, the people stood before Samuel and sought next steps from their leader. His instructions to the people were not dissimilar to the words we need to hear today: return to the Lord with all your heart, get rid of your false gods, set your heart back on the Lord, and worship only Him. In doing so, Samuel explained, they would again see God’s deliverance.
The Israelites did as Samuel instructed, and they fasted and confessed their sins. They pleaded with Samuel to continue interceding for them so that they would experience the victory of God’s promise. Samuel offered a sacrifice to the Lord on His people’s behalf, and it pleased the Lord.
Although Samuel was an upright man called to prophesy and judge God’s people, he was not the Messiah. Instead, Samuel’s life points us to the only One able to secure a permanent victory over sin and death through a once-and-for-all sacrifice for God’s people. Those who are in Christ do not need an earthly judge to mediate between God and man; instead, they can place their hope in the finished work of Jesus.
Share with the boys and girls in your care your story of how the Lord has helped you thus far (1 Samuel 7:12). Lead them to see how Christ has transformed your heart and granted you an eternal victory by faith in His name.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
- Babies & Toddlers: God sent Jesus to die on the cross and rise again so that we can be forgiven. When we know and love Jesus, God forgives our sin.
- Younger Preschool: God wants people to be sorry for their sin. Jesus came to die on the cross and rise again. When we know and love Jesus, God forgives our sin.
- Older Preschool: The Israelites confessed their sin, and God saved them from the Philistines. When we confess our sin to God, He forgives us and saves us through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus.
- Kids: Samuel called the people to turn away from false gods and to worship God, and God gave them victory over their enemies. God calls us to turn away from sin and to trust in Jesus who gives us victory over our enemies of sin and death.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Younger Preschool: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over all He made.
- Older Preschool: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over all He made.
Kids: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over His creation according to His perfect plan.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Babies & Toddlers: God gives us all we need in Jesus. Philippians 4:19
- Younger Preschool: My God will supply all your needs in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
- Older Preschool: My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
- Kids: My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
** Next week: The Israelites Wanted a King (1 Samuel 7-10)
Imago Dei Church Kids Ministry 