“God Will Raise Up a Faithful One”
Theme:
When dishonor is present, God is already preparing someone else in the background. He will not allow corruption to continue unchecked.
Scripture Focus:
1 Samuel 2:12–36 (CSB)
Read the passage slowly. Highlight anything that convicts, teaches, or speaks to you.
Section 1: Corrupt Leadership (Verses 12–17)
Key Verse: “Eli’s sons were wicked men; they did not respect the Lord.” (v.12)
Who were Hophni and Phinehas?
They were priests—but they abused their position. They took the best portions of the offerings and intimidated worshipers.
Their sin: They dishonored God by treating holy things as ordinary.
Reflection Question:
Are there any areas in your life where you’ve been treating God’s sacred things (time, worship, service) as common?
Section 2: Samuel’s Quiet Growth (Verses 18–21, 26)
Key Verse: “The boy Samuel served in the Lord’s presence…” (v.18)
While corruption was happening up front, Samuel was growing quietly in the background.
Hannah remained faithful—bringing him a new robe every year.
God honored her obedience by blessing her with more children.
Takeaway Truth:
God will often raise up His solution in the same space where the problem currently exists.
Reflection Question:
How are you allowing God to grow you quietly in this season—even if no one sees it yet?
Section 3: Passive Leadership and Its Cost (Verses 22–25)
Key Verse: “He kept hearing… but did not restrain them.”
Eli knew what his sons were doing. He confronted them verbally but didn’t remove them.
Correction without enforcement is compromise.
Warning:
God holds us accountable not just for what we say—but for what we permit.
Reflection Question:
Are there things in your life or relationships that you’re only talking about but not dealing with?
Section 4: Prophetic Judgment (Verses 27–36)
Key Verse: “I will honor those who honor me, but those who despise me will be disgraced.” (v.30)
A prophet confronts Eli with a word from the Lord.
The promise over Eli’s house is revoked because of ongoing dishonor.
God declares: “I will raise up a faithful priest…” (v.35)
Prophetic Pattern:
When those in position become corrupt, God raises someone new.
Reflection Question:
Are you preparing your heart to be the “faithful one” God can trust?
Prayer Prompt
Lord, I don’t want to be casual with what’s holy. Search my heart and remove anything that dishonors You. If I’ve permitted things that need to be addressed, give me the courage to act. Prepare me in hidden places like Samuel. Raise me up to be faithful, even when others fall away. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Journal Prompts
What does honoring God look like in your daily life?
In what ways have you seen quiet growth in yourself?
How is God using this season to prepare you for greater responsibility?
What needs to be corrected—not just talked about—in your leadership, parenting, or personal walk?
Key Takeaway:
God sees the dishonor—and He also sees your hidden faithfulness. He will raise up those who honor Him, even when no one else does.