"If the LORD delights in a person's way, He makes their steps firm; though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD upholds them with His hand." (Psalm 37:23,24)

The Grand Narrative: “Hannah & Samuel” (1 Samuel 1-3)

“Hannah & Samuel” (1 Samuel 1-3)

 

Published 27 October 2025

Scroll down for “Lessons Learned…”

Designed for Personal Bible Study or for Bible Teaching


⚠️ Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Mistakes

  1. 1️⃣ Treating vows as flexible—promising big to God but shrinking back when it costs (contrast Hannah’s follow-through) (1 Sam 1:11, 27–28).
  2. 2️⃣ Assuming proximity to holy things equals holiness (Eli’s sons served at the altar yet lacked fear of God) (1 Sam 2:12, 17).
  3. 3️⃣ Minimizing early formation—missing how quickly patterns shape a child’s heart and courage (contrast Samuel’s growth) (1 Sam 2:18, 26).
  4. 4️⃣ Delaying necessary correction—Eli rebuked but did not restrain decisive action (1 Sam 2:23–25; 3:13).
  5. 5️⃣ Ignoring prophetic warning—hearing God’s word without changing course (1 Sam 2:27–36).

💥 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Failures

  1. 1️⃣ Failure to honor the Lord’s offering—treating worship as personal gain (1 Sam 2:13–17, 29).
  2. 2️⃣ Failure of leadership at home—knowing evil yet not restraining it (1 Sam 3:13).
  3. 3️⃣ Failure to heed correction—treating God’s messenger as optional (1 Sam 2:27–30).
  4. 4️⃣ Failure to fear God—presuming on priestly status while sinning openly (1 Sam 2:12, 22).
  5. 5️⃣ Failure to protect the flock—scandal in sacred spaces damages faith (1 Sam 2:17, 24).

🚫 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Sins

  1. 1️⃣ Despising the Lord’s offering—treating holy things with contempt (1 Sam 2:17, 29).
  2. 2️⃣ Sexual immorality linked to service—defilement at the tent of meeting (1 Sam 2:22).
  3. 3️⃣ Violent, coercive ministry—taking by force what God did not give (1 Sam 2:16).
  4. 4️⃣ Refusing to listen—hardening the heart when warned (1 Sam 2:25; 3:11–14).
  5. 5️⃣ Honoring family above God—preferencing sons over righteousness (1 Sam 2:29–30).

🏆 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Successes

  1. 1️⃣ Hannah’s vow fulfilled—dedication without reserve (1 Sam 1:27–28).
  2. 2️⃣ God hears and answers—Samuel’s birth and naming (1 Sam 1:20).
  3. 3️⃣ Worship after the gift—Hannah’s praise and thanksgiving (1 Sam 2:1–2).
  4. 4️⃣ Formation in God’s house—Samuel ministers and grows in favor (1 Sam 2:18, 26).
  5. 5️⃣ Word attested across Israel—prophetic credibility from Dan to Beersheba (1 Sam 3:19–21).

🌱 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Spiritual Growth Lessons

  1. 1️⃣ “Speak, Lord”—discipleship begins with listening (1 Sam 3:9–10).
  2. 2️⃣ Stay near the presence—lamp of God still burning shapes the heart (1 Sam 3:3).
  3. 3️⃣ Keep vows and testimonies alive—retell God’s interventions to form identity (1 Sam 1:27–28).
  4. 4️⃣ Grow despite surroundings—holiness can flourish in corrupt contexts (1 Sam 2:18, 26).
  5. 5️⃣ Let Scripture anchor calling—God reveals Himself through His word (1 Sam 3:21).

🧭 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Leadership Principles

  1. 1️⃣ Listen before you lead—posture your heart to receive God’s word (1 Sam 3:9–10).
  2. 2️⃣ Restrain evil under your care—accountability is love in action (1 Sam 3:13).
  3. 3️⃣ Honor God above all—never prefer family, status, or comfort to His glory (1 Sam 2:29–30).
  4. 4️⃣ Receive and act on rebuke—prophetic correction is mercy, not insult (1 Sam 2:27–36).
  5. 5️⃣ Let credibility be earned—God attests leaders over time, not hype (1 Sam 3:19–20).