1. SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

2. RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY
From our last study, entitled “The Great Tribulation and the Antichrist”, we learnt that The Great Tribulation will be the darkest hour in human history. The Antichrist will be in power, forcing those that believe not the gospel to worship him and receive his mark. Believers should be prepared and be ready for the coming of the Lord. The church is to increase her evangelistic outreach to sinners and backsliders, so that they can escape the suffering of the Antichrist and the judgement of God.

3. TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 729: SAMUEL REPROVES ISRAEL
MEMORY VERSE: …… “…I will call unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking you a king” (1 Samuel 12:17). TEXT: 1 Samuel 12:1-25

4. INTRODUCTION
Samuel reproved Israel for rejecting the kingship of God over them by demanding a king like other nations. Therefore, he counselled them and their king to fear, serve and obey God to avoid divine judgement. He convinced them that they had displeased the Lord by their carnal choice to request for a king. Believers should realise that self-will attracts divine displeasure. We should continue to put our trust in God, follow and obey Him wholeheartedly.
QUESTION 1: What can believers learn from Samuel’s disposition towards Israel at Gilgal? – Jos 24:14,15; 1 Samuel 12:14-15

5. TESTIMONY OF CLEAR CONSCIENCE AND PURE LIFESTYLE 1 Samuel 12:1-5, Acts 24:16, 1 Thessalonians 2:10
Samuel believed in the necessity of having a clear conscience and making restitution where necessary. Like him, believers should live transparently and holy so that they can boldly stand and witness before anyone and anywhere. Believers are admonished to obtain and maintain a good and pure conscience void of offence toward God and man. Present-day believers must pray for grace to be steadfast in holiness and service till the end of their lives. QUESTION 2: Why is it important for a believer to have a clear conscience towards God and man? – Proverbs 28:1; Hebrews 12:14

6. SAMUEL REPROVES ISRAEL FOR INGRATITUDE TO GOD 1 Samuel 12:6-13, 1 Samuel 8:6-9, Psalms 103:1-5
Samuel recounted God’s graciousness to Israel and rebuked them for their ingratitude in asking for a king. Believers should never take important decisions without prayer. Moreover, we should not forget His past mercies but appreciate Him by committing our lives to Him, feeding on His Word, giving to Him and bringing others to Him.
QUESTION 3: How should a believer handle rebuke from leaders? – Hebrews 12:10-11; Proverbs 15:31-32; 1 Samuel 12:19-20
QUESTION 4: In what ways can believers show gratitude to God? – Prov. 23:26; Exodus 35:5; Mark 12:30-31

7. CONDITIONS FOR CONTINUED RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD 1 Samuel 12:14-25, Deuteronomy 10:21
Samuel showed Israel the way back to God: they should repent and mend their ways. Like Israel, we should be prompt to return to God when we are rebuked. God will respond with forgiveness and favor. Leaders should constantly intercede for the congregation to promote God’s presence and power. Prayer and God’s word will bring transformation and growth to the church.
QUESTION 5: What impact will ceaseless prayers of leaders have on the work of the ministry? – Exo. 33:14; Jer. 33:3; Ps. 126:2-3

8. CONCLUSION
Believers should realise that self-will attracts divine displeasure. Believers should obtain and maintain a pure conscience void of offence before God and man and lead lives that reprove and dispel the darkness of sin and evil. Believers should show wholehearted gratitude and appreciation to God for his goodness. We must abide in Him to enjoy divine preservation. Leaders’ intercession brings God’s presence and power upon the church.