1. Eli's sons were worthless priests who did not properly restrain the people from sinning, and Eli failed to restrain his sons as he should have according to God's law. 2. God calls out to Samuel in the night while he sleeps near the Ark of the Covenant, and Samuel responds humbly to God. 3. God informs Samuel that He will judge Eli and his family because of Eli's failure to restrain his sons, though Eli accepts God's judgment when Samuel tells him.

1. Samuel Serves
1 Samuel 2-3

2. The Story

3. Details
 Eli’s sons were worthless – 2:12 and 2:22
 He did not restrain them – 2:29 Deuteronomy 21:18-21
 Samuel served before Eli – 3:1
 Samuel slept close to the Ark- Eli slept in bed – 3:2-3
 God calls Samuel - 3:4-9
 Samuel responds in humility - 3:10
 God judges Eli because of his sons – 3:11-14
 Eli enjoins the fearful Samuel to tell all – 3:15
 Eli accepts God’s judgment – 3:18
 Samuel grows in favor with God and man – 3:19-20

4. What does Samuel Teach Us?
 Honor your parents
 Draw near to God – James 4:8
 Listen to God
 Through His Word - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
 By Jesus’ example - Hebrews 1:1-2
 By the Apostle’s example - 1 Thessalonians 1:6
 By believer’s examples - 2 Corinthians 3:2
 Through nature as God’s creation - Romans 1:20