Leader Guide

Teaching

Place the player on a table or somewhere near you. Right before you begin teaching, inconspicuously start the music at the preset volume.

Can someone please tell us today’s SuperTruth? “I will listen to God’s voice and obey Him.”

That’s right! Who listened to God’s voice and obeyed Him in the Bible story? Samuel.

Who didn’t obey in our Bible story? Eli and his two sons.

When we hear God’s Word, we have an important choice to make. We can obey—like Samuel; or choose not to obey—like Eli’s sons. In the beginning, when God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden, God gave him some important instructions. Does anyone know what God told Adam? He could eat the fruit of every tree in the garden except for one tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Adam heard the instructions, but did he obey God? No!

No, when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God’s instructions, sin entered the world. In the Bible story today, God warned Eli about the evil things his sons were doing. Eli then spoke to his sons about their sin. Did they listen and obey? No, they would not obey Eli’s warning to stop sinning.

Let’s say the SuperVerse together. 1 Samuel 3:10:

And the Lordcame and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, Your servant is listening.”

Now, think about Samuel’s reply. He said, “Speak, Your servant is listening.” What does a servant do? He obeys what his master asks. Samuel was not just prepared to listen; he was also prepared to obey whatever God asked!

So, does God only speak to people directly, like He spoke to Samuel?

No, God speaks in many different ways. God can speak any way that He chooses. Here are some ways God spoke to people in the Bible: a burning bush, a donkey, angels, prophets, prayer, visions, dreams, a still small voice, a gentle whisper, and a mighty voice of thunder—which is how God spoke in our Bible story today as He defeated the Philistines. Optional: see Exodus 3:2, Numbers 22:28–30, 1 Kings 19:12, 1 Samuel 7:10.

Let’s read what the Bible says about the ways God may speak to our hearts today. First, we’ll read from the Apostle Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, when God sent the Holy Spirit upon the believers. Peter was quoting from the Old Testament prophet Joel. Optional: see Joel 2:28–29.

Have a volunteer read Acts 2:17.

“In the last days,” God says, “I will pour out My Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.”

What are some ways that this scripture says God may speak to us? By His Spirit, prophecy, visions, and dreams.

Have a volunteer read Acts 2:42.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

Did you hear some more ways that God may speak to our hearts? Through teaching and sharing His Word, through spending time with other believers, through communion, and through prayer.

Let’s read one more passage that tells us about a very important way that God speaks to us today. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 1:1–2a.

¹ Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. ² And now in these final days, He has spoken to us through His Son.

God speaks to us through Jesus. Where can we find Jesus’ Words? In the Bible.

Hold up the Bible. In fact, the Bible tells us that Jesus is the Word of God, and God’s Word was made into human form when Jesus came to Earth. Jesus pointed to God in all that He did and said. And when we ask Jesus into our hearts, He speaks His Word into our lives every day, as we spend time with Him.

Optional: read Deuteronomy 30:14 (nkjv):

“But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.”

Yes, God speaks to us through His Word and the Gospel of Jesus. The Gospel speaks of God’s love, mercy, grace, hope, and forgiveness to all! Today, the most common way that God speaks to us is through His Word. When we read or hear God’s Word, the Holy Spirit is our teacher and will help us understand what it means, apply it to our lives, and put it into practice!

Hold up the music player. Did you know that music has been playing the entire time I have been teaching? Did anyone hear the music?

Give the headphones or earbuds to a few children to listen for a moment. You see, this is like God’s voice! He speaks to us in so many ways, yet, because of the noise and “busy-ness” all around us, we may not always hear Him. God wants to speak to each one of us, every day. We must keep our minds and hearts open to listen to Him in whatever way He chooses to speak.

Now, let’s continue with our Discipleship Challenge as we discuss dedicating our lives to God, and listening to and obeying God’s Word.

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Display a Footsteps Pattern and Dedication Card from Lesson 1.

In Lesson 1, part of our challenge was to read Psalm 37:23–24 and think about what it means.

1. Did you experience God’s direction; did you feel like there was a time that He directed your steps? Please explain.

2. How does it feel to know that God cares about every detail of your life?

3. If you make a mistake or fall, how does it feel to know God is there to hold you up and help?

We will continue our Discipleship Challenge by using our Footsteps Patterns every day. Put it next to your bed and stand on it first thing every morning. Ask God how you can serve Him that day, and dedicate your footsteps to God. Color one footprint to show that you prayed. Then all through the day, look for ways you can help others and listen for God’s voice speaking quietly in your heart. Also, look up and read Proverbs 3:5–6, the next Scripture on the Dedication Card. We will talk about the verses in our next lesson.

Optional: if time allows, read and discuss Proverbs 3:5–6.

Give a Footsteps Pattern and Dedication Card to any child who missed Lesson 1.