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Leader Guide

Site: Superbook Academy
Course: Samuel and the Call of God
Book: Leader Guide
Printed by: Guest user
Date: Thursday, 19 September 2024, 6:36 PM

Description


SuperTruth:

I will listen to God’s voice and obey Him.

SuperVerse:

And the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, Your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10 (nlt)

Bible Story:

1 Samuel 1–4, 7

Superbook Video:

Samuel and the Call of God

Table of contents

Video Leader Guide

Select a video to have playing as children enter the Large Group room. Videos are under Resources on the top menu bar.

Have Small Group leaders greet the children as they enter the Large Group room and engage them in a game or conversation until time for Large Group to begin.

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome back, everyone! Today is the second lesson of our Superbook story, “Samuel and the Call of God.” In this story, we see how God speaks in a very personal way to the young boy Samuel. For those who saw the video in Lesson 1, who does Samuel think is calling him at first? Eli.

Samuel learned to recognize and obey God’s voice—and we can, too! Our music video today is called “Follow Jesus,” and it mentions some ways that we can hear His voice. So let’s all stand to worship and praise God, who loves us and speaks to us!

Play Video 11: Follow Jesus (3 minutes)

Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along and do the motions with the children.

Follow Jesus

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

What are some ways that we can hear God’s voice? Read God’s Word, listen, and pray.

Our SuperTruth today says: “I will listen to God’s voice and obey Him.”

Let’s think about this for a moment. Can you obey without listening? No.

Why? You won’t know what to do until you listen to what you’re told.

Now listen carefully to this question. Can you listen without obeying? Yes.

Why? You can listen, but then ignore or disobey what is said.

Have you ever heard your parents or teachers tell you to do something, but you chose not to do it? I know I have. Does this please God?

In order to obey, we must know what we are being asked to do so we can do it! That’s why our SuperTruth has two parts, and they’re both important!

Let’s say the SuperTruth together. “I will listen to God’s voice and obey Him.”

Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)

If all children watched the Bible story video in the previous lesson, you may skip it here and go straight to the Bible Background Video.

If you were here last time, who had the same dream twice? Joy, Chris or Gizmo? Chris.

Who believed that Chris should take action because the dream was important? Joy.

For the children who haven’t seen our Bible story yet, we are going to watch a short version of “Samuel and the Call of God.” If you have already seen the full video, watch closely for how God responded to Samuel’s prayer and rescued His people.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (11 minutes)

Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to meet the prophet Samuel. He answers God’s call as a child, then grows up to become Israel’s leader. The children discover they’re never too young to serve God!

Condensed Bible Story

Discussion (1 minute)

Why do you think Samuel hesitated to tell Eli what God said? Because God promised to punish Eli and his sons.

What important lessons do you think Samuel learned about speaking for God when he gave God’s message to Eli?

Why do you think Eli didn’t discipline his sons even after God told him about their evil ways?

Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)

Eli was a priest in the Tabernacle at Shiloh, not too far from Jerusalem. In our Bible Background video, we will learn more about the time and place that Samuel and Eli lived. We will also find out what a Tabernacle is and why it was so important to the Israelites. When Gizmo asks a question in the video, wait for him to suggest some answers, then call out the one you think is right!

Play Video 5: Bible Background (8 minutes)

Bible Background

Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic 2

Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.

SuperVerse Graphic 2

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

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

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

Where was Samuel and what was he doing when the Lord called him? He was in the Tabernacle, sleeping.

How many times did Samuel go to Eli before they realized God was calling him? Three times.

God showed His love and patience by gently calling to Samuel four times. God is patient with us, also. He speaks to us and waits for us to listen and obey!

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group.

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, we have learned how You spoke to Eli, an older man, and Samuel, a young boy. No matter how young or old we are, help us to always listen and obey. We are Your servants and we wait for Your call. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Let’s go to Small Groups and play a game called Eli Says. The game is easy to play; however, you will need to listen carefully to make sure you only follow the instructions from Eli! Let’s go play!

Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.

Game

  • No supplies needed

Near the end of the video, Samuel prayed to God on behalf of the people. This is called intercessory prayer. Do you think God heard Samuel’s prayer? Yes.

How did God respond; what happened? God heard Samuel’s prayer of repentance and God spoke with a mighty voice of thunder from heaven. The noise confused the Philistines. They ran away and were defeated.> See 1 Samuel 7:10.

Yes, God speaks in many ways, and especially through His written Word—the Bible. No matter how God chooses to speak to us, we must listen and obey. This game is about listening and obeying. As Samuel served the Lord, he listened to Eli and obeyed when he was given tasks to do in the Tabernacle. This game is called “Eli Says”—and as you probably guessed, it’s similar to “Simon Says.” You will have a chance to move around and have fun—but you need to listen carefully and only obey an instruction that begins with the words “Eli says.” If you obey an instruction that is not from Eli, you must leave the game for one instruction, then you may come back in to play. Are you ready to listen carefully and obey?

Have children make several rows and leave at least an arm’s length of space between each other. If there is another leader in the room, use them as spotters to send people in and out of the game. Be prepared to help children with special needs or to adjust instructions accordingly. Use the instruction list below; add “Eli says” to any instruction. Repeat instructions with or without “Eli says” to see how well the children are listening. Add your own instructions as desired.

  • Pour a drink of water into a cup.
  • Sweep the Tabernacle floor.
  • Put both hands in the air.
  • Go to sleep standing up.
  • Place both hands on top of your head.
  • Do three jumping jacks.
  • Dust a high corner of the Tabernacle.
  • Stand on one leg.
  • Hop on one leg.
  • Run in place.
  • Fold your hands in prayer.
  • Take two steps to the right.
  • Take two steps to the left.
  • Stretch your left arm out to the side.
  • Drop your left arm down.
  • Scratch your head.
  • Put both hands out to receive a gift.
  • Jump up three times.
  • Hop once on your left foot and twice on your right foot.
  • Touch your feet with both hands.
  • Wave both arms in the air.
  • Shout the SuperTruth.

Conclusion: You did it! You not only listened; you obeyed, too! Samuel listened to Eli and obeyed his instructions. As Samuel grew, he continued to listen to God, obey His instructions, and tell the people what the Lord said. Let’s learn more about listening and obeying in our Bible story.

Teaching

  • Two sixth grade volunteer readers
  • Portable music player or smart phone with music files. You may substitute a boom box with CD, tape player, or radio
  • Headphones or earbuds that work with the music player
  • Bible for teacher
  • Bibles or theSuperbook Bible app
  • Footsteps Pattern and Dedication Card Pattern for children who missed previous lesson; see Lesson 1 for details
  • Sample craft to display

Prior to class, test the music device to make sure sound is heard through the headphones.

Experiment to find a volume level that music can be played but not heard until the headphones are put on.

Make sure the music will continue to play for 10–15 minutes.

Assign the volunteer readers to look up and read: Acts 2:17, Acts 2:42, and Hebrews 1:1–2.

Make copies of the Footsteps Pattern and Dedication Cards for children who missed Lesson 1.

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.

SuperVerse

  • Whiteboard and marker; or chalkboard and chalk
  • Eraser
  • Bibles or the Superbook Bible App

Write the SuperVerse on the board in five parts as shown:

  • And the Lordcame and called as before,
  • “Samuel! Samuel!”
  • And Samuel replied,
  • “Speak, Your servant is listening.”
  • 1 Samuel 3:10

Divide the children into four groups as suggested below and have them sit facing the board from left to right as follows:

  • Team 1: older girls.
  • Team 2: older boys.
  • Team 3: younger girls.
  • Team 4: younger boys.

Let’s read our SuperVerse on the board together. 1 Samuel 3:10:

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

Samuel was a young boy and did not yet recognize God’s voice.

Read 1 Samuel 3:7:

Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before.

As we get to know a person over time, we can learn to recognize that voice and pick it out from other people’s voices. Samuel learned to know God’s voice. He learned to listen carefully so as God’s prophet he could accurately share God’s message with the people. When we carefully listen to God’s voice and obey Him, our lives will please God and lead others to Christ.

Now, let’s say our verse. Samuel was sleeping when God first called him. He got up quickly—or you might say he popped up—and went to Eli. So, let’s have our teams pop up and say their section of the SuperVerse!

Point to the phrases on the board.

  • Team 1—older girls—pop up, say the first line, and sit down.
  • Team 2—older boys—pop up, say the second line, and sit down.
  • Team 3—younger girls—pop up, say the third line, and sit down.
  • Team 4—younger boys—pop up, finish the verse and sit down.
  • All teams will pop up and say the scripture reference, then sit down.

Repeat several times, going faster each time. That was great! You got a little workout and learned the verse, too! Let’s all remember to listen for God’s voice throughout each day. The Holy Spirit can speak to us anywhere, at any time! Will you hear Him and then obey?

Younger children may not be able to memorize the entire SuperVerse. Be sure all children understand its meaning.

Prayer

  • Whiteboard and marker, or chalkboard and chalk.

On the board write, “Speak, Your servant is listening."

Have children sit on the floor and leave plenty of space between them.

Last time we met, we prayed that God would cleanse us and reveal things that might keep us from a closer walk with Him. We asked the Holy Spirit to show us anything that might keep us from being a godly example to others.

When you pray, have you ever told God everything you wanted or needed and then immediately said, Amen? I think we all have done that! However, prayer is not only talking to God; it is also listening to Him. So today, we are going to focus on listening to the Lord. We are going to sit in God’s presence and open our hearts to Him. God can speak to us in many ways. One of the most personal ways is when God speaks to our hearts—not in a voice we hear with our ears, but with a still, small voice that we can hear in our spirit.

What did Eli tell Samuel to answer when God called him again? “Speak, Your servant is listening.”

To begin our prayer time today, let’s all say that together: “Speak, Your servant is listening.”

Now let’s listen quietly for anything God may desire to speak to our hearts.

Give children a few moments to pray silently, then close in prayer.

Close in prayer: Dear God, thank You that You can speak to us in many different ways. Help us remember to listen for Your voice in our prayer time and throughout the day—and then to obey. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Balloon Game

  • Permanent Marker
  • Two round balloons plus extras
  • Timer, such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with second hand, or timer app
  • Whiteboard and marker, or chalkboard and chalk
  • Eraser
  • Volunteer to assist and keep the time and/or score
  • For larger classes, add two balloons and a timer so four children can play at one time

Blow up the balloons and tie them closed.

Write “LISTEN” and “OBEY” in large letters on separate balloons.

Bat a balloon in the air as you speak. Is it easier to keep one balloon in the air—or two? One.

Attempt to keep two balloons in the air. Yes, it is easier to keep only one of them in the air.

Show “listen” and “obey” on the balloons. It is the same with listening and obeying. It would be much easier to just listen and not obey, wouldn’t it? Yes.

Of course; especially if we are asked to do something difficult, unpleasant, or something that isn’t fun! Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “I will listen to God’s voice and obey Him.”

In this game, partners must keep both balloons in the air for as long as you can. Once either balloon falls to the ground, your time stops.

  • Have the children pair up with partners they don’t know well, if possible.
  • Have each pair pick a name for their team and write it on the board.
  • Have a pair stand facing each other in the middle of the room, a few feet apart.
  • Stand between them, throw both balloons up in the air and start the time.
  • The pair must bat the balloons in the air back and forth or to themselves.
  • Stop and record the time.
  • The team with the longest time wins.
  • Optional: do this at least twice for each team and combine both times for a final score.

Conclusion: It isn’t always easy to listen and obey. Sometimes what we hear isn’t something we want to do, or maybe it will take us out of our comfort zone—which means that we might feel uncomfortable while we obey. Samuel listened to God’s Word and shared it with Eli even though he was uncomfortable doing it. Whatever God asks us to do, it is for our good. The more we obey and prove ourselves faithful, the more we will grow in our walk with the Lord and in His favor.

Object Lesson

  • Mirror
  • Comb or brush
  • Sixth grade volunteer reader
  • Bibles or Superbook Bible App

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “I will listen to God’s voice and obey Him.”

Hold up the mirror. What is the purpose of a mirror? To look at ourselves. To check our appearance, our clothes, or our hair. To check to see if there is something on our face like dirt, food or toothpaste. To check for anything that might need our attention.

Now, when you look in the mirror and see something that needs to be corrected or adjusted, do you ignore it? No, you would fix, adjust or correct it.

Muss your hair a bit. Now what if I look in the mirror and see that my hair needs to be combed or brushed. Would I do this? Shrug your shoulders, put the mirror at your side and walk away.

No! I would correct it. Pick up the brush or comb and fix your hair.

The Bible compares looking into a mirror with listening to God’s Word and obeying it.

Volunteer reads James 1:22–24:

22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.

How foolish it would be to listen to or read God’s Word, recognize something in your life that needs to be fixed, and choose to walk away without obeying. The Bible says if we do this we are fooling or kidding ourselves. We must allow the Holy Spirit time to give us understanding and bring light to areas of our lives that are not pleasing to God. Then we need to obey and make adjustments. A mirror shows what we look like on the outside. How is His Word different? It shows us what we are like on the inside.

Volunteer reads James 1:25:

But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

When we look into God’s Word and obey instead of ignoring it, we will be set free from sin and things that hold us back from serving God completely. By doing this, God will bless us!

Activity

Make copies of the Connect the Dots Pattern.

Give each child a Connect the Dots Pattern and a pencil. Lead a discussion as they work on their activity.

What do you think Samuel was thinking after the first two times Eli said that he had not called for him?

What do you think Eli thought when he believed that it was God calling Samuel—was Eli excited, perhaps, or a little afraid? Why?

Was there a time when you believed that God spoke to your heart, possibly when you were sleeping or in a dream?

Discuss what took place in the scene and what happened the next day when Eli asked Samuel about what had happened during the night.

Optional: after connecting the dots to reveal the scene, children may color their pictures.

Let’s say the SuperTruth together: “I will listen to God’s voice and obey Him.”

Bible Study

  • Bibles or the Superbook Bible App

Who can say the SuperTruth? “I will listen to God’s voice and obey Him.”

As we learned today, it is good to listen—yet we cannot forget to put what we hear into action! Let’s take a deeper look at what the Bible tells us about listening and obeying.

Have the children look up and take turns reading the Bible passages. Lead a discussion with the questions below.

1. Matthew 7:24–27:

24 “Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears My teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

  • In verse 24, what does Jesus call those who listen and follow His teaching? Wise.
  • In verse 26, what does Jesus call those who hear but do not obey? Foolish.
  • After reading this Bible passage, who would you say was wise in the Bible story about Samuel? Samuel.
  • Why was Samuel wise? He listened to God and faithfully served and obeyed Him.
  • Who would you say was foolish? Eli and his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas.
  • Why were they foolish? The sons would not listen to their father’s warnings and counsel or obey God’s laws; Eli did not honor God’s Word and laws about the sacrifices, nor did he fully discipline his sons. He allowed them to continue to serve in the Tabernacle even with their wicked and sinful ways.
  • Why is the builder wise in this parable? He built his house on a rock - on a firm, strong foundation that will hold up against storms.
  • What would you say the storms represent in our lives? Temptations, the enemy, tough times, struggles, persecution, adversity, and trials.
  • Why is the other builder foolish? He built his house on sand that will fail and not last. The house will collapse.
  • From this passage then, in your own words, why is it important to listen and obey? God’s Word never fails. When we obey and stand on His Word — we will succeed and not fail. God gives us victory over trials, temptations, adversity, and persecution that may come. We will make it through.

2. James 1:22–25:

22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

  • What does verse 22 say we are doing if we only listen to God’s Word? Fooling ourselves.
  • What does verse 23 compare disobedience to? Quickly looking in a mirror.
  • What do verse 23 and 24 mean in your own words? You read or hear God’s Word and ignore it, you fail to see the truth and don’t apply it to your life, and then you quickly forget it and don’t take action.
  • What can we learn about ourselves by reading God’s Word? Things that need attention, areas where we fall short, even confirmation of things we are doing right!
  • What does God’s Word show us that we can’t see with our physical eyes? Deep things; what is inside us, like our heart and mind.
  • What are some reasons that people listen but choose not to obey? They don’t like what they heard; they think it will be too hard to do, etc.
  • According to verse 25, what can God’s Word bring us? Freedom — set us free from sin and bondage like fear and guilt.
  • In verse 25, what are we promised by choosing to listen and obey? God’s blessings.