Study 3: 1 Samuel 2: 27-36: Trent Evans

In this study of 1 Samuel 2, we examine the sobering contrast between the faithfulness of young Samuel and the corruption of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Though they held priestly positions, these men had no intimacy with God—referred to in Hebrew as yada—and treated God’s offerings with contempt, leading others astray and defiling worship. Their failure, and Eli’s refusal to restrain them, invites God’s judgment and reminds us that spiritual downfall is never random; it is preceded by choices that dishonor God. In contrast, Samuel’s quiet and consistent service to the Lord, even in a spiritually toxic environment, reveals how God honors those who seek His heart. The study challenges us to evaluate whether we are reshaping God's Word to suit our preferences or submitting to it with reverence. Transformation flows from intimacy with God, not religious routine—and the faithful, like Samuel, will grow in favor with God and man, even when surrounded by failure.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction and Context

⏱️ 00:00–03:54

• Personal story introduces the theme of “halos” as a metaphor for spiritual perception.

• Recap of 1 Samuel 1: Hannah’s faith and vow to dedicate Samuel to God.

• Samuel's name means "God heard" (1 Samuel 1:20).

• Hannah’s sacrifice is not completed in worship, but in surrender (1 Samuel 1:27-28).

  
  

2. From Worship to Judgment

⏱️ 04:58–05:57

• Setup for reverse-engineering 1 Samuel 2:27–36 to understand what caused God's judgment.

• Question raised: What happened between the worship of God and the chaos?

  
  

3. God Confronts Eli

⏱️ 06:04–09:41

• A prophet rebukes Eli for honoring his sons more than God (1 Samuel 2:27–36).

• Eli's family will lose their priestly privilege due to their corruption.

• Key verse: “Those who honor me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30).

  
  

4. The Root of Spiritual Failure

⏱️ 10:43–12:29

• Failure is preceded by choices and patterns, not sudden.

• Eli’s sons were scoundrels (belial – wicked, rebellious) – 1 Samuel 2:12.

• Comparison to Hannah’s use of the same term to contrast her sincerity.

  
  

5. The Danger of Superficial Religion

⏱️ 12:29–16:55

• Hophni and Phinehas had no yada (intimacy) with God – 1 Samuel 2:12.

• Cross-reference: John 15:5 – “Apart from me, you can do nothing.”

• Application: Intimacy with God is essential for true transformation.

  
  

6. Corrupting Worship

⏱️ 20:33–25:49

• Hophni and Phinehas corrupted the sacrificial system (1 Samuel 2:13–17).

• They violated Levitical law (Leviticus 7) by taking what was God's portion.

• Application: Are we reshaping God's Word to suit our preferences?

  
  

7. Spiritual Abuse and Stumbling Blocks

⏱️ 26:45–30:45

• They threatened worshipers to obtain sacrifices by force (1 Samuel 2:16).

• Sin was “very great in the Lord’s sight” (1 Samuel 2:17).

• Modern application: spiritual manipulation and abuse still happen in churches today.

  
  

8. Faithfulness in the Midst of Corruption

⏱️ 31:42–34:48

• Samuel’s faithful service contrasted with priestly corruption – 1 Samuel 2:18, 26.

• Even small acts (like taking out the trash) can minister to the Lord.

• God sees and honors quiet, faithful obedience.

  
  

9. Parental Responsibility and Spiritual Legacy

⏱️ 38:37–43:44

• Eli's failure to restrain his sons despite warnings (1 Samuel 2:22–25; 3:13).

• God rebukes Eli: “Why do you honor your sons more than me?”

• Application: Don’t compromise spiritual responsibility for approval.

  
  

10. The God Who Rescues

⏱️ 48:09–55:11

• Despite the corruption, Samuel grows in favor with God and people – 1 Samuel 2:26.

• Isaiah 55:6–7 – God desires to show mercy even to the wicked.

• God is still rescuing those who turn their hearts toward Him, no matter their past.

Scripture References

Word Study