“Samuel - Character Matters”
Carlo Serrano
February 13 and 16, 2025

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There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite,
a man of wealth. And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people
of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.

1 Samuel 9:1-2 (ESV)

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”

1 Samuel 15:22-23 (ESV)

Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul his son, “Take one of the young men with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys.” And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they passed through the land of Benjamin, but did not find them.

1 Samuel 9:3-4 (ESV)

When they came to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him,
“Come, let us go back, lest my father cease to care about the donkeys and become anxious about us.

1 Samuel 9:5 (ESV)

But he said to him, “Behold, there is a man of God in this city, and he is a man who is held in honor; all that he says comes true. So now let us go there. Perhaps he can tell us the way we should go.”

1 Samuel 9:6 (ESV)

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A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1 (ESV)

And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV)

Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James 1:21-22 (ESV)

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Questions & Application

These questions can be used for personal study and/or in a Small Group format. We’d love to hear how you are putting them to use, so let us know at smallgroups@manna.church!

1. Read the main Scripture(s) of the sermon. What are your observations?
   

2. What was your biggest takeaway from today’s message?
   

3. What about the sermon inspired, encouraged, or challenged you?
   

4. What insights do you have that you could share with someone else?
   

5. What action steps do you need to take to respond to the message?