Sermon Notes 22 Feb 2026
Eli: A Corrupt Priesthood
1 Sam 2:12-36
The Story so Far …
Behaving Badly: Whose boys are these? (2:12-26)
- Who’s “worthless” now? (2:11, cf. 1:16)
- Thrust and Take: “take for himself …” (2:14); “take it by force …” (2:16)
- Growing Great: in Sin (2:17) or in the Favour of God and Man (2:21, 26)
Receiving Bad News: Didn’t I reveal myself to your father’s house? (2:27-36)
- Who’s the man of God now? (2:27)
- Cut off: “the strength of your father’s house …” (2:31)
- Reversal: Who’s sad and not eating now? (1:7; 2:5; 2:36)
God is (Still) Working …
Questions for Reflection & Discussion:
- Our text (2:11-36) presents some key words or themes that recur in the account of Eli’s sons. Some examples: “son” and “father;” “hear;” and things related to eating and food. Have you seen any of these words or themes earlier in chapter 1-2?
- The house of Eli behaved badly in their ministry. What kind of character traits should we look for in Christians serving in any kind of ministry?
- What might be some of the reasons why a Christian (especially a leader) falls into sin? How do we help each other avoid such situations, or recover from them?
- We often look for God’s activity in the dramatic or the showy. But is God working in quiet ways in your life right now?
