Faithful and Unfaithful Servants (1 Samuel 2:12-36) - 10/12/25

Intro

In this passage, we see two kinds of servants, both active in worship, but only one faithful before God. The contrast between Eli’s sons and Samuel reveals the difference between outward service and inward devotion.

Worthless and True Worship – vv. 12–21

• Eli’s sons were worthless men who did not know the Lord—marked by hypocrisy, greed, and corruption.

• Samuel served faithfully and humbly before the Lord.

• God cares more about the heart behind our worship than the actions themselves.
  

Warning and Blessing – vv. 22–26

• Eli’s sons sinned openly; Eli knew but failed to act.

• Samuel grew in favor with God and man.

• Ignoring sin leads to ruin. God blesses those who walk in obedience even when others compromise.
  

Judgment and Promise – vv. 27–36

• God rebuked Eli for honoring his sons above Him—judgment would fall on his house.

• Yet God promised to raise up a faithful priest, fulfilled in Zadok (1 Kings 2:35) and ultimately in Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest. Hebrews 7:25–28

• God’s holiness demands justice, but His grace provides a Savior—Christ, the faithful Priest who never fails.
  

The What Now

• God examines the heart of our worship—not just the form.

• He exposes what is worthless, blesses what is true, and fulfills His promise through Jesus Christ, our faithful Priest and eternal King.

• Let your worship flow from a heart devoted to Him alone.