THE FAITH EPIDEMIC

• Dramatic drop-off between youth group and college
• Barna research: churches mustn’t usurp role of family
• Survey: ‘most significant religious influence’ Mom & Dad

A GIFT, NOT TAKEN FOR GRANTED

• Challenges of begetting remind us a baby is a great gift
• Hannah suffered greatly due to childless condition (1:6,10,15f)
• Praise that God mercifully granted her request (1:19f; 2:5-8; Gen 21:1, 30:22)

POTENTIAL TO IMPACT THE FUTURE

• Contrast between Eli’s wicked sons and faithful Samuel (2:17f, 25f)
• US President overcame difficulties from humble beginnings

REALIZE WE NEED TO ASK GOD’S HELP

• Even the best parenting no guarantee of desired results
• Appeal to God to impact child’s heart (2Cor 4:6)
• Samuel’s name indicates both ‘asked of God’ and given back to Him (1:20, 27f)

GOD BLESSES THOSE WHO COME TO HIM WITH CHILD-LIKE FAITH

• Helpless passivity of infants a picture of our lost condition before salvation (Rom 6:16,23)
• God responded to Hannah’s simple trust when deeply troubled (1:15)
• Jesus insisted Kingdom of God belongs to those like children brought for blessing (Mk 10:14f)

T.R.A.I.N. UP YOUR CHILD 

• Time: car, sick, bed, meal, vacation, memory-making, one-on-one
• Repetition
• Acceptance (you’re not perfect, either!)
• Intentionality: don’t give up despite apparent failures
• Never ending: keeping on through generations