Part 3: Eli

1 Samuel 2:12-25, 27-36

Welcome

Thank you for coming. Today we’re going to look at a story about leaders, influence, and the cost of compromise, and why faithfulness is always the right response.

Hook

Think about Carl Lentz, the famous pastor who fell from influence. People followed him because of charisma, reputation, and position, but compromise in his life had big consequences for himself and others. Leadership matters. Choices matter. What happens in private can have very public consequences.

Subject

The life of Eli teaches us that walking with God requires us to confront sin.

Need

Many of us struggle with compromise. We think small things don’t matter. We think no one is watching. But small compromises grow, especially in leadership. Faithfulness and obedience protect ourselves and those around us. Context:

Context

Eli was the high priest in Shiloh, responsible for leading God’s people. His sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were corrupt. They took offerings for themselves, dishonored God, and treated the Lord’s name with contempt. Eli knew what was happening but did not stop them. Compromise at the top allowed sin to grow unchecked. God warned Eli that judgment was coming but promised that a faithful priest would be raised to restore His people. The stage is set for a story that shows the danger of tolerating sin and the importance of faithfulness.

Text

12 The sons of Eli were worthless men; they did not know the Lord. 13 Now the priest’s duties toward the people included demanding a portion of the grain offerings, of all the sacrifices of the Israelites. Whenever anyone offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come while the meat was cooking. He would place the meat in his own pot, take for himself whatever he wanted. 14 So the man doing the sacrifice would say to the priest, “Give it to me, for the priest must not eat from my sacrifice, only from what the Lord commanded the priests to take.” But the priest would answer, “No! You must give it to me, or I will take it by force!” 15 The sin of the young men was very great in the Lord’s sight, for they treated the Lord’s offering with contempt. 16 Meanwhile, the sons of Israel would complain, “Why does the Lord’s priest allow the portions of the Lord’s offering to be eaten by his sons only? Why do they treat the Lord’s name with contempt?” 22 Eli replied to his sons, “Stop this! I hear about all these evil things from many people. Why do you continue to sin? You are not restraining yourselves. If a man sins against another man, God will mediate for him. But if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him?” His sons would not listen to him, for the Lord intended to kill them. 27 Then a man of God came to Eli and said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Did I not clearly reveal myself to the house of your father when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s palace? 28 I chose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer sacrifices on my altar, to burn incense, and to wear the ephod before me. I also gave my father’s house all the instruction for the Israelites. 29 Why do you kick at my sacrifices and my offering, which I commanded for my dwelling? Why do you honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves with the best of every offering from my people Israel?’ 30 Therefore, the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father’s house would minister before me forever.’ But now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me! For those who honor me, I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained. 31 I swear that the sin of your house will never be wiped out by sacrifice or offering.’” 35 The Lord will raise up a faithful priest to serve him, one who will act according to what is in God’s heart and mind. I will build him a sure house, and he will always serve before my anointed one. 36 Everyone who remains in your household will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread, saying, “Please give me a priestly blessing in honor of the Lord.” - 1 Samuel 2:12-25, 27-36 CSB

Big Idea

The life of Eli teaches us that walking with God requires us to confront sin.

Transitional Question

How does compromise start?

Points

1) Compromise Begins When Nobody Is Watching Verse: 1 Samuel 2:12-17 Eli knew his sons were sinning but hoped things would be okay. Compromise often starts small and private, but it can grow quickly if not addressed. 

Don’t tolerate sin in your life or leadership. 

Small compromises grow into big problems if left unchecked. 

Doing homework wrong when no one is watching seems harmless, but bad habits grow fast.

2) Compromise confuses God’s Delay with Denial Verse: 1 Samuel 2:30 God warned Eli repeatedly. His patience was not a sign of indifference or approval. 

Warnings from God are serious; ignoring them brings consequences. 

God’s timing is not denial—obedience protects you. 

Parents warn you not to play with fire. Ignoring it doesn’t make danger go away.

3) Compromise avoids hard conversations Verse: 1 Samuel 2:22-25 Sometimes loving someone means confronting them, even when it is uncomfortable. 

Don’t avoid tough conversations—they can protect others and honor God. 

Hard conversations are acts of love, not criticism. 

Telling a friend the truth when they’re doing wrong—hard, but loving.

4) Repentance Is Always the Right Response Verse: 1 Samuel 2:35-36 Repent

Choosing faithfulness honors God and protects others, even when it is hard. 

Faithfulness leaves a lasting legacy. Obeying God secures blessing for you and those around you.

Doing the right thing even when no one else does builds trust and sets an example.

Response

Where in your life are you tempted to compromise when nobody is watching? Who needs you to be faithful and speak truth today?