How can we apply the lessons of 1 Samuel 2:15 in our church today? Setting the Scene “Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was offering a sacrifice, ‘Give the priest meat to roast, for he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.’” (1 Samuel 2:15) What Went Wrong in Shiloh • God’s law required the fat to be offered first (Leviticus 3:16). • Eli’s sons wanted what they wanted, when they wanted it. • Worshipers were pressured; holy offerings became a marketplace transaction. • The text shows blatant contempt for God’s instructions—sin wrapped in religious garb. Heart Lessons Exposed • Misusing spiritual authority for personal gain dishonors the Lord (Malachi 1:6–8). • Convenience culture creeps into worship when leaders stop trembling at God’s Word. • When appetite rules, reverence fades (Philippians 3:19). • Complicity is contagious; servants assisted the sin instead of resisting it. Echoes Across Scripture • “Shepherd the flock of God…not for dishonest gain, but eagerly” (1 Peter 5:2–3). • “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated words” (2 Peter 2:3). • Ananias and Sapphira show the New-Testament seriousness of offering deceit (Acts 5:1-11). • Proper support for ministers is biblical (1 Corinthians 9:13-14), but exploitation is not. Modern Parallels in Church Life • Manipulative fund-raising tactics that pressure givers. • Celebrity leadership that treats members as a revenue stream. • Cutting corners in worship for entertainment value instead of God’s glory. • Ministry budgets that swell personal lifestyles rather than gospel outreach. • Tolerating moral compromise because “numbers are up” or “giving is strong.” Practical Steps for Today Personal level – Cultivate awe: read passages on God’s holiness (Isaiah 6; Revelation 4) before serving. – Check motives: ask, “Would I still serve or give if no one noticed?” (Matthew 6:1-4). – Guard appetites: fasting disciplines the flesh so worship stays God-centered. Leadership level – Teach the whole counsel of God, including hard texts on greed and judgment. – Set transparent financial practices; publish budgets and salary ranges. – Establish plurality and accountability (Proverbs 15:22). Congregational level – Celebrate sacrificial, not showy, giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). – Encourage whistle-blowing when abuse appears; silence protects sin. – Pray for leaders to shepherd willingly, “examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). Encouragement to Faithfulness God noticed the hidden theft in Shiloh, and He still notices faithfulness in the local church. “For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name” (Hebrews 6:10). Stay reverent, stay transparent, and keep worship centered on Him alone. |
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