The Driven Church

Study 3: 1 Samuel 2:27-36 : Trent Evans

It's not too late

In this study of 1 Samuel 2, we examine the sobering contrast between the faithfulness of young Samuel and the corruption of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Though they held priestly positions, these men had no intimacy with God—referred to in Hebrew as yada—and treated God’s offerings with contempt, leading others astray and defiling worship. Their failure, and Eli’s refusal to restrain them, invites God’s judgment and reminds us that spiritual downfall is never random; it is preceded by choices that dishonor God. In contrast, Samuel’s quiet and consistent service to the Lord, even in a spiritually toxic environment, reveals how God honors those who seek His heart. The study challenges us to evaluate whether we are reshaping God's Word to suit our preferences or submitting to it with reverence. Transformation flows from intimacy with God, not religious routine—and the faithful, like Samuel, will grow in favor with God and man, even when surrounded by failure.

 

 

 

Study 2: 1 Samuel 1: 21-28: Tent Evans

Walk the Walk

This study walks through 1 Samuel 1, highlighting the emotional and spiritual depth of Hannah’s story and what it teaches us about surrender, obedience, and trust in God. Through her anguish and prayer, Hannah models a posture of grace that doesn’t always look victorious on the outside but is deeply rooted in faith. Her vow to dedicate her future son to the Lord reveals a powerful intersection between personal desire and divine purpose—God was not only answering her cry but fulfilling His plan for Israel through Samuel. The study emphasizes that real worship is costly, obedience is often proven outside of public view, and trust in God is tested most when we have to let go. Ultimately, the story points us to God's faithfulness, the integrity of our commitments to Him, and how our lives can lead others to worship. This podcast invites listeners to dig deeper into Scripture with a heart ready to be challenged and changed by the Word.

 

Study 1: 1 Samuel: 1-20: Trent Evans

Heard by God

This study in the book of 1 Samuel, focuses not only on the historical transition from the era of judges to the rise of kings, but also on the spiritual transformation that occurs when God's people learn to trust His sovereignty and timing. Through the story of Hannah, we are invited to consider how personal heartache and unanswered prayers can shape us for God’s greater purpose. Her weeping, provocation, and eventual surrender reveal a powerful truth: God's delays are not His denials. As Hannah yields her desires to God’s will, we witness the beauty of transformation—from anguish to peace, from barrenness to life, and from personal longing to prophetic legacy. This study challenges listeners to evaluate how they respond to the struggles of others, and encourages a heart posture that aligns personal desires with God's purpose. Ultimately, the story reminds us that in seasons of silence and waiting, we are still heard by God.