1 Samuel 3 (Jared Berry)
Hearing God’s Voice
God chooses the unlikely. 1 Samuel 3: 1-7
The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord , where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord : The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 1 Samuel 3:1-7 NIV
The whole theme of the Gospel is that God chooses the unlikely.
God can use anyone He chooses. God can use you!
God communicates with the humble. (1 Samuel 3: 8-10)
A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord , for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:8-10
What Samuel had is available to you. God can speak to you.
God speaks through Scripture, other people, and His Spirit speaking directly to you.
God speaks because He wants to have a relationship with you.
God invites all of us to join Him on mission. We need to be listening.
God commissions through Christ. (1 Samuel 19)
The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. 1 Samuel 3:19
God invites you to minister to the people in your community. He wants to give you His power to be a part of His mission.
God wants to speak to you so that you can join Him on HIs mission.
God wants to speak to you to edify and encourage you.
It is a process to learn to hear the voice of God.
Position yourself to be in proximity to Jesus. Be with Jesus.
Test what you hear with Scripture.
Test it with people of wisdom.
Does it push you out of your comfort zone?
Does it help you love Jesus more?
Does it help others love Jesus more?
