The Lord Calls Samuel
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Why is it sometimes risky to be honest with another person?
What do you think the significance of vs. 1 is? (v. 1)
The word “word” used here is “dabar” (daw-bawr’). It references a spoken word, but it is more than that. It literally means a word of action.
We all know that God’s Word has power. In this sense, it is saying that “in those days” the powerful word of God that brought forth action “was rare”.
This places emphasis on the work of Samuel and proves that God’s hand is upon him.
How would you describe Samuel’s relationship to Eli? (v. 4-5)
Samuel was a dedicated servant of Eli. When he heard the voice of God, thinking it was Eli, he instantly rushed to his aid. Eli was also old and almost blind. It was natural to think that it was Eli calling for him.
What is the significance of this information and what does it teach us of God? (v. 7)
Samuel, being a boy, still had not had a personal encounter with God yet. Though he was raised to know his purpose, it had still not become personal yet. The powerful word of God had yet to come unto him.
God calls unto those who do not know Him. Samuel has been raised to know his Godly purpose, dwells in the house of the Lord, serves in the house of the Lord, and is taught by a man of God, yet he still does not know God.
The relationship between man and God must be made personal. It must be a conscience decision of each individual to follow God, but God must take the first step in creating a relationship between us and Him. Without His revelation unto us of who He is, how can we know Him?
How did Eli instruct Samuel to react to the voice he heard? (v. 9)
“Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.”
He tells Samuel to engage with the voice he hears for it is the voice of God. Not only must we acknowledge the voice of God, we must acknowledge our position unto God....”Thy Servant”.
God loves us. God wants us to be in relationship with Him. But.....God is still God and should be reverenced as such.
What can we learn about Eli and God in this verse? (v. 13)
Eli plainly chose his sons over God. Eli forgot how blessed he was to be chosen to serve God, and allowed his love for worldly things to overshadow his love for a heavenly Father.
God is gracious. God graciously chose Eli to represent Him in the temple. He gave Eli His favor for many years and blessed him. But....God will only tolerate willingful sin against Him for so long, especially from those who have been chosen to operate in spiritual authority.
28 And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ”
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.
15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,
24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.
How does Samuel react to the news of what God has said? (v. 15)
He was afraid to tell Eli the news.
What evidence was given of God’s Calling upon Samuel? (v. 19-20)
Samuel’s words did not fail. Whatever he spoke....happened.
What do we learn about the “Calling to ministry” from this text?
It comes to normal people. God chooses the individual and graciously allows that individual to serve Him.
God expects faithfulness within His calling.
God will be patient as we learn to follow Him, but He will only tolerate willingful sin for so long.
God will have His hand upon those who follow Him faithfully so that others can see His favor upon that individual.