Samuel 1-2

Hearing the Whisper of God: Lessons from Samuel

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 1:1-28, 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Summary: The story of Samuel encompasses his miraculous birth, the faith of his mother Hannah, and God's call on his life, highlighting the importance of listening and responding to God's voice.

Application: This sermon will encourage adults to be receptive to God's calling in their lives, emphasizing the need for prayerfulness and faithfulness even amid struggles. It will remind them that God often whispers His plans softly and requires us to lean in to hear.

Teaching: The sermon aims to teach that God's plans often come through faithful prayer and that He is attentive to our cries. It also illustrates the importance of dedicating ourselves and our children to the Lord's service, as seen in Hannah's actions with Samuel.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme points to Christ in that Samuel's role as a prophet and judge foreshadows the ultimate Prophet, Jesus Christ, who would fully reveal God's will and serve as the mediator between God and humanity.

Big Idea: God desires to speak to us, but we must cultivate a heart that listens and responds to His calling through prayer and dedication.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider delving into the historical context of Samuel's time using your Logos library, particularly how the Judges period impacts the narrative. Investigate the text-critical issues surrounding Hannah's song and its implications for worship. Analyze various translations of 1 Samuel 2:1-10 to better understand the nuances in Hannah's declaration of God's character.

1. Cry Out in Faith

1 Samuel 1:1-11

Perhaps you could explore the desperate situation Hannah finds herself in, her deep distress, and her earnest prayer to God. This teaches us about crying out in our struggles with faithfulness, trusting that God hears us. By drawing a parallel to Jesus, who often retreated to pray in solitude, we see how critical it is to lean in and listen for God's whisper in moments of anguish and hopelessness.

2. Cling to God's Promises

1 Samuel 1:12-20

You could discuss how Hannah's prayer is answered, contrasting her former hopelessness with her joy in receiving God's promised child. This transition illustrates the faithfulness of God to hear and answer our prayers, corresponding to the ultimate joy found in Christ, who fulfills God's promises to us. It reminds us to remain prayerful and hopeful, knowing God is attentive and acts in His timing.

3. Commit to God's Purpose

1 Samuel 1:21-28

Maybe you can emphasize Hannah's vow and her faithfulness in dedicating Samuel to the Lord. This act of dedication is a powerful testament to trusting God's plans over our own. Relate this to Jesus' dedication to His Father’s will, even unto death, urging us to offer ourselves and our families to serve God's purposes with similar commitment.

4. Celebrate God's Sovereignty

1 Samuel 2:1-10

Perhaps reflect on Hannah's song of thanksgiving and praise, focusing on God's sovereign power and justice. This passage highlights His control and care over life's situations, a foretelling of Christ's ultimate reign and victory. It challenges us to live with thankful hearts, acknowledging God’s provision and sovereignty, and trusting in His overarching plan for us, just as Christ trusted His Father’s plan.