The Voice of Hope

1 Samuel 3:1-21
Darrin Mariott, Lead Pastor

Big Idea: We grow in godly wisdom and knowledge when we learn to distinguish God’s voice from the noise around us.
1 Samuel 3:1-21
1 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. 2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. 6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 11 Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 13 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. 14 Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” 15 Samuel lay until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. 16 But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” And he said, “Here I am.” 17 And Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.” 18 So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him.” 19 And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord. 21 And the Lord appeared again at Shiloh, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the Lord.

I. The Importance of God’s Word (v. 1,21)

A. Samuel is still young at this point (in his early teens), but he has matured to the point that God calls on him. If Samuel is to fulfill God’s prophetic call on his life, then he must learn to recognize God’s voice and to respond in obedience

B. We see the importance of God’s Word:

1. Individually (vv. 7-9; cf. Ps. 119:9-11, 105)
Psalm 119:9-11, 105
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you;let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart,that I might not sin against you.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feetand a light to my path.

2. Corporately (vv. 1, 21; cf. 1 Tim. 4:13) - A lack of Biblical guidance means a lack of Biblical leadership.
1 Timothy 4:13
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

C. Though he is young, Samuel has tremendous integrity and maturity, but this is not enough if he is to lead God’s people. He must also be rooted in God’s Word and be obedient to it (cf. 2 Tim. 3:14-17)
2 Timothy 3:14-17
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

II. The Impact of God’s Word (vv. 7-12, 19-21)

II. The Purpose of Correction (vv. 32, 35-36)

A. Samuel was clearly impacted by this encounter with the Lord and from this point forward, he would speak with a prophetic voice to the nation of Israel, starting with a confirmation of the prophecy of judgment against Eli’s house (vv. 10-14; see 2:27-36).

B. We see the impact of God’s Word in that it:

1. Informs us - Of God’s nature, character, and plan of salvation through Messiah Jesus.

2. Transforms us - God’s Word changes us and conforms us into the image of Christ (cf. Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Thes. 2:13).
Romans 12:1-2
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

1 Thessalonians 2:13
13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

C. How do we initiate God’s Word in our lives?

1. Hearing God’s voice means that we are willing to listen and obey (vv. 15-18).

2. We need to put our trust in God just as Samuel did (vv. 19-21; cf. Heb. 11:6).
Hebrew 11:6
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
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