Listening for God’s Voice
When God Speaks, Part 1
Anthony Fusco
Part of Small Groups—Questions
January 5, 2025

OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE

Prior to group, get a better understanding of the overall biblical text with these resources.

Main Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:4-20

Introduction to 1 Samuel: Click here for a brief summary of the book of 1 Samuel.

KNOW

Allow these questions to help you better understand what Scripture says contextually.

As we come to the events Pastor Anthony focused on this week from 1 Samuel 3, we find that Samuel was tasked with delivering a message of the Lord’s forthcoming judgment and removal of favor toward Eli and his family. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the background events that led to this particular point:

  • Read 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 29. What egregious sin did Eli’s sons commit here, and how was Eli himself a participant in this particular sin?
  • In 1 Samuel 2:22-24, Eli rightfully rebuked his sons for an additional sin that they were committing, yet he did not address their initial wrongdoing, and he even continued to participate in it himself.
    • Why was their transgression regarding the sacrifices so offensive to God, and what does it teach us about what God values within us? Reference 1 Samuel 2:30, 35.
    • What do these sins reveal about the hearts of Eli’s sons? Reference the latter half of 1 Samuel 2:12 as well as vs 25.
    • God clearly did not take Eli’s inaction towards his sons lightly (1 Samuel 3:13). What can we learn from this example regarding how seriously God views sin?

Now that we have some understanding regarding the state of the priesthood during the time that Samuel was first called? Reference the following verses and summarize why “the word of the Lord was rare in those days” (vs. 1):

  • Judges 2:10, Judges 17:6, and 1 Samuel 8:7-8
  • Do you see any similarities between the behavior of the people during the time of the judges and our society today? What can we learn from this?

GROW

These questions are geared towards the application of Scripture and Sunday’s message.

Have you ever desired to hear God’s audible and personalized voice as opposed to what you read in His Word?

Why do you think Samuel was afraid to tell Eli what the Lord had said (1 Samuel 3:15)?

  • Have you ever felt a prompting from God to do something but struggled to obey? What held you back?
  • Similarly, have you ever been in a position where you had to do the “hard thing” in order to be obedient? How did this turn out for you?
  • Samuel obeyed God without fully knowing what his future would hold. Have you ever had to trust God without knowing all the details? How did it turn out?
  • How do we graciously and biblically handle obeying God and sharing truth even when there’s fear and the potential to offend? Reference 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 4:3-5, and Acts 20:27.
  • Samuel obeyed God’s voice despite potential fear or discomfort. Can you share an experience where obeying God’s leading was challenging but ultimately rewarding?
  • What are some obstacles that prevent us from listening to and obeying God’s voice? Consider your relationships, habits, workplace environment, etc. How can we overcome them?

Samuel was a young boy when he heard the voice of God calling to him.

  • Have you ever felt incapable of hearing from God? Why do you think that is?
  • How does the story of Samuel challenge our understanding of spiritual maturity, given that he was only about 12 years old when God first spoke to him?

Today’s message mentioned three ways God speaks: through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, and Psalm 119:105), His Spirit (John 14:16-17, John 16:13-15, and John 14:26), and His people (Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 15:22, and Proverbs 19:20-21).

  • Which of these do you find easiest to recognize? Which is most challenging?
  • What is the difference between passive reading of the Word of God and active seeking and listening to the voice of the Lord?
  • How do you typically discern God’s voice in your life? What practices have you found helpful?

As you reflect on today’s message.

  • Have you ever been so comfortable in your circumstances that you stopped listening for the leading voice of the Lord? Maybe without even realizing it?
  • What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we’re not just hearing God’s voice but also obeying it, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging?
  • How can we ensure that what we believe we’re hearing from God aligns with His character and Word?

GO

Take a next step and put your faith into action!

In what areas of your life do you feel God might be speaking or leading you right now? What’s one step you can take this week to obey His voice?

As we head into a new year, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Am I listening FOR the voice of God?
  • Am I listening TO the voice of God?
  • Am I listening in order to OBEY the voice of God in my life?

Are you, like Samuel, willing to say to the Lord, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

  • What would this look like for you from a practical standpoint to say, and what can you do to prepare your heart and mind to listen and follow?

PRAYER

Pray for one another and bring your requests to God.

Prayer Prompt:
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)

  • Pray this for the church, exactly as worded.
  • Pray this for yourself, making it personal.

Prayer Team:
Interested in praying with and for others. Learn more by reaching out to us through prayer@nwbible.org.

Small Group Prayer Requests: Take some time to gather prayer requests from the group. Have someone write these down to see how God moves and answers prayer.