Listening for God's Voice: Samuel's Call and Guidance
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound story of Samuel's calling and how it relates to our own journey in discerning God's voice. We began with a prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to transform the words spoken into a divine message. I shared a humorous anecdote about a pastor discerning a call to a new church, highlighting the complexities of understanding God's will in our lives. This set the stage for our main focus: the story of Samuel, a young boy serving under Eli, the high priest, during a time when the word of the Lord was rare and visions were infrequent.
Samuel's story is a powerful example of how God calls us, often in ways we do not immediately recognize. Samuel, a miracle child born to Hannah, was dedicated to the Lord's service. He was from the tribe of Levi, the last judge before the era of kings, and a Nazarite, consecrated to God's service. Despite his significant role, Samuel did not initially recognize God's voice. This is a common experience for many of us, as we often struggle to discern God's will amidst the noise of our daily lives.
As Samuel lay down in the temple, the Lord called him multiple times. Each time, Samuel ran to Eli, thinking it was he who called. Eli, realizing it was the Lord, instructed Samuel to respond, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." This moment of recognition and response is crucial. It teaches us the importance of being attentive and open to God's call, even when we do not initially understand it.
We discussed the importance of having godly mentors, like Eli, who can guide us in recognizing and responding to God's voice. Mentors play a vital role in our spiritual growth, helping us navigate our faith journey and discern God's calling. I encouraged everyone to seek out spiritual mentors and to be open to mentoring others, especially our youth, to build a strong foundation of faith for future generations.
We also explored the various ways God communicates with us, drawing from biblical examples and the teachings of Dallas Willard. God speaks through phenomena plus a voice, as with Moses and the burning bush; through supernatural messengers, like the angel who appeared to Mary; through dreams and visions, as experienced by many biblical figures; through an audible voice, as with Abraham and Isaac; and through the still small voice, as with Elijah. Each method underscores the importance of being in a relationship with God, as it is within this context that we can truly hear and understand His voice.
John Wesley's method of discerning God's voice was also highlighted. Wesley emphasized that God's voice will never contradict His holy word. He advocated for using scripture, tradition, reason, and experience to confirm whether what we hear is truly from God. This balanced approach helps us avoid being led astray by emotions or false teachings.
In closing, we reflected on the importance of being still and listening for God's voice. Often, we are too busy with our lives to hear Him. By slowing down and spending time in prayer and scripture, we open ourselves to the life-changing, faith-building messages God has for us. Samuel's story reminds us that God is always calling us, and our response should be, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."
### Key Takeaways
1. Discerning God's Will: Understanding God's will is often challenging and requires patience and prayer. Like Samuel, we may not immediately recognize God's voice, but through persistent seeking and the guidance of mentors, we can learn to discern His call. This process involves being open and attentive, even when God's voice comes in unexpected ways. [03:26]
2. The Role of Mentors: Having godly mentors is crucial in our spiritual journey. Mentors help us recognize and respond to God's voice, providing wisdom and guidance. They play a vital role in our growth and in helping us fulfill God's calling. Seek out mentors who exhibit strong faith and integrity, and be open to mentoring others, especially the younger generation. [08:55]
3. Methods of Divine Communication: God communicates with us in various ways, including through phenomena plus a voice, supernatural messengers, dreams and visions, an audible voice, and the still small voice. Understanding these methods helps us be more attuned to God's presence and guidance in our lives. Each method underscores the importance of a relationship with God. [19:52]
4. Wesley's Method of Discernment: John Wesley's approach to discerning God's voice involves using scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. This balanced method ensures that what we hear aligns with God's word and the teachings of the church. It helps us avoid being misled by emotions or false teachings, grounding our faith in a solid foundation. [27:29]
5. The Importance of Listening: Often, we are too busy to hear God's voice. By slowing down and spending time in prayer and scripture, we open ourselves to the life-changing messages God has for us. Samuel's story reminds us that God is always calling us, and our response should be, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." This requires a commitment to daily communion with God and an openness to His guidance. [33:54]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:36] - Samuel's Calling
[02:55] - Opening Prayer
[03:26] - Discerning God's Will
[04:02] - Samuel's Background
[06:00] - Samuel and Eli
[07:16] - Personal Testimony
[08:55] - Importance of Mentors
[10:48] - Responding to God's Call
[11:23] - The Power of Listening
[13:01] - God's Message to Samuel
[14:22] - Ears Tingling
[16:30] - Dallas Willard's Insights
[19:15] - The Mind of Christ
[19:52] - Methods of Divine Communication
[27:29] - Wesley's Method of Discernment
[30:46] - Reason and Faith
[33:54] - The Importance of Listening
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1 Samuel 3:1-21
### Observation Questions
1. What was Samuel's initial reaction when he heard the Lord calling him? How many times did this happen before Eli realized it was the Lord? ([00:36])
2. What specific instructions did Eli give Samuel once he realized it was the Lord calling? ([01:11])
3. How did Samuel respond when the Lord called him after Eli's guidance? ([01:11])
4. What was the message that the Lord gave to Samuel regarding Eli's house? ([01:50])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Samuel did not initially recognize the Lord's voice? What does this tell us about our own ability to discern God's voice? ([07:16])
2. How important was Eli's role in helping Samuel recognize and respond to God's call? What does this suggest about the role of mentors in our spiritual journey? ([08:16])
3. The sermon mentioned various ways God communicates with us, such as through phenomena, supernatural messengers, dreams, and the still small voice. How can understanding these methods help us be more attuned to God's presence and guidance in our lives? ([19:52])
4. John Wesley's method of discernment involves using scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. How can this balanced approach help us avoid being misled by emotions or false teachings? ([27:29])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to discern God's will in your life. What steps did you take to seek His guidance, and how did you eventually recognize His voice? ([04:02])
2. Do you have a spiritual mentor in your life? If not, what steps can you take to find one? If you do, how has this relationship helped you grow in your faith? ([08:55])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of listening for God's voice by slowing down and spending time in prayer and scripture. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to create more space for listening to God? ([11:23])
4. Think about the different ways God communicates with us. Which method do you feel most attuned to, and how can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God to better hear His voice? ([19:52])
5. John Wesley's method of discernment includes using scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. How can you incorporate this approach into your decision-making process to ensure you are following God's will? ([27:29])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of being still and listening for God's voice. What are some practical ways you can practice stillness and attentiveness in your spiritual life? ([33:54])
7. How can you be a mentor to someone else, especially the younger generation, to help them recognize and respond to God's call in their lives? What steps can you take to start this mentoring relationship? ([09:25])
Devotional
Day 1: Discerning God's Will
Understanding God's will is often challenging and requires patience and prayer. Like Samuel, we may not immediately recognize God's voice, but through persistent seeking and the guidance of mentors, we can learn to discern His call. This process involves being open and attentive, even when God's voice comes in unexpected ways. Samuel's story is a powerful example of how God calls us, often in ways we do not immediately recognize. Samuel, a miracle child born to Hannah, was dedicated to the Lord's service. He was from the tribe of Levi, the last judge before the era of kings, and a Nazarite, consecrated to God's service. Despite his significant role, Samuel did not initially recognize God's voice. This is a common experience for many of us, as we often struggle to discern God's will amidst the noise of our daily lives. [03:26]
1 Samuel 3:8-9 (ESV): "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. 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."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt uncertain about a decision. How can you seek God's guidance through prayer and the counsel of a trusted mentor today?
Day 2: The Role of Mentors
Having godly mentors is crucial in our spiritual journey. Mentors help us recognize and respond to God's voice, providing wisdom and guidance. They play a vital role in our growth and in helping us fulfill God's calling. Seek out mentors who exhibit strong faith and integrity, and be open to mentoring others, especially the younger generation. We discussed the importance of having godly mentors, like Eli, who can guide us in recognizing and responding to God's voice. Mentors play a vital role in our spiritual growth, helping us navigate our faith journey and discern God's calling. I encouraged everyone to seek out spiritual mentors and to be open to mentoring others, especially our youth, to build a strong foundation of faith for future generations. [08:55]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who has been a spiritual mentor to you. How can you express your gratitude to them this week, and how can you be a mentor to someone else?
Day 3: Methods of Divine Communication
God communicates with us in various ways, including through phenomena plus a voice, supernatural messengers, dreams and visions, an audible voice, and the still small voice. Understanding these methods helps us be more attuned to God's presence and guidance in our lives. Each method underscores the importance of a relationship with God. We also explored the various ways God communicates with us, drawing from biblical examples and the teachings of Dallas Willard. God speaks through phenomena plus a voice, as with Moses and the burning bush; through supernatural messengers, like the angel who appeared to Mary; through dreams and visions, as experienced by many biblical figures; through an audible voice, as with Abraham and Isaac; and through the still small voice, as with Elijah. [19:52]
Job 33:14-16 (ESV): "For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds, then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings."
Reflection: Reflect on the different ways God has communicated with you in the past. How can you be more attentive to His voice in your daily life?
Day 4: Wesley's Method of Discernment
John Wesley's approach to discerning God's voice involves using scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. This balanced method ensures that what we hear aligns with God's word and the teachings of the church. It helps us avoid being misled by emotions or false teachings, grounding our faith in a solid foundation. Wesley emphasized that God's voice will never contradict His holy word. He advocated for using scripture, tradition, reason, and experience to confirm whether what we hear is truly from God. This balanced approach helps us avoid being led astray by emotions or false teachings. [27:29]
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (ESV): "But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."
Reflection: Think about a recent decision or situation where you sought God's guidance. How can you apply Wesley's method of using scripture, tradition, reason, and experience to discern God's will in this situation?
Day 5: The Importance of Listening
Often, we are too busy to hear God's voice. By slowing down and spending time in prayer and scripture, we open ourselves to the life-changing messages God has for us. Samuel's story reminds us that God is always calling us, and our response should be, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." This requires a commitment to daily communion with God and an openness to His guidance. In closing, we reflected on the importance of being still and listening for God's voice. Often, we are too busy with our lives to hear Him. By slowing down and spending time in prayer and scripture, we open ourselves to the life-changing, faith-building messages God has for us. [33:54]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: Set aside a specific time today to be still and listen for God's voice. What distractions can you eliminate to make this time more meaningful?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If we would just simply slow down a minute and listen, we would hear some pretty amazing things from God. Life-changing, faith-building, kingdom-shaking things that God desires that we would hear from Him. But most often we simply don't listen long enough. We don't listen long enough to hear." [11:23]
2. "Now, if I think there's one thing that we've lost in our modern era, that is an absolute reverence for the holiness of God. We've actually turned God into our BFF. For you older people, that's best friend forever. For you younger people, that's best friend forever. I'm probably dated when I said that. That was more my kids' generation. But there's this idea that we've turned God into our best friend and there's no righteousness to that. There's no holiness. There's no reverence before God." [20:18]
3. "It's not wrong to be emotional. It is not wrong to be emotional. But when our emotions run the whole show, everything else falls apart. When we're listening and trying to hear God's voice in our life, we can rest assured that His revelation will come to us if we're consistent with our Scripture, if it's consistent in line with traditions of the church, if it's reasonable, and if it's tied to our own experience." [33:54]
4. "I cannot tell you how many people I've heard that say, well, I think I'm an atheist. I've never heard from God. Okay, are you trying to hear from God? Because if you've decided there is no God, you're not looking for God. You're never going to find God. However, if you're open to the possibility there might be a God, then it's about a relationship with God. And once you start down that path, you're going to start hearing God." [16:54]
5. "The primary way we hear God is through His word. The scriptures reveal God to us. Amen. Willard says the primary manner of communication for God to humankind is the word of God or God's speaking. The Bible itself is God's speaking preserved in written form. We discern what God wants by being and having the mind of Christ." [18:40]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We have the mind of Christ through the revelation of scripture via the Holy Spirit. And when we think like Christ, it's easy to discern God's voice because we see the direction that God is leading us. We're in tune with God's motives. Willard suggests that there are actually six biblical examples of how people heard God and how that transpired. And if we look at the first one, it's a phenomenon plus a voice. Think about Moses and the burning bush. He's out tending the flock, taking care of business. Bush is on fire. He's like, oh, the bush is on fire. The bush is on fire. But then he realizes it's not being consumed. That's supernatural. Whoa, what's going on? So Moses walks closer, right? God grabs his attention. He calls to Moses. And Moses responds. How does he respond? Anybody know? Here I am." [19:15]
2. "What I love about our Wesleyan roots is that Wesley held that reason and religion went hand in hand. We have to be reasonable. He stated it's a fundamental principle with us that to renounce reason is to renounce religion and that all irrational religion is a false religion. But Wesley also found limitations to using reason. He held that reason should never override one's faith. Reason is an important principle. It's an important component to understanding theology, but it's not sufficient to understanding divine truths that are well beyond our capabilities." [30:46]
3. "When a person experiences a vision, a dream, or the working of the Holy Spirit, then that experience can be confirmed throughout Scripture. If that experience is consistent with what Scripture presents us with, then Wesley deemed it to be a true experience. Wesley believed in miracles, but he still maintained that miracles could not supersede Scripture. Therefore, if a miracle was not confirmed against Scripture, it was seen as unhealthy. This is literally why we don't go on just emotions alone to shape our faith because emotions is why we have people mentally breaking down now over politics." [32:03]
4. "The final method most people hear from God through is the still small voice or their inner voice. We all get that. The Holy Spirit leads us and moves us. We're trying to make a decision and the Holy Spirit just gives us comfort and peace and pushes us in a direction. The great biblical example of why this is important is the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 18. If you remember, Jezebel had had all the prophets killed. He's hiding out, trying to protect his own skin. He's crying out to God, you know, bring down, you know, destroy them all. You know, he's in the midst of this. And so God has him stand on this mountaintop and he brings a mighty wind. Think of like a tornado. Coming through just this mighty wind, but there's no voice of God with it. No booming voice of God." [25:28]
5. "And so Samuel goes, and he lies down, and he gets prepared. How important is it for us to have godly mentors in our life? People who point us in the right direction. People who help us to recognize the voice of God when God speaks to us. Mentors are so important to help us grow in our faith, but also into the callings that God has for us. If you don't have a spiritual mentor, I want to challenge you to find a spiritual mentor. Find someone in the faith that is strong and you can see in them. Take them out to have coffee or something. Get to know them. Have a lunch." [08:55]
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