Listening to God's Voice: Lessons from Samuel and David
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! Today, we celebrate the presence of our sixth graders who have graduated from Open Door Kids and are now joining us in the main service. It's a joy to see families worshiping together, and I encourage parents not to stress about their kids being kids during the service. We are continuing our series, "Prophets, Priests, and Kings," and today, we delve into the relationship between Samuel and David, and how their lives impact us today.
We began by reading Psalm 23, a beautiful reminder of God's provision and protection. This Psalm, often attributed to David, was likely written during a time when he was fleeing from King Saul. David's story is deeply intertwined with Samuel, who was raised by the priest Eli and ministered to God even as a young boy. This highlights that no matter our age, God has a purpose and plan for each of us.
We explored 1 Samuel 3, where young Samuel hears God's voice for the first time. Despite his initial confusion, Samuel's obedience to God's call sets the stage for his future as a prophet. Eli, recognizing that God was speaking to Samuel, guided him to respond, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." This story underscores the importance of being attentive to God's voice and the role of mentors in our spiritual journey.
Samuel's obedience and faithfulness were pivotal in the transition from Eli to David. Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel, but Saul's disobedience led to his downfall. God then directed Samuel to anoint David, a man after God's own heart, as the next king. Despite his youth and humble beginnings, David's heart for God made him the chosen one.
We also discussed the generational impact of our obedience to God. Samuel's faithfulness and David's heart for God ultimately ushered in the lineage of Jesus. Our actions and obedience today can have profound effects on future generations.
Finally, we took a moment to practice hearing God's voice. Whether through scripture, nature, or quiet reflection, God speaks to us in various ways. I encouraged everyone to write down what they felt God was saying to them and to share it with others for encouragement and accountability.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Speaks to All Ages: No matter your age, God has a purpose and plan for you. Samuel ministered to God as a young boy, showing that God can use anyone willing to listen and obey. This encourages us to nurture the spiritual growth of our children and recognize their potential in God's kingdom. [45:50]
2. Obedience Builds Confidence: Samuel's consistent obedience to God's voice built his confidence in God. Each act of obedience strengthens our faith and trust in God's plan, even when His instructions are challenging or unclear. This principle is vital for our spiritual growth and resilience. [55:09]
3. Lifelong Learning from God: We never outgrow our need to learn from God. Samuel, despite his experience, continued to learn and be guided by God. This humility and openness to God's teaching are essential for our spiritual maturity and effectiveness in His service. [59:11]
4. Generational Impact of Obedience: Our obedience to God carries generational impact. Samuel's faithfulness and David's heart for God led to the lineage of Jesus. Our actions today can influence future generations, encouraging us to live faithfully and obediently. [01:03:46]
5. Practical Steps to Hear God: Hearing God's voice requires intentionality. Whether through scripture, nature, or quiet reflection, we must create space to listen. Writing down what we believe God is saying and sharing it with others can provide clarity and encouragement. [01:09:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[40:24] - Introduction of Graduated Kids
[41:12] - Series Overview
[41:59] - Importance of Regulating Information
[43:01] - Reading Psalm 23
[43:54] - Reflection on Psalm 23
[44:50] - Humanity of Biblical Figures
[45:50] - Samuel's Early Ministry
[46:55] - Samuel Hears God's Voice
[47:33] - Parental Anecdote
[48:08] - Importance of Sleep
[49:09] - Story of Dalton
[51:39] - Eli Recognizes God's Call
[52:08] - God's Message to Samuel
[53:39] - The Voice of God as Protection
[55:09] - Obedience Builds Confidence
[56:41] - Samuel Anoints David
[58:11] - God Looks at the Heart
[59:11] - Lifelong Learning from God
[01:03:46] - Generational Impact of Obedience
[01:09:17] - Practical Steps to Hear God
[01:18:37] - Communion
[01:19:38] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
2. 1 Samuel 3:1-14: "Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the Lord by assisting Eli. Now in those days, messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon. One night Eli, who was almost blind by now, had gone to bed. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God. Suddenly the Lord called out, 'Samuel!' 'Yes?' Samuel replied. 'What is it?' He got up and ran to Eli. 'Here I am. Did you call me?' 'I didn’t call you,' Eli replied. 'Go back to bed.' So he did. Then the Lord called out again, 'Samuel!' Again Samuel got up and went to Eli. 'Here I am. Did you call me?' 'I didn’t call you, my son,' Eli said. 'Go back to bed.' Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before. So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. 'Here I am. Did you call me?' Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy. So he said to Samuel, 'Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening."' So Samuel went back to bed. And the Lord came and called as before, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel replied, 'Speak, your servant is listening.' Then the Lord said to Samuel, 'I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel. I am going to carry out all my threats against Eli and his family, from beginning to end. I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them. So I have vowed that the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings.'"
3. 1 Samuel 16:7: "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Samuel's initial reaction when he heard God's voice for the first time? How did Eli help him understand what was happening? ([46:55])
2. According to Psalm 23, what are some ways God provides and protects us? ([43:01])
3. How did Samuel's obedience to God's voice impact his confidence and faith? ([55:09])
4. What was God's message to Samuel regarding Eli and his family? ([52:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that God speaks to people of all ages, as seen in Samuel's story? How does this challenge our views on who can be used by God? ([45:50])
2. How does Samuel's consistent obedience to God build his confidence in God's plan, even when the instructions are challenging or unclear? ([55:09])
3. What does it mean that "the Lord looks at the heart" rather than outward appearances, and how does this apply to our daily lives? ([58:41])
4. How can our obedience to God have a generational impact, as seen in the lives of Samuel and David? ([01:03:46])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you be more attentive to God's voice in the future? ([46:55])
2. Psalm 23 describes various ways God provides and protects us. Which aspect of God's provision or protection do you need to trust in more right now, and why? ([43:01])
3. Samuel's obedience built his confidence in God. What is one area in your life where you need to step out in obedience to build your faith? ([55:09])
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of mentors in our spiritual journey. Who has been a mentor in your life, and how have they helped you grow spiritually? How can you be a mentor to someone else? ([51:39])
5. Considering that God looks at the heart, what steps can you take to focus more on your inner character rather than outward appearances? ([58:41])
6. How can you create intentional space in your daily routine to hear God's voice, whether through scripture, nature, or quiet reflection? ([01:09:17])
7. Reflect on the generational impact of your actions. What is one way you can live more faithfully and obediently to positively influence future generations? ([01:03:46])
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Purpose for All Ages
Description:
God's purpose and plan extend to all ages, as demonstrated by Samuel's early ministry. Samuel ministered to God even as a young boy, showing that age is not a barrier to being used by God. This encourages us to nurture the spiritual growth of our children and recognize their potential in God's kingdom. Samuel's story reminds us that God can use anyone willing to listen and obey, regardless of their age. This is a powerful reminder for parents and guardians to foster an environment where children can grow spiritually and be attentive to God's voice. [45:50]
Bible passage:
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you encourage and nurture the spiritual growth of the children in your life today? What steps can you take to help them recognize and respond to God's voice?
Day 2: Obedience Builds Confidence
Description:
Samuel's consistent obedience to God's voice built his confidence in God. Each act of obedience strengthens our faith and trust in God's plan, even when His instructions are challenging or unclear. This principle is vital for our spiritual growth and resilience. Samuel's journey from hearing God's voice for the first time to becoming a prophet shows that obedience is a process that builds our confidence in God's guidance. As we obey, we learn to trust God more deeply, knowing that He is faithful and His plans are for our good. [55:09]
Bible passage:
"And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground." (1 Samuel 3:19, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a recent situation where you felt God was guiding you. How did your obedience or lack thereof impact your confidence in God's plan? What can you do to strengthen your obedience to God in future situations?
Day 3: Lifelong Learning from God
Description:
We never outgrow our need to learn from God. Samuel, despite his experience, continued to learn and be guided by God. This humility and openness to God's teaching are essential for our spiritual maturity and effectiveness in His service. Samuel's life exemplifies that no matter how much we know or how long we have walked with God, there is always more to learn. This attitude of lifelong learning keeps us humble and dependent on God, ensuring that we remain effective in our service to Him. [59:11]
Bible passage:
"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!" (Psalm 143:10, ESV)
Reflection:
In what areas of your life do you need to adopt a posture of learning from God? How can you remain open and humble to His guidance, even in areas where you feel experienced?
Day 4: Generational Impact of Obedience
Description:
Our obedience to God carries generational impact. Samuel's faithfulness and David's heart for God led to the lineage of Jesus. Our actions today can influence future generations, encouraging us to live faithfully and obediently. The story of Samuel and David shows that our faithfulness to God can have far-reaching effects beyond our lifetime. This perspective encourages us to consider the legacy we are leaving and to live in a way that honors God and impacts future generations positively. [01:03:46]
Bible passage:
"But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments." (Psalm 103:17-18, ESV)
Reflection:
How can your obedience to God today impact future generations? What specific actions can you take to ensure that your faithfulness leaves a positive legacy for those who come after you?
Day 5: Practical Steps to Hear God
Description:
Hearing God's voice requires intentionality. Whether through scripture, nature, or quiet reflection, we must create space to listen. Writing down what we believe God is saying and sharing it with others can provide clarity and encouragement. This practice helps us to be more attentive to God's voice and to discern His guidance in our lives. By being intentional about creating space to hear from God, we can grow in our relationship with Him and be more effective in following His will. [01:09:17]
Bible passage:
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10, ESV)
Reflection:
What specific steps can you take today to create space to hear God's voice? How can you incorporate practices like journaling or sharing with others to help discern and follow His guidance?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I think it's really important in the day and time that we're living in to try to regulate what we're taking in. As far as information, what we're hearing, what we allow to touch our soul. There's so much that we don't have control over. From the minute that our eyes open, through we go throughout our day, it's like we're being bombarded with information." [41:59] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The voice of God is the path and protection for our lives. God's voice is the path and protection for our lives. Man, God was speaking and he had spoken to Eli and he was speaking to Samuel giving them a way. Giving them a path. Giving them that rod and staff that we talk about. In Psalm 23, of protection and provision for their lives." [53:39] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our obedience to God builds our confidence in God. And Samuel because he time and time again gave words and then saw the Lord came through he grew in confidence. He grew in hope. Man, sometimes when we hear the voice of the Lord, are you somebody that when you hear God say something you just immediately question it?" [55:09] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our obedience to God carries with it generational impact. And when I was thinking about this and thinking about my life and my family and those who have gone before me and you know my parents have beautiful hard stories. My mom's story is she comes from a long line of amazing people that loved the Lord and worked hard and she came from a line of brokenness." [01:03:46] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The thing about obedience is the more you're obedient, the easier it is to be obedient. Right? The more that you say yes and say yes quickly, the easier it is to be obedient. But when we feel like we hear God or something that we're doing doesn't align with what we know the word of God is, truth. When we start being human and questioning those things, we allow the enemy to try to bring doubt and pull us away from what truth is." [01:07:46] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I've been thinking a lot. I've been praying about who God uses to be His prophets, His voice to people, His priests to minister to Him, and the kings who helped bring order and set precedent. And they were real people who lived very real lives. And I'm struck by their humanity. And honestly, when I read Scripture, I'm more fascinated sometimes with their failures and their humanness than I am on the highlights and the victories that they had in their life." [44:50] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Many believe that Psalm 23 was written while David was quite literally fighting for his life and running from King Saul who was trying to kill him. And David's story didn't just begin with David. It actually started with David. It started long before with a young man who we now know as the prophet Samuel. And Samuel was raised in the temple by the priest Eli." [45:50] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We never outgrow our need to learn from God. The story goes on that after Samuel rejects seven of Jesse's sons that's when they point out David. Now this is another thing in scripture for me. I don't know how your family works but in my family if me and my brother had been standing there beside each other and one of us had been selected to be king or queen would have been so much junk being talked." [59:11] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You see between Samuel and David we see two men that both minister to the heart of God and who operated as prophet, priests and king. And because of their tenderness before God and pursuit of his voice and their obedience they ushered in Jesus himself. Samuel was the very one who heard the proclamation that God had a man after his own heart whose line would one day restore the tabernacle and a permanent place for Israel after being a tent moving around in the desert for so many years." [01:03:15] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You know what the Lord will never say? Hate. He'll never say He hates you, He doesn't love you. He'll never speak condemnation to you, but He will be that rod and that staff. And what a gift the rod and the staff are. Man, what a gift God's grace is when we're beginning to stray, or when our heart's far from God, when He lovingly, motivated out of love, corrects us and says, hey, that thing that you're doing is creating a gap." [01:13:29] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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