Responding to God's Call: Grace, Leadership, and Judgment
Summary
In today's exploration of 1 Samuel chapter 3, we delved into the profound theme of living after God's own heart, focusing on the life of Samuel and his pivotal role in the calling of David. We began by acknowledging the humanity of God's chosen servants, like David, who despite their flaws, were called to serve with a heart aligned with God's desires. This journey of understanding starts with Samuel, a cornerstone in Israel's history, whose life and calling provide us with insights into living by the Lord's Word and grace.
We reflected on the privilege of having God's Word readily accessible, unlike the times when prophets were the sole bearers of divine messages. This accessibility calls us to live by the Word, embracing the grace it offers. Samuel's story illustrates God's initiative in calling us, as seen in the repeated calls to Samuel, emphasizing that God reaches out to us even when we are unaware or unprepared.
The narrative also highlighted the importance of spiritual leadership in recognizing and nurturing God's call in our lives. Eli, despite his shortcomings, perceived God's work in Samuel and guided him towards it. This serves as a reminder of the role mentors and spiritual leaders play in our journey of faith.
Furthermore, we discussed the patience of God in His repeated callings, a testament to His grace. Yet, we were reminded of the sobering reality of God's judgment, as seen in Eli's household, where failure to act on known iniquity led to irreversible consequences. This duality of grace and judgment calls us to live responsibly, heeding God's call with urgency and humility.
Finally, we were encouraged to embrace God's leadership, recognizing that while human leaders may guide us, our ultimate allegiance is to God alone. As we concluded, the hymn "Softly and Tenderly" served as a poignant reminder of Jesus' gentle call to return to Him, urging us to respond to His invitation with open hearts.
Key Takeaways:
- The Accessibility of God's Word: We are blessed to have the complete Word of God at our fingertips, unlike the times of Samuel when divine messages were rare. This accessibility invites us to live by the Word, embracing the grace it offers and allowing it to guide our lives. [01:42]
- God's Initiative in Calling Us: Just as God repeatedly called Samuel, He initiates a relationship with us, often before we are aware of His presence. This divine initiative underscores the grace and patience of God, who calls us into a relationship with Him despite our unawareness. [05:20]
- The Role of Spiritual Leadership: Eli's guidance to Samuel highlights the importance of spiritual mentors in recognizing and nurturing God's call in our lives. Spiritual leaders play a crucial role in helping us discern and respond to God's calling. [12:51]
- The Patience and Grace of God: God's repeated callings to Samuel demonstrate His patience and grace. He is a loving Father who persistently calls us to His will, offering us multiple opportunities to respond to His invitation. [17:48]
- The Reality of God's Judgment: While God's grace is abundant, there is a limit to His patience, as seen in the judgment on Eli's household. This serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of responding to God's call with urgency and humility. [21:51]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:42] - The Word of God in Our Hands
- [02:56] - Living in the Lord's Grace
- [03:58] - The Calling of Samuel
- [05:20] - God's Initiative in Calling
- [06:11] - Ephesians and Our Calling
- [07:45] - Chosen Before the Foundation
- [09:07] - God's Timeless Plan
- [10:18] - Eli's Perception
- [12:51] - Spiritual Leadership's Role
- [13:20] - Personal Testimony of Calling
- [17:01] - God's Repeated Callings
- [19:05] - The Patience of God
- [21:51] - The Reality of Judgment
- [30:00] - Samuel's Courage
- [34:14] - The Need for Truth
- [36:01] - Eli's Humility
- [39:05] - Righteousness from Judgment
- [42:09] - Softly and Tenderly
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living After God's Own Heart
Bible Reading:
- 1 Samuel 3
- Ephesians 1:3-6
- 1 John 4:19
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Observation Questions:
1. How does the repeated calling of Samuel by God in 1 Samuel 3 illustrate God's initiative in reaching out to us? ([05:20])
2. What role did Eli play in helping Samuel recognize God's call, and how did Eli's guidance impact Samuel's response? ([10:18])
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of having God's Word readily accessible to us today compared to the times of Samuel? ([01:42])
4. What were the consequences faced by Eli's household due to their failure to act on known iniquity, as mentioned in the sermon? ([21:51])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the story of Samuel's calling demonstrate the patience and grace of God, and how does this relate to our own experiences of being called by God? ([17:48])
2. How does the sermon describe the duality of grace and judgment in God's character, and what lessons can we learn from Eli's household about the seriousness of sin? ([21:51])
3. What insights does the sermon provide about the importance of spiritual leadership in recognizing and nurturing God's call in our lives? How can this be applied in a modern context? ([12:51])
4. How does the hymn "Softly and Tenderly" relate to the theme of God's gentle call to return to Him, as discussed in the sermon? ([42:09])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you to something specific. How did you respond, and what role did spiritual mentors play in that process? ([12:51])
2. Considering the accessibility of God's Word today, how can you make it a more integral part of your daily life? What specific steps can you take to live by the Word? ([01:42])
3. In what areas of your life might you be ignoring God's call due to distractions or busyness? How can you create space to listen and respond to His calling? ([19:05])
4. How can you balance the grace and truth of God in your interactions with others, especially when addressing sin or offering guidance? ([34:14])
5. Think of a person in your life who might benefit from spiritual mentorship. How can you support and guide them in recognizing and responding to God's call? ([12:51])
6. Reflect on the concept of God's judgment as discussed in the sermon. How does this understanding influence your approach to sin and accountability in your own life? ([21:51])
7. How can the message of the hymn "Softly and Tenderly" inspire you to respond to Jesus' call with an open heart? What practical steps can you take to draw closer to Him this week? ([42:09])
Devotional
Day 1: The Gift of God's Word
The accessibility of God's Word today is a profound blessing, offering us guidance and grace in our daily lives. Unlike the times of Samuel, when divine messages were rare and delivered through prophets, we have the privilege of having the complete Word of God at our fingertips. This accessibility invites us to live by the Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Embracing the grace it offers, we are called to let it guide our lives, leading us to a deeper understanding of God's desires and purposes. The Word is not just a historical document but a living testament that speaks to us, offering wisdom and direction in every situation. [01:42]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate a specific passage of Scripture into your daily routine this week to guide your decisions and actions?
Day 2: God's Persistent Call
God's initiative in calling us is a testament to His grace and patience. Just as He repeatedly called Samuel, God reaches out to us, often before we are aware of His presence. This divine initiative underscores the grace of God, who desires a relationship with us despite our unawareness or unpreparedness. His persistent call is a reminder that He is always seeking us, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. This calling is not a one-time event but a continuous invitation to grow in faith and understanding. God's patience is evident in His willingness to call us repeatedly, offering us multiple opportunities to respond to His invitation. [05:20]
"For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11:29, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God calling you. How can you be more attentive to His voice in your daily life?
Day 3: The Importance of Spiritual Mentorship
The role of spiritual leadership is crucial in recognizing and nurturing God's call in our lives. Eli's guidance to Samuel highlights the importance of having spiritual mentors who can help us discern and respond to God's calling. Spiritual leaders play a vital role in our journey of faith, offering wisdom, support, and encouragement as we seek to understand and fulfill God's purposes for our lives. They help us navigate the complexities of faith, providing insight and perspective that we might not see on our own. This mentorship is a gift, guiding us towards a deeper relationship with God and a clearer understanding of His will. [12:51]
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)
Reflection: Who is a spiritual mentor in your life, and how can you seek their guidance this week to grow in your faith journey?
Day 4: The Balance of Grace and Judgment
God's patience and grace are evident in His repeated callings, yet there is also a sobering reality of His judgment. While God's grace is abundant, there is a limit to His patience, as seen in the judgment on Eli's household. This duality calls us to live responsibly, heeding God's call with urgency and humility. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of responding to God's call with a sincere heart. We are encouraged to embrace God's grace while also recognizing the consequences of ignoring His call. This balance of grace and judgment invites us to live with a sense of accountability and reverence for God's holiness. [21:51]
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to respond to God's call with more urgency? How can you take a step towards that today?
Day 5: Allegiance to God's Leadership
Embracing God's leadership means recognizing that while human leaders may guide us, our ultimate allegiance is to God alone. We are encouraged to follow His lead, trusting in His wisdom and direction for our lives. Human leaders, like Eli, can offer guidance and support, but our faith and trust must ultimately be placed in God. This allegiance calls us to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, seeking His will and direction in every aspect of our lives. As we respond to His gentle call, we are reminded of the hymn "Softly and Tenderly," urging us to return to Him with open hearts and a willingness to follow His lead. [17:48]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate your allegiance to God this week, especially in areas where you might be tempted to rely on human wisdom alone?
Quotes
1) "We have the Word of God here today. You know, we have it complete from beginning to end. And we know how to live by the Lord's Word because we contain the Lord's Word here between our laps. We're on your phone or however you access it. And so, we studied last Sunday how we oftentimes live in the Lord's silence and really took a long, in-depth study of that. And I encourage you to go back last Sunday on our Facebook or YouTube page to access that. And now, today, we're going to step forward and we're going to learn how to live in the Lord's grace. Live in the Lord's grace." [01:42] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "And for those that are listening on the live stream, both now and in the hours and days to come, that the Lord has called you. The Lord has called you. And many of you are wondering, well, how in the world, preacher, did the Lord call me? Well, if you're taking notes on the back of your bulletin that we have provided with you, I want you to write a very important passage of scripture. One, I hope you don't forget. Ephesians chapter 1, verse 3 to 6. Ephesians chapter 1, verse 3 to 6. And through the New Testament... We are saved through the New Testament of the gospel of Christ, who was born through the New Testament, foretold in the Old Testament, having fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament through the New Testament. And Christ gives us this relationship with God." [06:11] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "And so God's grace is there in his initiative call, and let's continue to read. So, and the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he rose, went to Eli and said, here I am, for you did call me. And then look at this again. Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. If anything Eli did right, it was this moment right here. He perceived the Lord's hand. Boy, Eli had a lot of problems. If you look in verse, in the really here in just a moment, we're going to see some of Eli's problems. But if you go back in chapter number two, Eli had a lot of problems. Hey, Eli, this is what God says to you. He's going to really kind of knocked out all of your family." [10:18] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "And so God gave grace even in his weathered messengers. We learned in the last Sunday that Eli was an old man. His eyes were growing dim. He was losing the sanctification, so in a matter of speaking, that he had, not his salvation. He knew the Lord. He's seen the Lord's work. But he was so off base in his walk with the Lord. His family was making a mess of the ministry that God had given Eli. But in this last good truth that he did, he was able to guide Samuel to the Lord. And so here, we find that Eli perceived the Lord's work on Samuel before Samuel had yet realized this." [12:13] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "And so here, my pastor led me to Bible school and the Lord's done all that and more so. I would have never met Ali if Pastor Blaisley didn't tell me to go to Bible school. So if anything out of Bible college, that's my trophy right there. You know, I got blessed by that. Well, and so there's God's grace in his initiative calling. I kind of did a few of these points here. And then there's God's grace in his weathered messengers in this aspect. And there's also God's grace in his repeated callings. If you, as I just mentioned a moment ago, verse number 10 shows us that the Lord came and stood and called as other times, Samuel, Samuel." [17:01] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Aren't you glad that we have a patient father with us today and many of you can say boy ain't that the truth this samuel needs all the quality to get but the truth of the matter is you and i have fit that bill perfectly to a t in most times in our life the lord has been patient for us i think i think just about every year in my life there's i can look back and see where the lord was waiting you know he called me to do something i didn't do it he called me to do something i said it's like yeah not not now lord i guess i got other things that i do he kept calling me to do something i said lord i just don't have the time for it i got parenting that i gotta do he kept calling me to do he was patient with me i'm glad i serve a patient savior i need a patient savior i'm glad that god gives us grace and his repeated callings praise god we serve a master who is graceful to us as a loving patient father always calling for us to do his will" [17:48] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "And so there was apostasy in the house of eli and oh boy samuel i have to have a message so let's continue reading here eli uh and therefore i've sworn verse number 14 the house of eli that the nitwit of eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice for offering forever and then verse 15 says so samuel laid down until morning boy i tell you what samuel is i mean if he is a man he is a man he could sleep through a tornado or hurricane he just met the spirit of the lord had a conversation with god and what does the bible say the little boy just went back to sleep i mean if that ain't a boy i don't know what it is samuel goes back and he goes back to sleep and he goes back to sleep and he goes back to sleep" [28:44] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "And then in the bible continued reading the open doors of the house of the lord and uh it was afraid to tell you lie the vision i mean surely this was not a vision of prosperity or good news of jesus you know this was not good news at all this was bad this was judgment on the on the house of god but we find that samuel had strength in preaching god's judgment boy oh boy did he have strength for this young young man i don't know how old he is maybe a young teenager at this time or something i don't know but he was afraid i mean wouldn't you be afraid there there should be a sense of some hesitancy as within all of us love does not want to hurt but the truth of god must be shared you know love wants to love should not cover the multitude of sins and the bible says that is true but it does should not sweep them under the rug and not talk about them not speak about them you know there's a lot of family today that you know there's a lot of family today that all they want to do is just sweep things underneath the rug why because well family is important yes family is important but truth needs to be shared the house of the house of the lord's judgments upon them you're there to say hey you know why i i don't think you should be doing that in a graceful way not a judgmental way a harsh way but just in grace and love say hey you know i i don't think you should be doing that i think maybe we should be living for the lord this way because it's better for you to say it now than for them to stand before the lord one day and have to give an account for the lord truth needs to be shared and samuel had a message and he was afraid to tell eli but thank god he did to listen to any reading eli kind of saw that that old young samuel was afraid and eli called samuel and said samuel my son a beautiful spiritual relationship there he answered here i am and eli's saying what is the word that the lord" [30:00] (110 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "And so God's grace is there in his initiative call, and let's continue to read. So, and the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he rose, went to Eli and said, here I am, for you did call me. And then look at this again. Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. If anything Eli did right, it was this moment right here. He perceived the Lord's hand. Boy, Eli had a lot of problems. If you look in verse, in the really here in just a moment, we're going to see some of Eli's problems. But if you go back in chapter number two, Eli had a lot of problems. Hey, Eli, this is what God says to you. He's going to really kind of knocked out all of your family." [10:18] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "And so God's grace is there in his initiative call, and let's continue to read. So, and the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he rose, went to Eli and said, here I am, for you did call me. And then look at this again. Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. If anything Eli did right, it was this moment right here. He perceived the Lord's hand. Boy, Eli had a lot of problems. If you look in verse, in the really here in just a moment, we're going to see some of Eli's problems. But if you go back in chapter number two, Eli had a lot of problems. Hey, Eli, this is what God says to you. He's going to really kind of knocked out all of your family." [10:18] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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