Dig Deeper - Sunday 19th January 2025
Sermon Reflection Questions - Hearing God’s Voice
1 Samuel 3
Dig Deeper notes from Sunday 19th January service:
Have you ever heard someone ask, “Are you listening to me?” Whether from a parent or teacher, most of us have experienced this! In today’s noisy world, filled with competing voices, knowing who to listen to and what to prioritise can be challenging. The Bible, however, emphasises the life-changing importance of truly listening—especially to God.
Listening to God is active, not passive. It means hearing His Word, responding in obedience, and allowing His truth to shape our lives. As Isaiah says, “Pay attention and come to me; listen so that you will live” (Isaiah 55:3). James echoes this: “Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says” (James 1:22). Those who listen well to God live well and make Him known.
Let’s explore the story of Samuel’s call in 1 Samuel 3 to learn how we can hear God’s voice.
God’s Silence (1 Samuel 3:1-3)
The chapter begins with a sobering statement: “The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days, the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.” God’s silence reflected Israel’s spiritual decline, as its leaders failed terribly. Eli’s sons, corrupt priests, stole sacrifices and disrespected God, while Eli’s leadership was ineffective.
Amid this spiritual darkness, verse 3 offers hope: “The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was.” The burning lamp symbolises God’s presence and the potential for renewal. Samuel, a boy dedicated to God by his mother, represented that hope.
Samuel’s Call (1 Samuel 3:4-14)
Young Samuel, asleep in the temple, hears a voice call, “Samuel!” Thinking it’s Eli, he runs to him, but Eli sends him back. This happens three times before Eli realises that God is calling the boy. Eli advises Samuel to respond: “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening” (verse 9).
When God calls again, Samuel answers, “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (verse 10). God entrusts Samuel with a difficult message of judgment against Eli’s household for their unrepentant sins. Though challenging, Samuel faithfully relays the message to Eli, marking a turning point in his life. Samuel becomes a prophet through whom God’s Word will reach all of Israel.
Lessons from Samuel’s Response
Samuel’s story offers seven practical lessons for hearing and responding to God’s voice:
Get Humble
Samuel begins his journey with humility, serving under Eli. God speaks to those who acknowledge their need for Him.
Get Quiet
Samuel hears God during a quiet night in the temple. In a noisy world, creating stillness helps us hear God’s whispers.
Get Into God’s Presence
Samuel is near the ark of God when he hears the Lord. While we don’t need a physical temple, we must seek God through prayer, worship, and Scripture.
Get Counsel
Eli helps Samuel recognise God’s voice. Similarly, wise mentors and Christian community can guide us in discerning God’s direction.
Get Into the Habit of Saying ‘Speak, Lord’
Samuel’s response reflects a heart ready to hear and obey. Making this attitude a daily habit invites God to guide us.
Get Into a Listening Attitude
Listening to God requires focus and attentiveness. Practices like journaling, meditating on Scripture, and silence help us recognise His voice.
Get Ready to Act on What God Says
Samuel not only hears God but also faithfully delivers His message. True listening leads to obedience, even when it’s challenging.
God speaks through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. As we make time to listen, may our response always be, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”
Questions to think about and discuss:
1. Reflect on Silence: In 1 Samuel 3:1, we learn that “the word of the Lord was rare.” Have there been times in your life when God seemed silent? How did you respond, and what might God have been teaching you during that season?
2. Humility and Listening: Samuel’s journey began with humility and a willingness to learn. What steps can you take to cultivate humility and become more receptive to hearing God’s voice?
3. Making Space for Quiet: Samuel heard God’s voice during a quiet moment in the temple. In our noisy world, how can you create space in your life to hear from God? What specific distractions might you need to set aside?
4. Seeking God’s Presence: Samuel was near the ark of God when he heard the Lord. What practices (e.g., prayer, worship, Scripture) help you experience God’s presence most clearly? How can you make these a greater priority?
5. Recognising God’s Voice: Samuel initially didn’t recognise God’s voice and needed guidance from Eli. How do you discern whether what you’re hearing is from God, and who can you turn to for wise counsel when seeking direction?
6. Responding to God’s Call: Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening,” and he acted on what he heard. What might God be calling you to say or do right now? How can you prepare yourself to respond in obedience, even if it’s challenging?
7. Looking to Jesus: The story of Samuel ultimately points to Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God. How does Jesus’ life and teaching shape your understanding of how God speaks today? How can you rely on His example as you seek to hear and follow God’s voice?
