Scripture References: 1 Samuel 3:1-21; John 10:27; Hebrews 1:1-2; Hebrews 3:15; Revelation 3:20
Intro: Welcome. Continuing our series on prayer, last week focused on talking to God. But conversation requires listening too. Many Christians struggle to hear God's voice, feeling He's silent or hearing Him is only for a select few. This leads to prayer "trailing off." But Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice" (John 10:27). Today, using 1 Samuel 3, we explore how we can learn to hear our speaking God.
Key Points:
- Obstacles to Hearing: We assume God's voice will be unmistakable thunder, but it's often quiet. We fear hearing voices is dangerous or just "fringe." We think it's only for the "super-spiritual." Cultural noise and calloused hearts also hinder us (Heb 3:15).
- God Does Speak: Scripture shows God constantly communicating. His heart is for all His people to hear Him (cf. Moses' wish in Num 11). He spoke through prophets, supremely through His Son (Heb 1:1-2), and now by His Spirit.
- Learning to Hear (Lessons from 1 Samuel 3):
- It Can Be Mistakable: God called Samuel by name, yet Samuel repeatedly thought it was Eli. God's voice can be gentle, easily confused with our thoughts or others. Don't dismiss quiet impressions.
- Requires Humility & Help: Samuel needed Eli's guidance to recognize God's call. We need humility to learn from others and test what we hear. Pride isolates and hinders hearing. Stay a beginner.
- Requires Positioning: Samuel positioned himself ("lay down") and responded ("Speak, Lord, your servant hears/is listening"). We need intentionality—creating space and adopting a listening posture.
- Aligns with Scripture: God's word to Samuel confirmed previous revelation given to Eli. Personal "words" must always align with God's written Word. Use Scripture to hear God.
- Often Involves Hard Things: God gave Samuel a difficult message. Hearing God isn't just for comfort; it involves receiving His truth and assignments, which requires courage and obedience.
- Obedience Follows Hearing: In Hebrew thought, hearing and obeying are intertwined. Samuel's obedience to deliver the hard word was crucial for his prophetic development. God entrusts more to those who act on what they hear.
- Empowered by the Greater Samuel (Jesus): Hearing and obeying God can feel lonely or scary. But Jesus, our Greater Samuel, endured His hardest night obeying God's word, facing judgment for us. Because of Him, we never obey alone; His presence empowers us.
Conclusion: Hearing God is a vital, available privilege for every believer. It requires humility, attentiveness, community, grounding in Scripture, and courageous obedience. God speaks—often gently. We must learn to listen.
Call to Action: Believe God wants to speak to you. Create space this week to listen. Adopt Samuel's prayer: "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." Test what you sense against Scripture and godly counsel. Take one step of obedience based on what you believe He's saying.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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