1 Samuel 3: Hearing God's Voice
AMID THE HUSTLE and bustle of daily life, we often find it hard to hear God's voice. Many "voices" shout for our attention—deadlines to meet, bills to pay, meetings to attend, phone calls to make, children to care for. We try to read our Bible but struggle to be still and to receive a word from God.
In the days of Samuel few people were listening to God's voice. Politically and spiritually Israel was in terrible shape as they "had no king" and "everyone did as he saw fit" (Jdg 21:25). In this study we observe Samuel as a young man, hearing the word of the Lord for the first time and beginning his prophetic ministry.
Warming Up to God
How have you heard God speak to you?
Read 1 Samuel 3. »
Discovering the Word
- Why do you think Samuel has difficulty discerning God's voice from Eli's (vv. 4-8)?
- What do you think Samuel thought and felt as he listened to Eli and then returned to his bed (vv. 9-10)?
- Why is the attitude "Speak, for your servant is listening" (v. 10) so important in order to hear from God?
- Why would God's message in verses 11-14 have been particularly hard for Samuel to hear?
- How does Samuel's obedience affect his relationship to God and his future ministry (vv. 19-21)?
Applying the Word
- How does Samuel's openness to hear from God compare with yours?
- When are you most tempted to hide God's word from others? Explain.
- What is the greatest obstacle that prevents you from hearing God's voice?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to make you more open and attentive to his voice.
For Further Study
Hearing God by Dallas Willard