His Voice

1 Samuel 3

Introduction: It is important for us to understand just how critical it is to seek and pursue what God might be speaking to us today. Individually, as a church, to our home, our nation, etc.

Why should we know about God when it is He who is speaking to us?

John 10:27, ‘My sheep know my voice.’

Ways that God speaks in the midst of the mundane:

God shows up in various ways to confirm that yet it is him speaking to you. (1) Answering your requests. (2) Giving you new ideas, (3) Even initiating an action he wants you to take.

Often, we encounter God during times of worship, prayer, and praise as we sense His presence and His voice.

When we glorify God, we can hear him more clearly as our heart, mind, soul, and spirit commune with Him.

And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father. Gal. 4:6 NLT

When we’re going through hardship or dealing with extreme adversity, we tend to feel a desire to prat intensely and talk to God. We’re more alert to his response.

When we’re seeking answers to major decision or life circumstance, we’re focused on hearing from him and so we seek his face with persistence and intent and he does not disappoint.

Transition: Important things to remember when wondering if it is God who is speaking to us:

• He will never contradict His Word or His Character.

Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness: Matthew 4:1-11

Be looking for God to speak to you:

• Visible circumstances – When you see events in your that could only be God, he is probably trying to get your attention.
  • When he speaks in ways you can’t deny.
  • When the Holy Spirit is opening doors of opportunity and closing others.
  • When situations and people come into your life, and you know without a doubt that God is the one orchestrating the circumstances.
  • It’s no coincidence; it’s God telling and visibly showing you that he care and will direct and guide your life if you listen and let him.

• He may be directing you beyond your own interests and needs and showing you how he wants you to represent him in a culture that desperately needs Jesus.
• It’s not about us when he speaks; it’s often about using us to fulfill his purpose and plans in the world.

‘I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you’. Ps. 32:8

I truly believe that God still speaks today and that He is wanting to communicate with/to us.

1 Samuel 3:1-10

What to glean from the text:

1. God spoke to a boy who had (somewhat) prepared / positioned himself through service.

‘Samuel ministered unto the Lord’ = he performed minor services in the tabernacle, under the direction of Samuel such as opening doors etc. 1 Sam 3:5

2. When things were beginning to get bleak (no Word and Eli was too getting old).

3. Samuel had to accustom Himself to what God was doing.

When it says that Samuel did not yet know the Lord it means that Samuel had not been accustomed to receive any revelation from him. He knew and worshipped the God of Israel; but he did not know him as communicating special revelation of His will.

4. He was willing and eager to hear/Listen.

‘Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant hears.’

Question: What must we do to hear God’s voice?

1. Must find the time and the space to position ourselves to hear (Jesus in Gethsemane).
2. Prepare our hearts for whatever he may want to say. It might be for edification, or it may be for a rebuke (Peter, rise up and eat, do not call things uncommon).
3. Believe that He has a purpose and a plan that can be trusted (Noah, Abraham,).

Conclusion: Let me say a few things that are more general that I believe the Lord says to all of us today:

• You / We are loved. Nothing can separate us from His love.
• You / We are important to Him.
• You / we can approach with confidence.
• No weapon formed against us shall prosper.
• There is healing and hope in/through Him.