Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

1 Samuel 3 Bible Study (The Lord Calls Samuel) | Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Monday, July 12, 2021

Scripture References

1 Samuel 31 Samuel 2:11-26Amos 8:11-12Deuteronomy 8:3John 5:35Deuteronomy 29:292 Timothy 4:31 Kings 21:19-29

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores the calling of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3, highlighting how God speaks to those ready to listen and obey. The sermon identifies seven key aspects of a divine call, emphasizing humility and the cost of following God.

Key Takeaways

1God's word becomes rare when leadership is corrupt and the people are indifferent to His voice.
2A true call from God requires a willingness to obey before the specific message is even revealed.
3Spiritual maturity involves learning to distinguish God's voice, which often requires humility and the counsel of others.
4Ministry is not about celebrity status; it is rooted in humble service and faithfulness to God’s holiness over human feelings.
5God’s mercy is so vast that even in the face of declared judgment, He responds to genuine humility and repentance.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Why do you think God chose to speak to a young boy like Samuel rather than the High Priest Eli?
2Pastor Daniel mentions that God's word was rare because the people didn't want it. How can a community's attitude affect the 'frequency' of God's word among them?
3Samuel initially mistook God’s voice for Eli’s. What are some 'voices' in our lives that we often mistake for God, or vice versa?
4How does the phrase 'for your servant hears' change the way we approach Bible study or prayer?
5Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision. Have you ever felt a 'burden' from God that was difficult to share with someone you care about? How did you handle it?
6Contrast Eli’s response ('It is the Lord; let him do what seems good') with Ahab’s repentance in 1 Kings 21. Which response shows a deeper understanding of God's mercy?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Adopt a daily prayer posture of 'Speak, Lord, for your servant hears,' signaling your readiness to obey before you even open the Bible.
Commit to serving in 'menial' or behind-the-scenes tasks at your local church to cultivate the humility necessary for spiritual longevity.
Identify a spiritually mature mentor in your life to whom you can go for counsel when trying to discern God's direction.
Practice 'crucifying your emotions' by fulfilling your commitments to God even on days when you feel afraid, tired, or uninspired.
Evaluate your spiritual intake: Are you seeking teachers who 'tickle' your ears with comfort, or those whose words make your ears 'tingle' with God's holiness?

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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