Answering The Call: The Life Of Samuel Series

What chance for great honor does God give us?

The chance to influence a group of people

That’s the greatest honor God gives one of His servants

We must serve if we want to honor God.

God’s Servant:

I Is Known as God’s Possession

1 Samuel 3:20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.

A. His testimony and life story impacted many

B. His ministry demonstrated singleness of heart

II Takes Time to Listen for God’s Direction in Life

1 Samuel 3:10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

A. He took time to learn to listen to God

B. He learned how to respond to God

III Directs People to God

1 Samuel 7:3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

A. He faithfully waited (here, 20 years) for opportunities to turn hearts

B. He gave God-centered advice, not short-sighted suggestions

IV Never Completely Retires

1 Samuel 7:15-16 And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.16 And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.

A. He made certain that God’s concerns remained his concerns all his days

B. He found ways to keep serving, not excuses for sitting

V Deals with Personal Needs

1 Samuel 8:3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

A. His call did not preclude his responsibilities as a man

B. He learned to deal with personal problems and failure

C. He stayed the course even in the face of opposition at home