Hearing God
September 12, 2010 Evening Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: We must be paying attention and listening for God.
Focus Passage: I Samuel 3:1-15 (pew Bible page 313)
Introduction: The story is told of Franklin Roosevelt, who often endured long receiving lines at the White House. He complained that no one really paid any attention to what was said. One day, during a reception, he decided to try an experiment. To each person who passed down the line and shook his hand, he murmured, "I murdered my grandmother this morning." The guests responded with phrases like, "Marvelous! Keep up the good work. We are proud of you. God bless you, sir." It was not till the end of the line, while greeting the ambassador from Bolivia, that his words were actually heard. Nonplussed, the ambassador leaned over and whispered, "I'm sure she had it coming."
I. We must be ready to hear what God wants to say (V 1-8)
a. Did you come expecting, “I wonder what God wants to say to me tonight?”
II. Spiritual growth and understanding is not dependent on having a keen intellect but rather a tender heart!
a. the Holy Spirit says, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS” Heb 3:7-8
III. Obedience to the call of God is not easy
a. The call required a response
b. Matthew 26: 42 “He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.”
c. We want to “protect” our Eli instead of telling what God has said.
Invitation: If you have been saved and love the Lord, I hope your prayer will be, “Speak, Lord; for Your servant hears and I will obey.”
