Lesson: TO LISTEN OR REJECT GOD’S VOICE
Author: Mark Stusek
Date: 04/13/08
For the past two weeks, we have been learning “How to listen to God’s Voice”. Our experience as Christians allows us to know of examples such as Moses, Joshua, Paul or Peter where God spoke clearly into their lives. Today, however, He may not speak to you in an audible voice, but through His Word, through others, through Godly examples performed by others.
Today I want us to look at two people who clearly heard God’s voice, but one clearly neglected what was spoken to him. The results were catastrophic for him and his family. Let’s learn from some else’s misfortune.
I. God’s Voice........Samuel’s Response
I Sam 3:1-10
1. A little history – this is Hannah’s son whom she prayed for God to give
her a son. When He did, she promised God she would dedicate him back
to Him to serve all of his days in the Temple.
2. So when Samuel was born and weaned, Hannah presented him to Eli, the
high priest in Israel.
3. This story occurs at a time in Israel’s history when not much is going on.
4. Words from God or visions were infrequent.
5. Samuel hears a voice and believes that Eli is calling, but both times
Eli informs him “I did not call”.
6. At this point, Samuel & Eli probably wondered about each other. On top
of this, Eli had two other sons living in the house, so both Eli & Samuel
may have believed they were playing with them.
Question: Has it ever occurred to you that the voice you continue to hear from
within or the message or statement repeated to you by others may be God’s?
7. It did not occur to Samuel that God may be calling him because he never
heard God’s voice before. Sound familiar?!
8. When it happens a third time, Eli directs Samuel to go “lay back down &
if it occurs again say, ‘Speak Lord, for Thy servant is listening’”.
9. How cool that the Lord stood & called as at the other times.
When the Lord speaks, He always has something for us to do.
Question: Class – any examples of this in your life?
Ted: Quiet Storm – Gift given to Him: Response!
Let’s see what God’s message is to Samuel
II. God’s Prior Warning.........Samuel’s Reluctance
I Sam. 2:27, 29-31
1. In the quietness of Samuel’s bedroom God reveals to this young prophet
the first of many grim messages God will have him announce in the years
to come.
2. This message is the second time God wanted Eli to be told of what was to
come. Remember we’ve learned God often uses other Godly men to convey
His message—God had already sent someone prior to Samuel.
Question: What had Eli & his sons done to deserve this kind of fate?
I Sam 2:12, 17, 22
- Corrupt, stealing the choice portions of animals to be sacrificed to the Lord
and eating them for supper.
- Abused their positions as priests: sexually immoral.
- They were religious men, but did not know the Lord.
- Same thing occurs today: people come to church, sometimes serve in high
positions, but don’t know the Lord.
- Matt: 7:21-23: You may be surprised who won’t be in heaven
3. What did Eli do while his son’s ravaged God’s house? Not much--
- a verbal reprimand, no action, closed his eyes to the whole nightmare
until the Lord ran out of patience.
4. The next morning Eli wanted to know what God had said to Samuel, so
Samuel told him.
I Sam. 3:11-14
- God says, “I am going to make an example of you, Eli, and your sons”.
Judgment, not forgiveness and grace.
5. Eli’s Response: “It is the Lord, let Him do what seems good to him”
I Sam 3:18
Eli accepts God’s will, but refuses to take action & discipline for his sons.
They do as they please. The people of Nineva, led by the king, took action
and were saved.
III. Families Can Disintegrate
What can we learn from this harsh object lesson?
A. Preoccupation with an occupation can lead to the demise of our family:
1. Eli’s family was the spiritual guide for the nation & people revered them.
2. Eli’s position caused him to work many long hours. This left little time
for father/son camaraderie. Result? Sons drifted away from dad & God.
B. Refusal to face severity of kids’ actions:
Eli refused to discipline the boys when they were young. Consequently,
they lacked the character to protect themselves as they got older.
Prov. 19:18
C. Failure to respond quickly & thoroughly to the warnings of others:
1. When Eli was apprised of his sons’ behavior, his response was lacking.
2. When we get the facts, we must respond immediately & appropriately.
D. Rationalizing of wrong, thereby becoming part of the problem:
1. Eli couldn’t resist the food his sons were stealing, so he was honoring his
sons and not God., i.e. families today who support children who sell drugs.
2. Eli’s rationalization spoke louder to his children than his religion.
SUMMARY: Hearing the truth isn’t enough, action is essential
Memorable Scenes
Charles Swindoll
Bible Study Guide 1990-1991