1 Samuel 3

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Lord Calls Samuel to the Office and Ministry of Prophet

Printed Version

BACKGROUND NOTES

DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

God can commune with children.

God can work through children.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Have you ever prayed, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening”?

QUESTIONS

What was Samuel’s unique role in the nation of Israel?

What is the basic difference between a prophet and a priest?

Were there prophets before Samuel?

What does 1 Samuel 3:1 mean when it says, “And the word of the LORD was rare in those days”?

What message did God give Samuel?

ANSWERS

He is considered the last judge and the first prophet in Israel.

A prophet is one who speaks to the people for God, while a priest speaks to God for the people.

Yes, there were many men who spoke to the people for God before Samuel. But the office of prophet had not yet been established. Samuel was called by God to the prophetic office and began the great tradition of the prophets in Israel.

During the times of the judges the moral and spiritual conditions in Israel were so bad that people were not open to listening to the Lord and His Word.

God revealed His plans to punish Hophni and Phineas and remove Eli as high priest.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

God spoke to Samuel and gave him an important message that impacted the priesthood. What is your attitude about children and their spiritual capabilities? Does your attitude about children line up with Scripture?

As God worked through young Samuel in Old Testament days, so God can work through children today. Do you know a story where a Christian child has brought the whole family to the Lord?

CHALLENGE

When you pray to the Lord to meet your needs and help you, also be willing to listen and obey.

KEY VERSES

“And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.” 1 Samuel 3:1

“Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:9

“And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the LORD.” 1 Samuel 3:20