SAMUEL HEARS GOD'S VOICE

SAMUEL HEARS GOD'S VOICE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-10
"And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth." (1 Samuel 3:1–10, KJV)

Key Verse: "Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth." (1 Samuel 3:10)

Supporting Texts: John 10:27; Jeremiah 33:3; Proverbs 3:5–6; Isaiah 30:21; James 1:22; Revelation 3:20.

Description: God still speaks today, and those who cultivate intimacy, obedience, and spiritual sensitivity will hear His voice and fulfil His purpose.

INTRODUCTION
One of the greatest privileges of every believer is the ability to hear God's voice. Christianity is not merely following religious traditions but enjoying a living relationship with a God who communicates with His children. Throughout Scripture, God consistently spoke to men and women to reveal His will, provide direction, and accomplish His purposes.

Samuel's encounter occurred during a period of spiritual decline in Israel. The Bible says that "the word of the LORD was precious in those days," meaning that divine revelation was rare. Yet God chose a young boy whose heart was available rather than experienced leaders whose hearts had become insensitive.

The same God who called Samuel still speaks today through His Word, His Holy Spirit, and various means consistent with Scripture. Every believer who desires to walk in God's perfect will must learn to recognise His voice, respond with humility, and obey without hesitation.

1. GOD SPEAKS TO THOSE WHO ARE AVAILABLE
God delights in revealing Himself to hearts that are willing and receptive. Availability often becomes the first qualification for divine encounters.

a) Serve God Faithfully Where You Are (1 Samuel 3:1)
Samuel was faithfully ministering in the house of the Lord before receiving his divine encounter. Faithfulness in small responsibilities prepares believers for greater assignments.

b) Remain Spiritually Sensitive (Revelation 3:20)
God continually calls His people, but only those who are spiritually attentive recognise His voice.

c) Develop A Personal Relationship With God (John 10:27)
Jesus declared that His sheep know His voice. Intimacy with Christ increases spiritual discernment.

d) Be Willing To Respond Immediately (Isaiah 6:8)
God looks for people who are ready to say, "Here am I," whenever He calls.

Biblical Example: Moses (Exodus 3:1-12). Moses responded when God called him from the burning bush, and that encounter changed the course of his life.

2. DISCERNING GOD'S VOICE REQUIRES SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Learning to hear God is a process that develops through fellowship, Scripture, prayer, and spiritual maturity.

a) Not Every Voice Is God's Voice (1 Samuel 3:4-7)
Samuel initially thought Eli was calling him. Believers must learn to distinguish God's voice from human opinions and personal emotions.

b) God Often Uses Spiritual Mentors (1 Samuel 3:8-9)
Eli helped Samuel recognise God's voice. Mature spiritual leaders play an important role in guiding younger believers.

c) God's Word Confirms His Voice (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
God never contradicts His written Word. Every revelation must align with Scripture.

d) Prayer Sharpens Spiritual Hearing (Jeremiah 33:3)
Consistent prayer deepens fellowship with God and increases sensitivity to His leading.

Biblical Example: Ananias (Acts 9:10-17). God spoke clearly to Ananias concerning Saul, and his obedience became part of God's plan to raise one of Christianity's greatest apostles.

3. OBEDIENCE RELEASES THE BLESSINGS OF DIVINE ENCOUNTERS
Hearing God is valuable, but obeying Him is essential. Divine encounters produce lasting fruit when believers act upon God's instructions.

a) Respond With Humility (1 Samuel 3:10)
Samuel's response, "Speak; for thy servant heareth," reflected complete submission to God's authority.

b) Obey Even Difficult Instructions (James 1:22)
God's blessings follow those who practise His Word rather than merely hearing it.

c) Trust God's Direction Completely (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Obedience often requires trusting God beyond human understanding.

d) Faithfulness Leads To Greater Responsibility (Luke 16:10)
God entrusts greater assignments to those who prove faithful in smaller ones.

Biblical Example: Noah (Genesis 6:13-22). Noah obeyed God's instructions concerning the ark despite widespread unbelief, and his obedience preserved humanity.

4. DIVINE ENCOUNTERS PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR DESTINY
Every genuine encounter with God is designed to prepare believers for His divine purpose and lifelong service.

a) God Reveals Your Assignment (1 Samuel 3:11-18)
God entrusted Samuel with a prophetic message, marking the beginning of his ministry.

b) God Establishes Those Who Remain Faithful (1 Samuel 3:19-20)
The Lord fulfilled Samuel's words, and all Israel recognised him as God's prophet.

c) God's Presence Sustains His Servants (Joshua 1:9)
The same God who calls also strengthens, guides, and preserves those He sends.

d) Your Life Becomes A Blessing To Others (Matthew 5:16)
Those who faithfully obey God's voice become lights that influence families, communities, and nations.

Biblical Example: Samuel (1 Samuel 7:3-17). After hearing God's voice as a child, Samuel became one of Israel's greatest prophets, judges, and spiritual leaders.

CONCLUSION
Samuel's encounter teaches us that God is still speaking to those who seek Him sincerely. He is looking for hearts that are humble, available, teachable, and obedient. The greatest blessing is not merely hearing God's voice but responding to it with unwavering faith.

If you cultivate intimacy with God through prayer, His Word, worship, and obedience, you will hear His direction for your life. As you respond like Samuel, the Lord will establish you, use you mightily, and fulfil His glorious purpose through your life.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, open my spiritual ears to hear Your voice clearly every day, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, make my heart sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name.

3. Father, remove every distraction that hinders me from hearing You, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to obey every instruction You give me without delay, in Jesus name.

5. Father, establish me in Your perfect will and purpose, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, grant me discernment to distinguish Your voice from every false voice, in Jesus name.

7. Father, let Your Word continually guide every decision I make, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, make me faithful in every assignment You have committed into my hands, in Jesus name.

9. Father, use my life to bring glory to Your name and blessing to many people, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my relationship with You grow deeper every day, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall hear the voice of God with clarity, and you shall never miss His direction for your life.

2. Every spiritual deafness shall be removed, and your heart shall become sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

3. The Lord shall establish you in His perfect will and lead you into your divine destiny.

4. You shall walk in wisdom and discernment, and you shall not be deceived by false voices.

5. The grace to obey God promptly shall rest mightily upon your life.

6. The Lord shall raise you as a faithful servant and a blessing to your generation.

7. Every decision you make shall be guided by the wisdom and counsel of God.

8. Your spiritual life shall grow stronger, deeper, and more fruitful with each passing day.

9. The Lord shall entrust you with greater responsibilities because of your faithfulness.

10. From this day forward, you shall live under divine direction, fulfil your God-given assignment, and finish your race with joy, in the mighty name of Jesus.