1 Sam 3:1-21 The Word of God CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
1 Sam 3 is one of the great chapters in the Bible on the word of God. In this chapter we see a number of things concerning the word of God that are very instructive to us today.
The word of God must be:
Precious – v.1 – That is it must be highly valued and much esteemed. Truly the Bible is better than silver, gold, rubies or any and all thing that men may desire, Prov 8:10-11, Ps 19:10-11
Revealed – v.1, 7, 21 – If you and I are ever going to know this book and the Lord of this book, then the words of God are going to have to be revealed to us by the Spirit of God – 1 Cor 2:10, 2 Tim 3:16, Job 32:8
Believed – v.11-15, 18 – Samuel knew that what he heard from the Lord was true and so he feared to tell Eli. When he did tell him, Eli knew immediately that “It is the Lord.” 1 Thes 2:13, Eph 1:13
Preached – v.18 – Samuel didn’t hold anything back. Holding back is a problem for many preachers because they are afraid of the consequences. In spite of his fear [v.15] Samuel told Eli everything God had said. Contrast Ex4:21-23 with Ex 5:1-3
Eaten – v.19 – Samuel grew. He was experiencing not only physical growth but also spiritual growth. To grow spiritually, you need to feast on the word of God, 1 Pet 2:2,Rev 10:10-11.
Prophesied – v.19 – The unique characteristic of the Bible that distinguishes it from all religious books is its prophecies. When this book is preached, its prophecies need to be preached, as well. Rom 12:6 and 1 Cor 14:1 are true for every preacher who is unashamed to proclaim the truth about the future right out of the Bible. Men without Christ burn in hell. Saved men go to be with the Lord the instant that they die. Jesus is coming back. The devil will rule as a world dictator. Jesus will overthrow the devil and rule the world his way. Israel will become the dominant nation of the world and will survive all attempts to restrict their land or destroy them from being a nation. And so on and so on according to everything the Lord said