The Word
The Word of the LORD Was Rare [1 Samuel 3:1-4:1]
Samuel was called to be a prophet during a time when the Word of the LORD was rare. His ministry was established by God’s presence and determined by God’s Word.
CONTEXT
- After 40 years of wilderness wanderings, the Israelites saw the Promised Land under Moses and entered the Promised Land under Joshua.
- Instructed in the Law and established in the land, the people continued to do what was right in their own eyes.
- While their cycle of sin punished them again and again, God would send judges to relieve the people of their suffering.
CONTENT
- Where God’s Word is rare, God’s people are directionless (1 Sam. 3:1).
- One of God’s greatest gifts to his people is that he speaks to us and doesn’t mind repeating (1 Sam. 3:4, 6, 10).
- The calling to share God’s Word includes both contenting the disturbed and disturbing the contented (1 Sam. 3:10-14).
- A people will not be revived until a person is revived (1 Sam. 3:19-4:1).
CONCEPT
- You can serve the LORD without ever knowing the LORD (1 Sam. 3:1, 7).
- Opportunities are missed in the world when they are neglected in the home (1 Sam. 3:13).
- Ministry is established by God’s presence and determined by God’s Word (1 Sam. 3:19-21).
- When God shares his Word with us, we should share it with another (1 Sam. 3:21-4:1).

Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.