The Word of the LORD Was Rare

by

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).