TOPIC: Hearing From God [Sunday, 24th June 2018]
MEMORY VERSE: “And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.” – 1 Samuel 3:10 (scroll down for SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Samuel 3:1-10
1 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.
2 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;
3 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;
4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
5 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.
6 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.
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.
8 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.
9 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.
10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
INTRODUCTION:
You cannot hear, if there is no call from somewhere or someone. Also, you can only answer to a call that you hear. A call can come from any quarter. However, being able to recognise the voice of the one calling is very crucial for every child of God. May God give us hearing ears, seeing eyes and listening heart in Jesus’ name (Proverbs 20:12; Matthew 11:15).
LESSON OUTLINES
1. How does God speak?
2. Results of hearing from God
HOW DOES GOD SPEAK?
God has spoken in various ways to His people from ages past. Some of the ways are: loud voice (Exodus 3:4), inner witness (Matthew 16:17; Acts 27:9-11), small/still voice (1 Kings 19:12; Job 4:16), dreams and visions (1 Kings 3:5; Matthew 1:20), God’s anointed servants (2 Kings 20:1,5), His word-the Holy Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 10:7).
Discerning between God’s voice and other voices (devil, flesh, etc.) is very crucial (1 Corinthians 2:11; 1 John 4:1). A believer must grow steadily into maturity to be able to recognise and adhere to the voice of God (2 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 5:14). Obedience to God’s voice in little matters enhances the ability of a believer to hear more from God. Ultimately, the voice you hear must be substantiated in the scriptures for confirmation (Acts 17:11).
RESULTS OF HEARING FROM GOD
1. Divine guidance/direction (Isaiah 30:21; 1 kings 17:2-4, 8-9; 18:1).
2. Prompt answers to prayers (1Kings 18:36-38; Acts 9:10-12, 17-18).
3. Peace and divine assurance (Acts 27:22-24; Psalm 85:8)
4. Better relationship with God (Exodus 33:11; Isaiah 6:8)
5. Boldness to exercise spiritual authority (Exodus 3:18, 5:1; Acts 16:16-18).
CONCLUSION:
God in still in the business of speaking to His children (Psalm 62:11). We need to learn how to hear from Him and obey His voice (John 10:4-5,27).
QUESTIONS:
1. How does God speak?
2. Mention four results of hearing from God.
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day, Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
