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to Read the passage: 1 samuel 3 (a new browser window will open)
v.7 1. Man cannot know God unless God chooses to reveal Himself.
(Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word…revealed unto
him)
God is in total absolute control of divine truth.
Man can only know God as God chooses to reveal Himself.
A believer can only gain wisdom and the knowledge of the word as God chooses
to give it.
Man cannot bind God. Man cannot encumber God. Man cannot coerce God.
God is in control.
It is an unmatched blessing to know God---to have God open up Himself to
receive man and to give Himself to man.
A believer need realize the precious relationship that exists whereby God
chooses to release to him insight and instruction.
A believer need hold dear the Holy word of instruction.
A believer need seek to know God. A believer need reverence the word in light
of the blessed relationship which he has been called into and allowed to enter in.
Truly it is a blessing to know God.
The way a believer responds to God’s revelation has great influence on whether
he will receive additional revelation.
v.7 2. God reveals Himself through His word.
(the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.)
God has established a way of communication to men. That is His Holy word.
Even when God communicates through the Holy Spirit the enlightenment is of
and from the word. (John 16: 13.)
When God reveals Himself in prayer it is in accordance with His word.
He is revealing the instruction and confirmation of truth.
God has prepared for man’s every need through His word.
v.10 3. God desires men to know Him.
(And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel. Samuel.
Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.)
Thus, God comes to man, calls to man to get his attention, and declares Himself
to man.
God has designed a way for man to know him through His Son; God further
greatly desires man to know His Son and to gain fellowship with God.
Oftentimes there is much calling upon God’s part to man’s indifferent or
inattentive ears.
The Lord is longsuffering.
God calls man by name (Samuel, Samuel) so there is no mistaking God’s call.
God is persistent because of His wondrous love.
v.10 4. God does reveal Himself to man.
God has made that choice. God does appear to man.
God comes first to man indicating His desire to be man’s Savior and Lord.
When man accepts God the Son as his Savior, God continues to reveal Himself
to that man, revealing the pathway of life and honor.
Thus, the word of God becomes a constant source of nurture and guidance to
God’s child.
The believer becomes greatly dependent upon God’s revelation.
v.11 5. When God does reveal Himself man knows it is God.
(And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both
the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.)
God does the impossible. God does the spectacular, the miraculous.
God does that which in unequaled. God’s works are right and pure.
We expect God to be too ordinary.
When God does His work man cannot explain it away or change it.
Man may not understand it and may try to discredit it, but God’s work glorifies
Him.
The presence of God in a life is an evident presence.
It is apparent to the possessor and to others observing that life.
God’s word has a definite effect on God’s children. (Jer. 17: 5-8; 18: 5-8)
Contact with the word of a Holy God requires a reckoning and a humble
reverence. (Jer. 23: 9-29)
v.12 6. God’s revelation is the beginning and end of needed knowledge.
(In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning
his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.)
All God’s people need what God has and will give.
All things are complete in God.
Man needs nothing that Jesus cannot provide.
There is no knowledge nor wisdom outside of God. (Heb. 1: 2, 3)
That which Jesus initiates, Jesus finishes. (Heb 12: 2) (Phil. 1: 6)
Man need seek no more than Jesus. To seek more is to shed neglect and
dishonor upon the perfect work of Christ and to lead to guilt and frustration
because of the shame of discrediting Christ.
Man only needs Jesus, ever needs Jesus.
v.13, 7. The message of God’s revelation carries an eternal duration declaring man’s
destination.
14 (For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he
knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.)
(And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli‘s house
shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.)
God’s word is eternal.
What God promises He promises eternally.
What God condemns He condemns eternally.
What God judges He judges eternally.
God determines man’s destination.
Man’s choosing Jesus assures a heavenly destination.
Man’s rejecting Jesus assures eternal condemnation in hell.
What God says to His children is not a light thing but always has eternal
significance and consequence.
Obedience to the word of God carries into eternity.
God remembers His word and a believer’s obedience to it.
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