“Elevate: Listen Up”
SERMON Title: Elevate: Listen Up
SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 3:1–14 ESV
Introduction
Have you ever tried to talk to someone who wasn’t really listening? Maybe a spouse, friend, or colleague — someone who seems present in body but absent in attention. It’s frustrating and leaves us feeling unheard. Not long ago, I was deeply focused on an “important mission” — searching for a World Series Edition Blue Jays hat. While scrolling online for it that evening, Grace walked into my room to confront me about something I’d done earlier that day. I responded with all the right words: “mhmm,” “I see,” “sorry you felt that way” — but my eyes were on my phone the whole time. Needless to say, that evening ended tragically — and it was all because I wasn’t really listening.
Listening matters. It builds trust, deepens intimacy, and invites growth. The same is true in our relationship with God. We can pray, read Scripture, and attend church — but if we don’t listen, we miss His voice and guidance. In 1 Samuel 3, we see God speaking to a young boy named Samuel — not in a dramatic scene, but in a quiet, personal moment. His story teaches us how to listen attentively, patiently, and obediently to the voice of God.
Today, we'll reflect on three truths from this passage:
God speaks to us personally
God teaches us to listen through guidance and community
Listening well leads to a faithful response
1. God Speaks to Us Personally
1 Samuel 3 begins with a troubling note: “The word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision” (v. 1). The spiritual climate was dry — even the priests, Hophni and Phinehas, were corrupt.
In the middle of this, God calls Samuel — a young, obscure boy faithfully serving in the temple.
God calls Samuel by name three times:
“Then the Lord called Samuel” (v. 4)
“And the Lord called again, ‘Samuel!’” (v. 6)
“And the Lord called Samuel again the third time” (v. 8)
The God of the universe speaks personally. He doesn't shout from the heavens or surround us with spotlights. Often, He whispers — calling us by name in the ordinary moments of life. His voice doesn’t depend on our status, age, or influence. It’s personal, intentional, and persistent. So how do we hear Him today? Through Scripture and Prayer: God primarily speaks through His Word. Developing a daily rhythm of reading and praying helps us recognize His voice. Through spiritual nudges in ordinary moments: A thought, conviction, or reminder to pray may be the Spirit gently prompting you. When it aligns with Scripture and leads toward love and truth, we can trust it's God speaking. Through patience and stillness: We must slow down and quiet our hearts. God often speaks softly — and we need stillness to hear Him. God’s call is not distant; it’s deeply personal. Like Samuel, we need to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
2. God Teaches Us to Listen — Through Guidance and Community
Samuel doesn’t recognize God’s voice at first. He assumes Eli is calling him. But after the third time, Eli realizes it’s God and instructs Samuel:
“Go, lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening’” (v. 9).
This shows us something important: listening to God often involves others. God uses mentors, pastors, and fellow believers to help us discern His voice. Like Eli for Samuel, God places people around us who have learned to recognize His ways and can guide us in our journey. We need this kind of spiritual community. Not just for answers, but for encouragement when listening feels confusing or discouraging. God invites us into relationships where we can ask questions, seek counsel, and grow in discernment together. At the same time, others can only guide; they can’t listen for us. Eli helped Samuel understand God was speaking — but Samuel still had to respond. So as we learn to listen, let’s treasure the community God has given us — while still cultivating our own private walk with Him.
3. Listening Well Leads to a Faithful Response
Listening doesn’t end with hearing. It requires a response.
When God finally speaks to Samuel, what does He say? A hard word — judgment against Eli’s family (vv. 11–14). Not an easy message for a young boy to deliver. But Samuel obeys. Verse 18 says, “So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him.” True listening means responding with obedience — even when the message is hard. And this is where we often struggle. We sense God calling us to forgive, to change, to surrender — but responding feels too difficult. We get stuck between knowing and doing. But the gospel meets us right there.
Paul says in Romans 7:18, “I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” Sound familiar? That’s why we need Jesus.
Jesus is the only One who listened to the Father perfectly. Where we fail to listen and obey, Jesus listened and obeyed completely. And when we put our faith in Him, His perfect obedience is credited to us (Phil. 3:9). He gives us His Spirit — the power to listen and obey not in our strength, but in His. So listening well isn’t about perfection; it’s about dependence. Jesus makes it possible for us to hear God and respond by grace.
Reflection and Response
As we come to the Lord’s Table, we remember that our ability to listen and respond comes not from ourselves, but from Jesus.
Reflect on these questions:
How has God been speaking to you lately — through His Word, through others, or through quiet nudges?
Is there an area where you’ve heard His voice, but hesitated to respond?
Who is helping you discern God’s voice — and how might God be calling you to use your voice in someone else's life?
Let your prayer be: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” And trust that Jesus is not only speaking — He’s equipping you to follow.
Amen.