Introduction:

1. Samuel was a major part of so many major biblical events.

2. He was the bridge between the period of the judges and the monarchy.

3. From conception to death, Samuel was unique, and we can learn so many valuable lessons from his life.

Discussion:

I. His Special Conception

A. His mother, Hannah had no children as her womb was closed (1 Samuel 1:5-6)

1. Peninnah provoked Hannah because she had no children.

2. Hannah prayed to the Lord in deep distress over being childless (1 Samuel 1:10-16).

B. In due time, God opened her womb, and she gave birth to Samuel (1 Samuel 1:19-20).

C. Samuel’s name means “heard of God” or “asked of God.”

II. His Dedication to God’s Service

A. In Hannah’s prayer, she vowed to give the son to God (1 Samuel 1:11).

B. She kept her vow and took him to the tabernacle to serve God (1 Samuel 26-28).

1. Samuel served the Lord throughout his childhood (1 Samuel 2:11, 18; 3:1).

2. Perhaps he got his selfless devotion to God from his mother?

C. His servant spirit shone brightly throughout his life.

III. Israel’s Sad State Prior to Samuel’s Service

A. The sons of Eli were described as “worthless men” (1 Samuel 2:12).

1. They had perverted the priesthood regarding the sacrifices (1 Samuel 2:12-17).

2. They were also engaged in sexual sin with female tabernacle servants (1 Samuel 2:22).

B. Eli did not correct them but was self-serving (1 Samuel 2:27-29).

C. Eli was supposed to be the spiritual leader.

D. God rejected him and his household from the priesthood (1 Samuel 2:30-36).

E. This weak leadership makes Samuel’s service even more impressive.

IV. Samuel’s Remarkable Character

A. He had a heart for service from childhood (1 Samuel 3:1-10).

B. He won the support of Israel (1 Samuel 3:19-20; 12:1-5).

C. He courageously proclaimed and upheld God’s word (1 Samuel 9:27).

1. He told Eli of the fate of his corrupt sons (1 Samuel 3:11-18).

2. He warned the people of the repercussions of demanding a king (1 Samuel 8:10-18; 10:17-19).

3. He boldly proclaimed God’s rejection to king Saul (1 Samuel 13:13-14; 15:10-29).

V. Application for Today

A. Like Hannah, parents should give their children to God’s service.

B. Like Samuel, young people should give themselves to serve God.

C. Like Samuel, all Christians should boldly do God’s bidding.

D. Like Samuel, leaders should be able to win the support of those they lead.

E. Like Samuel, we ought to labor to unite the people of God.

1. Few figures in the Scriptures are of the character of Samuel.

2. He was the right person in the right place at the right time to facilitate some major movements in Israel’s history.

3. He served God and the nation faithfully, and in so doing left so much by which people even 3000 years later may grow in service to God.