Steve PetchSunday 9th February 2014

The Cost Of Obedience1 Samuel 3

The Cost Of Obedience

Samuel’s life:

• His life is recorded in the book of 1 Samuel

• He was the last ‘judge’ of Israel

• He was a powerful prophet

• He led God’s people in warfare

The Cost Of Obedience

Samuel was CHOSEN by God

• 1 Samuel 1 & 2

• Psalm 139 v 1-4; 13; 16

• Ephesians 1 v 3-5; 11

• Ephesians 2 v 10

“Come in! All are invited!”

“Chosen before the foundation of the world!”

The Cost Of Obedience

Samuel was CALLED by God

• 1 Samuel 3

• Romans 8 v 28-30

• John 6 v 44

The Cost Of Obedience

The Cost Of Obedience

Samuel’s message to Saul:

“To obey is better than sacrifice”

“Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you”

The Cost Of Obedience

God tested Samuel …

… when he was young

… when he was a ruler and judge

… when he was old

… even in his grief

The Cost Of Obedience

Samuel, Saul and Us:

CHOSEN by God

CALLED by God

TESTED by God

How do we respond when God tests us?

How is God testing you today?

What’s the difference between a celebrity and a hero?

A celebrity aims to do what will make them popular

A hero does what is right, regardless of popularity

The Cost Of Obedience

The Cost Of Obedience

“To obey is better than sacrifice”

1 Samuel 15 v 22

The Cost Of Obedience

“Although he was a son,

he learned obedience through what he suffered.

And being made perfect he became the source of eternal salvation

to all who obey him” Hebrews 5 v 8-9

The Cost Of Obedience

We will be tested:Our faithfulness

Our integrity

Our honesty

Our commitment to Christ

Our willingness to serve

Our faith

In short: all our values will be tested

The Cost Of Obedience

“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,

and the Lord tests the heart”

Proverbs 17v3