1 Samuel 3:1

The growth and call of Samuel the prophet ( 1 Sam. 3)

God’s word was “precious” (Heb. yah-kahr), meaning “rare;” hence costly, valuable, honorable (used mostly of costly stones; see 1 K. 10:2,10,11)

Note Samuel’s good attitude toward God’s “precious” word in verses 9, 18, and 21

High price of gas and other items

Value is often determined by availability or scarcity

We appreciate high-priced items … what about God’s word?

God’s word is precious in its faith produced (2 Pet. 1:1)

What attacks this preciousness?

Failure to read & teach it (Amos 8:11-12)

Failure to appreciate & apply it (Psa. 139:17-18; Prov. 3:15)

Creeds, traditions, philos. of men (Mk. 7:13)

God’s word is precious in its promises offered (2 Pet. 1:4)

What attacks this preciousness?

Jesus does not save (1 Pet. 1:19; 2:4-7)

Heaven is not real (Jn. 14:1-6)

Godly living is no big deal (Psa. 116:15)

It is our only standard (Mt. 17:5)

It is God’s saving power (Rom. 1:16)

It gives assurance and hope (Rom. 15:4)

It makes complete (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

It reveals the coming judgment day (Heb. 9:27)

Like in the days of Samuel…

We need the “precious” word of God (the Bible)

We need to be open and receptive to that word: “Speak … thy servant …hears” (Samuel)

We will fail and fall when we refuse the “precious” word already given (Eli & sons)