The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 1 Samuel.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Here Comes A King:
A Study of the Book of 1 Samuel

Lesson 4 (Hearing Voices)
1 Samuel 3:1-21

The Text:

1. How does the Bible describe the frequency of God’s communication with His people?  Why do you think this was?
    
2. Where was Samuel?  What was he doing?  Why was he there?
    
3. Who did Samuel think was calling him?  Why do you think it took so long for Eli to realize who was really calling Samuel?  What instruction did Eli finally give Samuel about the voice?
    
4. What message did God have for Samuel?  What was his reaction?  How did Eli respond to the message of God? 
    
5. How is Samuel’s growing up years described?  Has the frequency of the Lord’s communication changed from the beginning of chapter 3 to the end of the chapter?  Why might that be?

The Application:

1. Are there times in your life when it appears, or feels, like the Lord is silent?  What might be some reasons for that?
    
2. When it comes to serving God, what has He called you to do to honor Him?   How easy/hard is it to stay in God’s presence when He seems silent?
    
3. How do you distinguish between God’s voice and the voice of someone else?  Do you try harder to get people to listen to you or to God?
    
4. Are there times that God still gives bad or negative messages?  How do you react to news that is not positive?
    
5. What changes can you make that would increase your connection with God?  What importance is there to you about the way the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel? 

Next week: 1 Samuel 4:1-22
What Is In Your Box?