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The Precious Word of the Lord. 1 Samuel 3:1. Background. 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)
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The Precious Word of the Lord 1 Samuel 3:1
Background • 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
Precious Commodities • 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?
Preciousness of 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)
Preciousness of God’s Word • 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)
Preciousness of God’s Word • 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)
Preciousness of God’s Word 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)