1. A number of men and women from the Old Testament are mentioned in Hebrews 11 to show how faith will enable a person to be in good standing with God. 2. In vs.32 Samuel, one of Israel's greatest leaders, is mentioned. 3. Samuel served Israel as: a. prophet (1 Samuel 3:19-21) b. priest (1 Samuel 7:9) c. judge (1 Samuel 7:15). 4. As we examine Samuel's life we see that he demonstrated a tremendous amount of faith on many occasions. 5. Let us first observe how . . .
Discussion:
I. SAMUEL'S MOTHER, HANNAH, POSSESSED GREAT FAITH (1 Samuel 1-2)
A. (1:1-8) Hannah was treated very badly because she had no children. B. (1:9-18) Hannah wisely took her problem to the Lord. C. (1:19-28; 2:11) Hannah kept her vow. D. (2:1-10) Hannah expressed her joy to God through prayer.
II. EVENTUALLY, SAMUEL WOULD TAKE ELI'S PLACE AS ISRAEL'S LEADER (1 Samuel 2)
A. Eli's sons were wicked (2:12, 17, 22). B. (2:34) A prophet informed Eli that his sons would be killed. C. However, God would provide "a faithful priest" (2:35).
III. SAMUEL'S FAITH BEGAN TO DEVELOP AT A YOUNG AGE (1 Samuel 2-3)
A. As a child, Samuel ministered and grew before the Lord (2:18-21, 26). B. He also learned to listen to God's word (ch.3). C. By developing faith at a young age, Samuel was being prepared for service he would later give to God and Israel (see 2 Timothy 1:5)
