Young People's Group

LEARNING TO BE A FAITHFUL SERVANT OF THE LORD

by Pastor Mitch
June 30, 2013

The Context Of A Nation In Apostasy

Samuel was born during a time when the people of Israel were living in disobedience to God. During the days of the Judges, people had degenerated to the extent that they had a blatant disregard for the Lord God Almighty. They had no regard for His precious word. Everybody did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). In the text of 1 Samuel 2, it is also noted that the sons of Eli, the high priest, were sinning against the Lord. Even though they did not know God and were corrupt, they remained as priests in His tabernacle. They did not obey the word of God as prescribed by the laws of Moses. They were faithless servants serving in His house. If we were to look at the world today, we do not see much difference. Everybody is doing what they think is right in their own eyes, including false pastors. Our challenge is to be different from the world. Let’s seek to serve the Lord faithfully.

The Good Example Of Samuel In Being A Faithful Servant Of The Lord

One man who sought to serve the Lord faithfully was the prophet Samuel. In the midst of great apostasy, God raised up for Himself a faithful priest who would seek to honour Him in service.

1. Learning To Serve The Lord Well

“But the child ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest.” 
1 Samuel 2:11

“But Samuel ministered before the Lord, even as a child, wearing a linen ephod.” 
1 Samuel 2:18

“Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli.” 
1 Samuel 3:1

Samuel learned to serve the Lord well. Ever since he was a child, he was taught and trained to be a servant of God. When he was brought to the tabernacle to be dedicated to the Lord, he had learnt to be obedient. He served the Lord by following the words of Eli, the high priest. Eli must have taught Samuel the duties and laws that the priest must follow as he served in the tabernacle. The child Samuel ministered to the Lord because he was faithful in doing his duties as instructed by Eli. Samuel also cultivated this consciousness with reference to God. He was conscious of the Lord God even as he served Him. Even though he did not know God in a deep way, there was already a consciousness that he must do things right. He sought to be obedient to the Lord and was responsible in all that he did for Him. He consistently ministered to the Lord from childhood to his teenage years and to manhood. Young people, let’s learn to seek to develop a greater consciousness of God even as we serve. Let’s seek to be His obedient servants.

2. Learning To Grow Up Well

“Meanwhile, the child Samuel grew before the Lord.” 
1 Samuel 2:21

“And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favour both with the Lord and men.” 
1 Samuel 2:26

Samuel also grew up well as a servant of God. The Lord watches over us in how we are growing especially those who seek to serve Him. He seeks to teach us and help us grow in definite ways. Samuel grew up in the following three aspects. Firstly, he grew in his tenacity of spirit. He learnt to be tough and strong within. He learnt how to be independent and was undaunted by the challenges of ministry. Secondly, he grew spiritually. Samuel grew in his faith and found favour with God. The Lord was pleased with the way he lived his life and how he served Him. Thirdly, he also grew socially. People liked Samuel because he was a well-mannered boy. He was respectful and the older priests and the people who came to the tabernacle appreciated his faithfulness as a servant of God. Let’s learn to be well-behaved and respectful to people. Let’s seek to find favour with God and with men.

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