What does 1 Samuel 2:26 teach about God's role in spiritual growth? Setting the Scene 1 Samuel 2:26 — “And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.” Layers of Growth Revealed - Physical growth: “stature” speaks of ordinary, observable development. - Spiritual growth: “favor with the LORD” points to Samuel’s deepening relationship with God. - Social growth: “favor … with men” shows harmonious relationships flowing from godliness. God’s Hand in the Process - God is the source of every form of true growth (Philippians 2:13). - Spiritual favor is explicitly tied to the Lord’s initiative; He grants it, not human effort alone (Psalm 5:12). - The ongoing nature—“continued to grow”—reveals a sustained, divine work, not a one-time event (Philippians 1:6). - The pattern is repeated in the life of Jesus (Luke 2:52), underscoring God’s consistent method with His servants. Supporting Scriptures - 2 Peter 3:18 — “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” - John 15:5 — “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” - Proverbs 3:3-4 — Obedience brings “favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.” Living What We Learn - Expect God to nurture whole-person growth—body, soul, and relationships. - Cooperate through daily obedience; growth is God-given yet requires our yielded participation. - Measure progress by increasing favor with God first; human favor naturally follows. - Take heart: God delights to mature His children just as He did Samuel. |
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