Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.”

The fear of God compels us to speak. Until then, we are servants of men. We know not the Lord [1 Samuel 3:7]. No man is qualified to minister without this godly fear.

This is a gift of God's grace. Cultivate it, and plead with God for faithfulness. Put his comfort above all that man can do for you and to you. Please only Christ! Matthew 10:28, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

You'll have a reward! God will speak to you, and through you. He'll comfort others [1 Samuel 3:18-21]. sheba knew that Samuel was a confirmed prophet of the LORD. The LORD continued to appear in Shiloh, because there he revealed himself to Samuel by his word."

Get this by God's grace. We are all his servants. Put obedience above everything, and look to him for strength. He'll give it, because he's gracious. He'll put fear in our hearts, and power over sin. He'll give us faithfulness for Christ's sake.

First, "what was it that he told you?" The word of the Lord is most important. He backs it with authority. It's a word that cannot fail, even if we hide it. It must come to pass.

It's a word of rebuke and warning to sinners. It exposes our transgressions, and punishment for our crimes. It teaches us right and wrong [1 Samuel 3:11-14].

Heed this word, and there's mercy. Eli is spared, though his house must die. He's chastised, but not destroyed. 1 Samuel 3:18, "So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, 'It is the Lord; let him do what seems good to him.'”

Never put friends or family above the word of Christ. Matthew 10:37, "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;" Never do your own will. Honor him, and he'll honor you. Regard him, and he'll regard you. Matthew 10:32 “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven;"

He gives what people cannot give, even eternal life, power, and peace. He gives comfort, and makes us useful. He takes away guilt, shame, and the meaninglessness of life. He gives joy!

Secondly, "May God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything." Do not hold back God's word. Preach it from the housetops. This is the word of the Lord - the Great King! It must surely come to pass in all its authority; it must surely be heeded.

Do not take it upon yourself to hold back. Speak in the fear of God. Matthew 10:28, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Count human praise as nothing, and seek God's approval.

Honor Christ, and he'll exalt you. The pleasure of his face is worth more than the world. Forgiveness and power to obey - a clean conscience - is worth everything it costs, and so much more! It's worth it to serve God!

His word may be tough, but he has spoken! Let's honor him with fear.

Speak it in love, and say it tenderly. We are saved by grace, God helps us, and we don't have any strength. Therefore, we lead people to Christ our Savior. All power to be faithful comes from him, and we show the way, because we've experienced it.

Forgiveness is for those who repent. Salvation is for those who bear chastisement. God helps the afflicted, who mourn their sins.

Psalms 22:24," For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him."

Never forget the whole counsel of God. Speak all of it, and speak wisely - not in pride, but because he's spoken to you. Receive God's word personally. Speak only what you have seen and heard [Acts 4:20].