How do you respond to the Word of God? Do you respond like Samuel, who heard and obeyed? Or do you respond to the Word like Eli, who heard and was unchanged? 

1. The Point

Samuel becomes the mouthpiece of God declaring His word to the people.

I Samuel 3:1; I Samuel 3:19

2. The Prophet

Samuel did not yet know the Lord because His word had not yet been revealed to Samuel - I Samuel 3:17

God reveals Himself to Samuel - I Samuel 3:10-14

The Lord comes to Samuel 3 times before Ei realizes God is calling him.             I  -1 Samuel 3:4,6,8

The fourth time "The Lord came and stood calling Samuel, Samuel... " (V10)

Samuel becomes a prophet of God's judgement against the house of Eli (V11)

All the prophets from Samuel on point to the greatest prophet, Jesus. 

See Acts 3:22-26; Matthew 4:23

3. The Priest

God's judgement against Eli revealed through Samuel. "No atonement forever" (V14)   Eli's response to God's judgement: no repentance or call for mercy because he does not truly fear God or worship Him.

"Eli hears God's word and shrugs it off. Samuel hears God's word and obeys."