1 Samuel 7:1-12
In 1
Samuel 4, Israel is at war with the Philistines. In the initial battle Israel suffered the loss of
4,000 men. The elders of Israel called an emergency meeting to analysis the
defeat. In v 3 they asked the
question, “Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines?”
If they had stopped to evaluate their sinful condition they would have had
their answer. However, they didn’t and they arrived at the wrong conclusion.
In
chapters 4-6 we find 3 wrong ways people attempt to interact with God. They try
to use God as a… (Slide 1)
·
“Good Luck Charm” to overcome trouble (4:4-7). Hophni & Phinehas
·
“Trophy” to be put on display (5:1-5). The Philistines, house of Dagon
·
“Religious Relic” curious disregard (6:13-15,
19-21).
In
Chapter 7 we see a process that leads to restored blessing. (Slide 2)
- Contrition (v 2). “All the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.”
- Consecration (v 3-4).
- Confession (v 6). “We have sinned against the Lord.”
Key
Verse: 1 Samuel 7:12 we become acquainted with a place called Ebenezer (a stone
of help).
These
steps will lead us to a personal “Ebenezer” experience in life – “Hither-to hath the Lord helped us.”
The
Ebenezer stone in biblical typology, represents Christ.
Exodus 17:6 “Thou shalt
smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may
drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.”
1 Corinthians 10:1, 4
“Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our
fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;… 4 And did all
drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that
followed them: and that Rock was Christ.”
Ebenezer
“The Helping Stone” reminds us of several things…
1.
IT REMINDS US OF SALVATION – “Hitherto.” This points us back to the bondage of Egypt — the
slavery of sin, the Pandemic’s of our Past.
Psalms 95:1 “O come, let
us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our
salvation.”
2.
IT REMINDS US OF PRESERVATION – “Hitherto hath.”
1 Corinthian 10:4 And did
all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that
followed them: and that Rock was Christ.”
Hebrews 13:5-6 “Be
content… for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say,
The Lord is my helper,…”
Proverbs 2:8 “He keepeth
the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.”
3.
IT REMINDS US OF ANSWERED PRAYER – “Hitherto hath the
Lord helped.”
v 9 “Samuel cried unto
the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard
him.”
Luke 11:9-10 “I say unto
you, Ask , and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it
shall be opened unto you. 10
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him
that knocketh it shall be opened.”
4.
IT REMINDS US OF VICTORY (v 10). “As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the
Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the Lord thundered with a
great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they
were smitten before Israel.”
Here is a wonderful picture of Christ “the Lamb” being placed on the
altar for our Victory over death, hell and the grave.
5.
IT REMINDS US OF GOD’S FAITHFULLNESS – “Hitherto
hath the Lord helped us.”
Question: Will He that saved us not help us the
rest of the way?
Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which
hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
2 Thessalonians 3:3 “The
Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you…”
Jude 24-25 “Now unto him
that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the
presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25
To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power,
both now and ever. Amen.”
Rev Kev | Cornerstone Baptist Church | For Sunday AM, July 14,
2013
