I Samuel 7:1-14
When “Ichabod” is declared and the glory of God’s presence is
lost, how do we return to God and rediscover his presence and power?
When vital godliness
decays, the result is often form faith or ritual.
When religion becomes beautiful
instead of sacrificial it is usually devoid of power.
Acknowledging the presence of God does not equal
experiencing the power of God.
I. The Desire
for the God's Presence Expressed (7:2)
A. Involves an awareness of weakness, defeat
and sin
B. Involves an awareness of God's holiness (6:20)
II. The Demands
for Restoration of Fellowship (7:3)
A. Repentance of sin - "return
to the Lord with all your heart"
B. Removal of Idols - "remove
the foreign gods"
C. Renewal of Heart - "direct
your hearts unto the Lord"
D. Reservation of Service - "serve
the Lord alone"
III. The Display of Commitment (7:4-6)
A. A Disciplined Obedience v.4
B. A Devout Confession v.5-6
IV. The Devil's Attack (7:7-8)
A. A past failure brings fear. v.7
B. A present faith brings assurance. v.8
V. The Deliverance of God (7:9-11)
A. The Power of Godly Prayer v.9
B. The Pressure of Godly Fear v.10
C. The Pleasure of Godly Service v.11
VI. The Dedication to the Lord (7:12)
RAISING AN EBENEZER:
