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Message Notes:

1 And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines. They encamped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines encamped at Aphek. 2 The Philistines drew up in line against Israel, and when the battle spread, Israel was defeated before the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men on the field of battle. 3 And when the people came to the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the Lord defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord here from Shiloh, that it may come among us and save us from the power of our enemies.” 4 So the people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, who is enthroned on the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. - 1 Samuel 4v1-4 (ESV)

Characters of this story:

Eli - the high priest at the time

Samuel - newly called prophet to Israel

Hophni & Phinehas - corrupt sons of the priest

Eli’s daughter in law - wife of Phinehas

The Philistine Army - fear pushed them to fight

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

— 1 Peter 4v12-14 (ESV)

Lessons from this story:

1. POSTURE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PERFORMANCE

10 So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and they fled, every man to his home. And there was a very great slaughter, for thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell. 11 And the ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died. – 1 Samuel 4v10-11 (ESV)

THE BIBLE IS THE MANUAL, JESUS IS THE MODEL

58 For they provoked him to anger with their high places; they moved him to jealousy with their idols. 59 When God heard, he was full of wrath, and he utterly rejected Israel. 60 He forsook his dwelling at Shiloh, the tent where he dwelt among mankind, 61 and delivered his power to captivity, his glory to the hand of the foe. — Psalm 78v58-61 (ESV)

2. (SOME) DISTRACTIONS LEAD TO DEATH

1 Samuel 4v15-18 (ESV)

Daniel 7v25 (ESV)

2 Corinthians 4v4 (NIV)

3. MOMENTS DON’T HAVE TO STOP MOMENTUM

1 Samuel 4v19-20 (ESV)

Samuel 4v21-22 (ESV)

Ephesians 2v4-7 (ESV)