1 Samuel 4-7

1.     THE POWER OF GOD IS MISPLACED (Chapter 4)

a.     Israel relied on the ark, not God. (vs 1-5)

b.     The Philistines miscategorized God (vs 6-11)

c.      The people didn’t take responsibility. (vs 12-22)

2.     THE POWER OF GOD IS DEMONSTRATED (Chapter 5)

a.     The Philistines don’t recognize God’s rightful place. (vs 1-2)

i.     Psalm 97:9 says, “For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.” God is going to show this in action because the statue of Dagon is about to be put in it’s place. 

b.     God shows that the glory is His (vs 3-5)

i.     “Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” Psalm 29:1-2

c.      God shows that the power is His (vs 6-10)

d.     The Philistines still don’t see that God is bigger than they can comprehend. (vs 11-12)

3.     THE POWER OF GOD DESERVES RESPECT (Chapter 6)

a.     In their misplaced recognition, the Philistines try to buy God’s favor. (vs 1-5)

b.     In their attempt to not recognize God, they look for a coincidence. (vs 6-12)

c.      In their joy and celebration, the Israelites dishonor God’s commands. (vs 13-21)

4.     THE POWER OF GOD RESULTS IN VICTORY (Chapter 7)

a.     Israel still doesn’t want to take responsibility. (vs 1-2)

b.     Samuel shows that repentance begins with the heart. (vs 3)

i.     “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, then put away foreign gods…and direct your heart to the Lord and serve Him only.”