Subject: How We See God Makes a Difference
by Rick Welborne
1 Samuel 4:1-11 (NKJV)
1 And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines, and encamped beside Ebenezer; and the Philistines encamped in Aphek.
2 Then the Philistines put themselves in battle array against Israel. And when they joined battle, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men of the army in the field.
3 And when the people had come into 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 from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies."
4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
5 And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted so loudly that the earth shook.
6 Now when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, "What does the sound of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews mean?" Then they understood that the ark of the LORD had come into the camp.
7 So the Philistines were afraid, for they said, "God has come into the camp!" And they said, "Woe to us! For such a thing has never happened before.
8 Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.
9 Be strong and conduct yourselves like men, you Philistines, that you do not become servants of the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Conduct yourselves like men, and fight!"
10 So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and every man fled to his tent. There was a very great slaughter, and there fell of Israel thirty thousand foot soldiers.
11 Also the ark of God was captured; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.
1 And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines, and encamped beside Ebenezer; and the Philistines encamped in Aphek.
2 Then the Philistines put themselves in battle array against Israel. And when they joined battle, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand men of the army in the field.
3 And when the people had come into 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 from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies."
4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
5 And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted so loudly that the earth shook.
6 Now when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, "What does the sound of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews mean?" Then they understood that the ark of the LORD had come into the camp.
7 So the Philistines were afraid, for they said, "God has come into the camp!" And they said, "Woe to us! For such a thing has never happened before.
8 Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.
9 Be strong and conduct yourselves like men, you Philistines, that you do not become servants of the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Conduct yourselves like men, and fight!"
10 So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and every man fled to his tent. There was a very great slaughter, and there fell of Israel thirty thousand foot soldiers.
11 Also the ark of God was captured; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.
--I want to thank Pastor Mark, Kim, and the entire team for putting together the Parade of Ministries and thank all of you who have committed yourselves to serving…more of you need to get on board.
--When we become servants instead of spectators we have a less chance of getting bored or critical with the ministries of the church…God is looking for faithfulness in His Kingdom…enter thou good and faithful…
--Today we want to continue the series of “Get Rid of the Box” and see what God would say to us thru his Word…we all have a tendency to think we know what God is doing but sometimes miss it.
--There was a problem in Israel and it obviously had an effect on the entire country…Eli’s sons were abusing their service in the house of God by sleeping around with the women who gathered there.
--Also, Eli would not do anything about how they were living and how they were affecting the temple. God’s patience will just go so far and then pay day comes.
--The Philistines were gathering against Israel and because of the sin that was allowed to go on without being dealt with…judgment was on the way…when we sin we are vulnerable to our enemies.
1. Israel thought as long as we have God in a box (the ark of the covenant) we will be alright.
--Israel had enjoyed having success in their battles because God was with them…the Philistines line up for battle and 4000 Israelites are killed…oh no, what could be wrong?
--Why has the Lord defeated us today before our enemy? Why are we going through this situation? Why does it seem that things are going south no matter what I do? What could possibly be wrong?
--The elders said we have it…let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies."
--They were saying the box (ark) will save us…when it comes it will save us. “It” will save us! God in a box…our good luck charm will save us…just get the box here and everything will be alright.
--Yes that is it…get the ark here and our enemies will flee and life will be good again… And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
--Look who is coming with the ark of the covenant… Hophni and Phinehas…people who are just playing church, who are taking advantage of their place with God…they were priests…sons of the priest Eli.
--Pastor, how sick is that…they are priest yet they are abusing their authority and they’re taking advantage of women who are supposed to be at the temple worshipping God. Those dirty priest…aren’t we all priest?
1 Peter 2:9 (NLT)
9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
--As royal priest it is imperative that we are careful how we deal with the presence of God. So what can we learn from Israel about entering God’s presence.
A. It matters how we enter God’s house and His presence. There are consequences to assuming God’s presence is with us.
--Israel thought we can fight and win because God is with us…they did not know His glory had departed.
Psalm 24:3-4 (NLT)
3 Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.
3 Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.
--Eli would not deal with his sons and his sons would not deal with their sin…No big deal, God will be with us!
People died because of un-repented of sin…4000 and then 30,000…maybe it does matter.
B. When things are not going well it may behoove us to ask the right question…"Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines?” Why am I going through all this mess in my life right now?
--Israel asked the right question but did not bother to hear from God and wait for the right answer…pastor, I do not believe what I am doing will send me to hell…maybe not, but it can hinder God’s presence with you.
Isaiah 59:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.
1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.
--If we live in willful sin or if we practice sin we can come to church and pretend to worship, pretend to talk to God, pretend everything is ok but your iniquities (sin) - separate you from Him and hidden His face from you.
C. If we will have God’s presence in our lives there must be a reverence for Who He is.
--Speaking of the ark…when it comes…it will save us…What? He is a holy God and must be served with reverence and awe.
Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV)
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
29 for our "God is a consuming fire."
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
29 for our "God is a consuming fire."
--Nothing will start the downward spiral of sin as not giving God glory or not being thankful for Who He is.
Romans 1:21-25 (NIV)
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools
23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools
23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.
2. The Philistines believed that because they had God in a box that everything would go well for them.
--They had heard of Israel’s God doing great things but now Israel has a reputation of power but no power. The Philistines believed that if they could take possession of Israel’s God in a box…everything will be ok.
1 Samuel 4:7-8 (NKJV)
7 So the Philistines were afraid, for they said, "God has come into the camp!" And they said, "Woe to us! For such a thing has never happened before.
8 Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.
7 So the Philistines were afraid, for they said, "God has come into the camp!" And they said, "Woe to us! For such a thing has never happened before.
8 Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.
--You meet them all the time, people who have just enough of God in their lives to convince us that all is well with their souls. They talk the talk but do not walk the walk.
--Their box consists of parents who took them to church every Sunday, a dad who was a deacon…mom who played the piano…we are Baptist, we are Catholic, we are…, but have not been to church in years.
--I was baptized as an infant; I was saved at VBS at age 7. I was confirmed…My box of God is good! They take God out of the box when he is needed…especially in a crisis.
--The Philistines learned what every person has to learn who becomes a Christian…every knee will bow…
1 Samuel 5:1-6 (NIV)
1 After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.
2 Then they carried the ark into Dagon's temple and set it beside Dagon.
3 When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD! They took Dagon and put him back in his place.
1 After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.
2 Then they carried the ark into Dagon's temple and set it beside Dagon.
3 When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD! They took Dagon and put him back in his place.
4 But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained.
5 That is why to this day neither the priests of Dagon nor any others who enter Dagon's temple at Ashdod step on the threshold.
6 The LORD's hand was heavy upon the people of Ashdod and its vicinity; he brought devastation upon them and afflicted them with tumors.
5 That is why to this day neither the priests of Dagon nor any others who enter Dagon's temple at Ashdod step on the threshold.
6 The LORD's hand was heavy upon the people of Ashdod and its vicinity; he brought devastation upon them and afflicted them with tumors.
--We’ve got God…we will just mix the presence of God with the gods of this world…with Dagon…you really think God will allow you to worship Him and this world together?
--Even Dagon (a false god) has enough sense to fall on his face before the true and living God…maybe it is time for you to fall on your face before God and surrender everything…stop playing games.
--Dagon lost his head and his hands…the sooner we surrender to God completely the less chance we have of thinking wrong and doing wrong and being totally broken…Jesus makes us whole not shattered!
3. Getting rid of your box means carrying the Presence of God in a respectful and humble way.
--David wants the blessings of having God’s presence with him and with the nation but he does not follow the commands of how to carry God’s presence…on poles carried by the priests of God…used an ox.
2 Samuel 6:6-9 (NKJV)
6 And when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled.
7 Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God.
8 And David became angry because of the LORD'S outbreak against Uzzah; and he called the name of the place Perez Uzzah to this day.
9 David was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, "How can the ark of the LORD come to me?"
6 And when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled.
7 Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God.
8 And David became angry because of the LORD'S outbreak against Uzzah; and he called the name of the place Perez Uzzah to this day.
9 David was afraid of the LORD that day; and he said, "How can the ark of the LORD come to me?"
--We often find ourselves wondering why things are not going well for us but we do not stop and ask what is going on in my life that may be causing this.
--Israel made the mistake, the Philistines made the mistake, and now David is making the mistake of not honoring the presence of God…God help us to honor His Presence and not make the same mistake.
--We are the temples of Holy Spirit…the temples of God who carry His Presence on a daily basis…do you think that it is important how we carry His Presence? Absolutely!
--Caution…I am not saying that every time something goes wrong in our lives it is because of sin…but whenever things go awry it would be good if we asked the question…Why has this happened? Examine yourself before God to make sure. David does his homework and gets it right about God’s presence.
2 Samuel 6:12-14 (NKJV)
12 Now it was told King David, saying, "The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness.
13 And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep.
14 Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod.
12 Now it was told King David, saying, "The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God." So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness.
13 And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep.
14 Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod.
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