Israel has suffered a great defeat by the Philistines. Thousands have been slaughtered. The Ark of God has been taken,but later returned to the house of Abinadab. It stayed there for 20 years.
So, from chapter 4 until chapter 7, 20 years have elapsed. Samuel is now a mature man, and it is against this backdrop that we read of the first detailed event of his ministry as prophet and judge, and the story of a great revival in Israel.
Rev Elliott takes a look at Samuel and.......
1. THE MOVINGS HE DISCERNED
v2 - the house of Israel lamented - after this 20 year period they were not satisfied - God was doing a work in the lives of the people.
In the work of God we may not see things happening outwardly, but that doesn't mean God is not working in lives.
2. THE MESSAGE HE PROCLAIMED
i) Exhortation
Spoke to them with instruction - do it 'with all your hearts' (v3)
ii) Encouragement
'He will deliver you' (v3)
iii) Effective
They put away their 'gods' and now God's people are back in fellowship and God is going to show Himself strong on their behalf.
If God is moving in your heart and life-go through with Him - He waits to bless you
3. THE MINISTRY HE EXERCISED
i) The Circumstances In Which It Was Exercised
ii)The Character Of This Ministry
a) a benefactor b) an administrator c) an intercessor
4. THE MEMORIAL HE ERECTED
It would remind the people of the great deliverance God had brought to them.
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“ The work of God. ” Tragedy in Israel: for 20 years there was no Day of Atonement, the ark being taken. But God worked in those years to create a hunger for Him in the hearts of the people. So, it is an encouragement for us: even if we cannot see, God is working when we are praying. So we must go on in faith! God will manifest some day His works.
