The Vanity of Cultural Religion
I Samuel 4
March 26, 2000

I. Errant Theology

1.      Not all wrong

(1)   The Lord had defeated them v. 3

(2)   They needed God to intervene

2.      Missed conclusions

(1)   Did not ask why they were defeated

(2)   God was limited to the ark

(3)   The ark was more important than their faithfulness and obedience

(4)   God would be obligated to give victory if they put His ark and His reputation on the line

 

II. God's Purpose

1.      To bring Israel to an awareness of their helplessness

2.      To reveal Himself as the transcendent God

3.      To show that God cannot be forced into anything

 

III. Stark Conclusions

1.      Why the glory departed:  not because the ark was gone but Israel had forsaken the Lord vv. 19-22.

2.      God can take care of his own reputation and he does.  He vindicates his honor.

3.      God uses even the instrument of defeat to bring his blessing.

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