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1 Samuel

2019

Normal Christian Life

December 8, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRO. GOAL IS PURSUE SPIRIT-FILLED LIVES I. DAVID = EXAMPLE OF SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE A. Anointed = Separated Unto God B. “Spirit Came Upon” Hb. Rushed Upon - Act. 2 1. From Union To Communion 2. Union = Rebirth / Never Changes - Jn.14:15-18 3. Communion = Inward Presence, Fellowship x Me - II Cor.5:17, Communion - Ac.4:31 - ‘God Here’ C. Spirit Came David Changed. I Was Changed. II. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE BELIEVER? A. There Is More, Much, Much More B. God Desires We Know His Presence – Jn.14:21 C. Holy Spirit Leads Us To Spirit-Filled Life: x Cocoon > Shaking New Operating System III. HOW DOES THIS LIFE HAPPEN? A. Different For All As To The Look B. There Are Some Principles Which Help: 1. Love God More Than Self - Mt.10:38-39 2. Realize Called To Be Filled - Eph.5:18 3. Obedience Is Essential - Jn.14:21 & 23 4. Learn Character Of God = Word & Prayer 5. Ask - Lk.11:13 6. Expect God To Keep His Promise 7. Start Walking - Gal.5:25 - By Faith

Hannah - Woman of Prayer

January 20, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRO: ISRAEL IN MORAL AND POLITICAL DEGENERATION A. God still moves in history for Israel B. God uses a dysfunctional family to work C. Main personalities - consider chapter one I. (vs 1-7) PENINNAH = WOMAN OF CRUELTY A. Toxic personality, motive is jealousy B. Taunted - barrenness / emotions, spiritually C. ‘Years’ worst at worship - made miserable II. (vs 8) ELKANAH = MAN OF COMPASSION A. Attempted to comfort - ‘double portion’ B. Responsible for the mess C. He followed custom, not God III. (vs 9-10) HANNAH = WOMAN ‘CAST DOWN’ A. Lived long with torture, disappointment B. Years abused, accused, reminded (Proverbs 18:21) C. Result: bitterness of soul ‘marah’ 1. Depressed, discouraged, miserable IV. (vs 11-18) HANNAH = WOMAN WHO CONFIDED IN GOD A. She chose God and prayed - issue of heart 1. Hannah was a woman of faith & prayer B. Honest with God emotionally & intellectually 1. Wept greatly & prayed in severe anguish 2. Prayed her position, then her petition 3. Then made her promise & went her way CLOSE: HOPE FOR ALL WHO ARE DYSFUNCTIONAL A. Pathway may be long & difficult B. Suffering produces character C. In suffering & disappointment turn to God

Prayer, The Currency of Heaven

January 27, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRO. LAST WEEK FOCUSED ON WOUNDED HEART A. today: five principles ‘prevailing prayer’ I. (vs 10) HANNAH APPROACHED GOD IN HUMILITY A. prayer is humility (Shirley) dependent B. beyond ritual or piety (unseen) - Matt. 6:5-7 C. emotional buy-in / exposed / vulnerable II. (vs 11) SURRENDERED HER WILL TO GOD A. began with promise to give back to God 1. God gives to those who keep word (obey) 2. not a bargain but true surrender B. desire present but surrendered - James 4:2-3 C. ‘maidservant’ 3x “remember me” - Psalm 13 III. (vs 12) HANNAH PERSEVERED IN PRAYER - LUKE 18:1-2 A. do not give up too soon (prayer is effort) B. our prayers fill bowls in heaven’s throne 1. Psalm 141:2, Rev 5:8 - vision pray from heaven C. bowls filled, answer comes - Eph. 2:6 IV. (vs 13) HANNAH PRAYED WITH & W/N HER HEART A. first mention of silent prayer 1. not prayed in custom of the day B. her heart touching the heart of God 1. not out loud, but God heard - Psalm 139:2 C. at times words cannot express - Romans 8:26-28 V. (vs 18) HANNAH PREVAILED AND HAD PEACE A. pray until peace comes CLOSE: USE THESE PRINCIPLES WHEN YOU PRAY

Diffusing Offenses

February 3, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRO. OFFENSES OCCUR FREQUENTLY A. Eli misjudged Hannah B. Could easily have taken offense C. Hannah did not respond negatively I. LEARN FROM HANNAH’S RESPONSE: A. Though misunderstood took no offense B. Showed respect for his office/person C. Heard him all the way - James 1:19-20 D. Accused could have exploded E. Failure is costly - Hebrews 12:14-15 II. LEARN FROM SCRIPTURE: A. Prov 10:11-12 - hatred x degrees B. Prov 16:32 - self-control - Prov 25:28 C. Prov 17:9 - separates friends and self D. Prov 19:11 - discretion is honorable III. HOW DOES THIS APPLY? MAKE HAPPEN? A. Mark 14 - woman anointed Jesus criticized 1. She focused on Jesus, Jesus defended B. Romans 13:8 - owe no debt but love 1. Not “my rights but am I loving?” C. I Peter 4:8 - love covers D. Matthew 5:9 - “blessed are the peacemakers…” CLOSE: HOW WILL YOU RESPOND NEXT TIME?

What More Can We Give?

February 17, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

I. BIBLICAL ACCOUNT A. vs 19 - God remembered Hannah - vs 17, Psalm 13:1 B. vs 20 - Name declared “ God has heard” - Samuel was the promise C. vs 21-22 - Yearly sacrifice Hannah remained, Elkanah fulfilled his own vow and went D. vs 23 - Elkanah’s loving warning (agreement) E. vs 24-25 - Timing - she took Samuel & offerings (3 offerings = 3 bulls) 1. ‘Burnt offering’ atonement, establish relationship 2. ‘Sin offering’ restore broken fellowship 3. ‘Peace offering’ thanksgiving & inner peace 4. Flour & wine, shew bread, 7 candlesticks * Samuel = Jesus ‘living sacrifice’ - Romans 12:1 F. Testimony to God - I John 5:15, James 4:3 G. Kept vow & established God’s word II. APPLICATION FOR US 1. God remembers us - Psalm 13:1 2. There is a timing to our vows 3. Need some time to be ready 4. Warn: delay can become denial/dangerous 5. Gave back to God what God gave - Psalm 116:18 6. Gave that which most precious - Matt. 10:37-39, Luke 9:23 7. Put her child in hand of God 8. Gave away parental privilege 9. Faithfulness rewarded - vs 2:21 10. Sacrifice increases love of God CLOSE: What will you do with what you have?

Hannah's Praise

February 24, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRO: HANNAH’S PRAYER SIMILAR TO LUKE 1 - MARY A. Last message “what more can we give?” B. Her response after sacrifice is our example. I. vs. 1 - OUR RESPONSE: SACRIFICE > GREATER LOVE A. She rejoiced in God, not the gift 1. Sought gift of God for the glory of God X Vision of Jesus weeping over gifts B. Sad truth: some seek for selfish reasons 1. Acceptance, power, notoriety, lavish life C. ”My horn” power & strength is in God D. “Rejoice in Your salvation” - Prov. 14:12 1. Way of God supersedes way of man. X Flight of bird is in itself (engineering) of God II. vs. 2 - GOD’S PERFECTION / HOLINESS DECLARED A. “None like You” no equal, no rival B. “Rock” is eternal stability - II Sam. 22:2-3 C. Available to us - 1 Cor. 10:4 - ‘He follows us’ 1. We may depend on Him 2. He is unchanging D. We extract our help through faith & prayer 1. Prayer is ordained - Luke 18:1, I Thess. 5:16-17 III. vs. 3 - OUR HUMILITY > GOD - JAMES 4:10, I PETER 5:6 A. Do not be proud / arrogant - I Cor. 4:7 B. God knows all - Rom. 11:33, Psalm 139:17-18 C. God evaluates heart, words, actions IV. vs. 4-11 - GOD’S RESPONSE A. He enters into our lives and repays B. Reverses our circumstances CLOSE: GOD KNOWS YOUR CIRCUMSTANCE / NEED A. Will you learn to trust Him?

Honoring God

March 3, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRO: CONTRAST FAMILIES, SECTION BY VERSES A. Compare Elkanah & Eli B. Today: look at Elkanah & Hannah I. vs 11 - NEVER REGRET HONORING GOD A. Kept their promise as a family of God B. Presented their son to God at the temple C. vs 20-21 - Received greater blessing D. Lives built on God, never regret decision X Matt 7:24 - Abraham & Isaac - Gen 22:2 II. vs 18-21 - NEVER TOO YOUNG TO HONOR GOD A. ‘Na’ar’ = child up to 15 years of age B. We know Samuel began very early C. Children may honor God x David, boy with lunch - John 6, children - Matt 19, Jesus D. Parents should raise them to serve/honor God E. Service must match age, be sensible III. vs 21 - SPIRITUAL MATURITY INCREASES AS WE HONOR GOD A. Jesus grew before the Lord – Luke 2:41-51, Heb.5:8 B. Grow in favor with God and man - Prov 3:1-10 C. Full life with God, not always easy but worth it CLOSE: CALL US ALL TO DECISION TO WALK WITH JESUS

10 Principles of Child Rearing

March 10, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRO. COMPARE & CONTRAST A. This week: tragedy of Eli & sons B. I Sam. 2:12-17, 22-25 C. Some blame parent, some blame children D. ‘Free will’ = godly parents, ungodly child X Franklin Graham, Ruth Graham E. Many want a formula that does not exist WE HAVE 10 PRINCIPLES WE MAY APPLY 1. Faith - II Cor. 5:7 - live it, teach it 2. Prayer - Eph. 6:18 - ‘strategic prayer’ 3. Scripture - Psalm 119:105 - explain / apply 4. Wisdom - James 3:17, Prov. 3 - waits, gentle 5. Timing - Eccl. 3:1,7, Rom. 5:6 - timing is everything X Nathanael “Go to principal” 6. Instruction - Prov. 3 - teach one principle at a time - Rom. 6:17 7. Example – Phil. 3:17 8. Encourage – Deut. 3:28, I Cor. 16:13, 13:11 9. Faithfulness – Luke 16:12 - responsible 10. Love - I Cor. 13:13 CLOSE: I WANT TO PRAY FOR PARENTS A. Pray for the youth B. Choose way of God, choose Jesus Christ

10 Principles of Child Rearing

March 24, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRO. COMPARE & CONTRAST A. This week: tragedy of Eli & sons B. I Sam. 2:12-17, 22-25 C. Some blame parent, some blame children D. ‘Free will’ = godly parents, ungodly child X Franklin Graham, Ruth Graham E. Many want a formula that does not exist WE HAVE 10 PRINCIPLES WE MAY APPLY 1. Faith - II Cor. 5:7 - live it, teach it 2. Prayer - Eph. 6:18 - ‘strategic prayer’ 3. Scripture - Psalm 119:105 - explain / apply 4. Wisdom - James 3:17, Prov. 3 - waits, gentle 5. Timing - Eccl. 3:1,7, Rom. 5:6 - timing is everything 6. Instruction - teach one principle at a time - Prov 3, Rom. 6:17 7. Example – Phil. 3:17 8. Encourage – Deut. 3:28, I Cor. 16:13, 13:11 9. Faithfulness – Luke 16:12 - responsible 10. Love - I Cor. 13:13 CLOSE: I WANT TO PRAY FOR PARENTS A. Pray for the youth B. Choose way of God, choose Jesus Christ

Sons of Eli

March 31, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRO. MESSAGE REGARDING SIN AND REPENTANCE I. v. 12, 17, 22-25 - UNRESTRAINED CORRUPTION OF SONS A. v. 12 - Sons of Belial = Bible reference to Satan B. His sons knew not the Lord (held position) C. Sins were great (men devoid of God) D. Caused people to abhor offerings to God II. INEFFECTIVE CONFRONTATION BY ELI - v. 22-25 A. v. 23 - “Why do you do such things?” B. v. 24 - Cause others to transgress C. v. 25 - Sin against God - there is no help -blaspheme the Holy Spirit III. UNAFFECTED CONSCIENCE - I TIM.4:2 - ‘SEARED’ A. Response: persisted in their sin (unbelief) B. Eli was passive, should have removed sons IV. v. 27-34 - UNANTICIPATED CURSE > UNREPENTANT A. v. 27, 29 - Sin stated clearly - Matt. 10:37-39 B. Curse pronounced - v. 32-34 - family curse V. WARNING: SINS DO NOT GO UNNOTICED A. Sin sets consequences in motion B. Do not cause others to sin - Mark 9:42 C. Do not resist correction - Prov. 29:1 (limit) VI. WAY OUT OF CURSE BUT IT MUST BE CHOSEN: A. Act before your conscience is seared B. Acts 3:19 - Repent - Acts 16:30,31 - Believe C. Do not harden heart - Heb. 3:15 D. Accept the grace of God by faith

Deeper Truths of Christianity

April 28, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRO: LEARN DEEPER TRUTHS OF CHRISTIANITY I. vs. 1 - WORD WAS RARE IN THOSE DAYS A. Appears very much like today B. No widespread revelation C. Reason? 1. Sin had grieved & blocked a. Leaders of Israel corrupt, basic laws b. Scripture neglected II. vs. 3 - BEFORE THE LAMP WOULD GO OUT A. Trimmed morning / evening - seven wicks B. Burned perpetually - Ex 27:20 C. Only light in holy place revealed Christ 1. John 14:26 - teach, John 15:26 - testify Note: Lord begins calling Samuel III. vs. 7 - “SAMUEL DID NOT KNOW THE LORD” A. Had faith in God, reverence, service B. No personal knowledge of Him IV. vs. 10 - LORD CAME > STOOD, CALLED, SPOKE A. Relationship became real & personal B. Real life changer for Samuel V. vs. 18-19 - EVERY WORD WAS TO BE CONVEYED A. Samuel grew, established, encounter APPLICATIONS OF TEXT FOR US TODAY: A. Go where the word is taught B. The lamp replenished daily – Eph 5:18 C. Many are like Samuel - lonely for God 1. Revelation without inspiration = only information D. Holy Spirit validates faith in Jesus 1. Revelation with inspiration = transformation

Personal Sin Has Consequences

May 5, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRODUCTION: vs. 4:1 - SHOULD BE – vs. 3:22 A. Word again to Israel through Samuel / prophet B. People waged war w/o consulting God C. Defeated: 4k killed I. vs 3 - ASKED A QUESTION COMMON TO ALL MANKIND A. Embedded in question, actually blaming God B. Many reasons bad things happen to people C. Today: when personal sin = consequences II. vs 3 - ISRAEL’S WRONG RESPONSE DUE TO CORRUPTION A. Bring in the Ark - a superstitious belief 1. Had lost their true reverence for God 2. Believed God in a box > beck & call B. Misunderstanding of God, covenant, people C. Disregard for covenant – Deut. 28 1. Note correlation between obedience &.blessing - Matt. 6:13 III. WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE RIGHT RESPONSE A. ‘What have we done?’ – Psalm 139:23-24 b. Repentance / reformation / restoration APPLICATION: WHEN THINGS GO SOUTH… A. Has God withdrawn His protection? B. Why? Where is the problem? – Psalm 81:11 - path C. Ask God to show us – Psalm 139:23-24 D. Don’t discount discipline of God - Heb. 12:5-6 E. Yield, repent, restore, or it gets worse - path

Ichabod

May 19, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRODUCTION: ELI’S DAUGHTER IN LAW PREMATURE LABOR A. As she was passing, she named her son Ichabod 1. “No glory” & “the glory has departed” B. Ark equated as presence of God 1. His protection, provision, power C. Capture = their God was gone I. BASED ON THE TEXT, WHY WAS THIS THE CASE? A. Israel had broken the covenant – Deut. 28 B. Done so willfully and for a long time C. Broke moral, religious, spiritual law D. The glory of God had departed II. SUCH CONDITIONS EXIST TODAY - PSALM 51:11 A. Follow programs, fads, ignore sin 1. Allow false doctrine in church / lives B. Christians accept / promote disobedience C. Grace without growth is unbiblical 1. Romans 12:1-2, II Cor. 3:18, II Cor. 4:16 D. All the while they claim God is pleased, with us E. Exchange truth for a lie / lies – Romans 1:21-23 III. CHRISTIANS MUST LEARN OF THE GLORY OF GOD A. Psalm 3:3 – we ‘glory’ in His presence (Ikabod) 1. Inner heart, self, dignity “weighty” B. God my honor, Ebenezer = stone of help C. We are to be the people of the presence CLOSE: MUST BE BIBLICALLY CAREFUL / FREE A. Glory in Christ, cross, resurrection B. Redemption by grace through faith

Ruin of Rebellion

June 2, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRO. PHILISTINES HAVE CAPTURED THE ARK A. Their victory is short lived / fatal error B. False assumptions about God very costly I. ASSUMPTIONS & CONSEQUENCES > APPLY TODAY A. Placed ark by Dagon 1. Trophy / insult / discredit - many gods / paths B. Dagon fell defeated before God 1. Stubborn worship false god – I Cor. 10:19-21 C. Consequences followed - ‘tumors’ 1. Could have repented, but sent God away 2. Distanced themselves from God (today) 3. Doubled down on life-style (sin) 4. Pride refused to admit defeat 5. Severity of consequences increased II. MAN HAS NOT CHANGED IN ALL THE CENTURIES A. Operate on false beliefs about God B. Many attempts to discredit Christianity 1. Antiquated, anti-intellectual, bigoted C. Man goes deeper into sin D. Man distances himself more & more E. Declare victory yet destroyed - Is. 1:5 F. N.T. warning - Gal. 6:7, II Pet. 3:9 III. ONLY ONE WAY TO BE SAVED & CHANGED A. All need a new heart - Jer. 17:9, Ez. 36:26 B. Turn lives to Jesus Christ the Son of God C. He alone conquered sin, death, & rebellion D. Comes via cross & resurrection

The Irresistible Power of God

June 23, 2019 • Pastor John Wilson

INTRO. SPECIAL FORCES > MOCK PRISONER OF WAR A. Conquerors > captives of conquered I.1-5 philistines > desperate captives of god A. Ark: multiple cities now put in the fields 1. Hope: distance would avert consequences 2. Plan failed: How to get rid of God? B. Answer: trespass offering 1. Tumors, rats x serpent on pole - Num.21:8 C. vs 6-9 - Why harden your hearts? D. vs 10-12 - Still doubt origin of consequences 1. Follow to border - make sure it is gone II. HOW ARE PEOPLE LIKE THIS TODAY? A. Think God is impotent, powerless B. Reject Him and His influence 1. Atheism, intellectualism, agnosticism 2. Deny universal truths, any faith – Rom 1:21 C. Deny eternal laws - Gal.6:7 1. Consequences just happenstance, not God 2. Persist: “get rid of God in our lives” III. QUESTIONS: HOW DESPERATE ARE WE/YOU? A. Hold God at a distance? How long? B. Consider consequences as happenstance? C. Seek relief by denying God in your life? D. Truth: need a trespass offering E. Truth: Jesus is that offering – Rom 5:6-11 F. Why harden your heart? Desperate enough? G. Matt 11:28 - What is our answer?

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