DOCTRINE. The Lord is supreme above idols, severe against idols, and severe against idolaters.

THREE POINTS OF DOCTRINE

I. THE LORD IS SUPREME ABOVE IDOLS (1 Samuel 5:1-3).

II. THE LORD IS SEVERE AGAINST IDOLS (1 Samuel 5:4-5).

III. THE LORD IS SEVERE AGAINST IDOLATERS (1 Samuel 5:6-10).

EIGHT POINTS OF APPLICATIONS

I. See how worthless idols are—what could Dagon do for the Philistines? (Habakkuk 2:18).

II. See how stupid idolatry makes you—the Philistines would rather part with the ark than part with their sins (Psalm 115:8).

III. See how terrible it is to be an enemy of God—the wrath of God is upon you (Nahum 1:6-8).

IV. See how glorious is the gospel of Jesus Christ—God the Father sent God to the Son into the world to change his enemies into his children (Romans 5:6-10).

V. The Lord does not need you to accomplish His purpose (Acts 17:24-25).

VI. See the great comfort you should have if you are a friend of God through Jesus Christ—He is the strong man shouting who will rout his enemies (Psalm 78:65).

LET ME GIVE YOU TWO EXHORTATIONS TO FINISH.

EXHORTATION I. Keep yourself from idols and flee from idolatry and close to the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 John 5:21 “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 Corinthians 10:14 “My beloved, flee from idolatry.” If you are in leagues with idols, your end will be the same as Dagon’s.

EXHORTATION II. Go preach the gospel knowing that the Lord is like a strong man shouting because of wine, and he will defeat His enemies. The Lord will defeat His sinful enemies even by saving many from their sins and turning them into saints as we preach the gospel. The stronger man, Christ, has bound the strong man, Satan, in order to plunder his house (Matt. 12:29).