Ichabod Baptist Church

By David Reagan

Text:  1Samuel 4:1-22

INTRODUCTION – The spiritual condition of Israel in this story is a picture of many churches today.  Ichabod (v.21) which means the glory is departed.

1. The Right Battle – The Wrong Weapons  (v.1-2; 1Samuel 17:45-47; 2Corinthians 10:3-5)

1. Marketing techniques

2. Political Machinery

3. “Christian” Entertainment/Rock

2. The Right Form – The Wrong Faith  (v.3; 2Timothy 3:5; John 4:19-24)

1. Baptismal Regeneration
2. Traditional Methods

3. The Right Office – The Wrong Men  (v.4; 1Samuel 2:12,17,22-24; Titus 1:5-9; Jeremiah 23:1,11; Ezekiel 34:1-3)

   1. Preachers Chosen - Degrees
   2. Deacons Chosen - Business Contacts

    

4. The Right Emotion – The Wrong Reason/Result  (v.5-11; Romans 10:1-3; Galatians 4:16-18)

    

   1. Application: Emotional Showmanship

    

5. The Right Man – The Wrong Message (Haggai 1:13; Malachi 2:7; Matthew 7:28-29; 1Corinthians 14:8)

   1. Application: Instead of giving God’s message, he needed to receive a message.

6. A Long Life – A Defeated End  (v.18; Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 (lost); 1Corinthians 3:15  (saved))

    

   1. Application: Selfishness marks the declining years

    

7. A New Birth – A Cursed Beginning  (v.19-22; Galatians 3:1-3; 4:9)

    

   1. Application: No atmosphere for spiritual growth

       

CONCLUSION – The glory of God has departed from many churches today.  What are you doing to make sure it doesn’t depart from here?

For More Information:

More Audio Sermons

More Sermon Outlines 

 Send Page To a Friend

Copyright © 2002 Antioch Baptist Church Knoxville, Tennessee