INTRODUCTION – The spiritual condition of Israel in this story is a picture of many churches today. Ichabod (1 Samuel 4:21) which means the glory is departed.
- The Right Battle The Wrong Weapons (1 Samuel 4:1-2; 1 Samuel 17:45-47; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
- Marketing techniques
- Political Machinery
- Christian Entertainment/Rock
- The Right Form The Wrong Faith (1 Samuel 4:3; 2 Timothy 3:5; John 4:19-24)
- Baptismal Regeneration
- Traditional Methods
- The Right Office The Wrong Men (1 Samuel 4:4; 1 Samuel 2:12,17,22-24; Titus 1:5-9; Jeremiah 23:1,11; Ezekiel 34:1-3)
- Preachers Chosen - Degrees
- Deacons Chosen - Business Contacts
- The Right Emotion The Wrong Reason/Result (1 Samuel 4:5-11; Romans 10:1-3; Galatians 4:16-18)
-
Application: Emotional Showmanship
- The Right Man The Wrong Message (Haggai 1:13; Malachi 2:7; Matthew 7:28-29; 1 Corinthians 14:8)
- Application: Instead of giving Gods message, he needed to receive a message.
- A Long Life A Defeated End (1 Samuel 4:18; Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 (lost); 1 Corinthians 3:15 (saved))
- Application: Selfishness marks the declining years
- A New Birth A Cursed Beginning (1 Samuel 4:19-22; Galatians 3:1-3; 4:9)
- 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?
