TITLE: How to Get the Glory Back
TEXT: 1 Samuel 7:1-12
PROPOSITION: Like Israel, sometimes we get the ark back but not the glory of God.
QUESTION: How?
KEY WORD: Requirements
SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Samuel 7:1-3
INTRODUCTION:
The Ark of the Covenant was taken (stolen).
It had been gone for 20 years.
Now, the Ark of the Covenant was back but not the glory of God.
We wander away from God – We return but it is not the same.
There are some requirements for getting the glory back.
“If you do return unto the Lord with all your hearts”
More than words
Conditional
Many claim to want revival – not from the heart.
“Then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you”
Baal – all the foreign gods – occupation, agriculture, harvest, prosperity
Ashtaroth – Female – Fertility, sensual pleasure
Jobs, money, material gain – sex and pleasure – Sound familiar?
“Prepare your heats unto the Lord” (NIV – “commit yourselves to the Lord”)
We live in a non-committal society
No commitment to marriage, family, home
No commitment to local church
No commitment to job, loyalty, extra effort
No commitment to friends, relationships
“If it doesn’t work out, move on to greener pastures.”
If you cannot commit to human relationships – you will not commit to God.
“And serve Him only”
Get involved – find a place to work. Listen to announcement, bulletin.
There is much to do – little time to get it done.
Not just include God in our activity – serve Him ONLY!
“And He will deliver you”
You must look honestly inside yourself
Let go – Allow God to change you and set you free.
They put away the idols – vs. 4
They confessed their sin – vs. 6
The Lord delivered them – vs. 10
Ebenezer (Rock of Help) because the Lord Helped us – vs. 12
With desire, repentance, commitment and service – you can be delivered.
Then the Glory of the Lord will return.