Study 6: 1 Samuel : 1-12: Trent Evans

In this message rooted in 1 Samuel 5, the speaker explores the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the sovereign power of God displayed even in exile. Israel had treated the Ark of the Covenant like a good-luck charm rather than a symbol of God's holy presence, bringing it into battle while their hearts remained far from Him. After their defeat and the Ark's capture, God demonstrated His supremacy—not through Israel’s strength, but by humbling the Philistine god Dagon and judging the Philistines without any human aid. The sermon challenges believers to tend the fire of their relationship with God, reject idols (our modern “Dagons”), and humbly come out of the shadows by confessing weakness, weariness, or disobedience rather than hiding behind pride or religious habits. Ultimately, it is a call to personal surrender, daily obedience, and openness to God's refining work—not confined to a church building, but in every area of life where His glory desires to be revealed.

Sermon Outline

1. Kindling the Fire of Faith

⏱️ 00:00–04:14

• Illustration of an untended fire: it dies without consistent fuel.

• Spiritual lives work the same way—without daily attention, passion fades.

• 🔥 Key Principle: "Untended spiritual lives eventually die out."

• 📖 Reflection: Romans 12:11, 2 Timothy 1:6

2. When Religion Replaces Relationship

⏱️ 04:14–07:38

• Israel treated the Ark like a "spiritual rabbit’s foot" (1 Sam 4).

• Hophni and Phinehas were corrupt priests; bringing the Ark did not secure victory.

• God doesn’t bless disobedience just because it looks spiritual.

• 📖 Scripture: 1 Samuel 4, Jeremiah 7:3–4

3. Victory Denied to Preserve Holiness

⏱️ 07:38–12:54

• God refused to endorse sin by granting victory.

• Obedience matters more to God than outward religious symbols.

• ✨ Key Insight: “God will not trade eternal victories for temporary success.”

• 📖 Cross-reference: Isaiah 1:13–20

4. Come Out of the Shadows

⏱️ 12:54–18:33

• Hiding weaknesses robs God of the opportunity to display His power.

• Acknowledging sin or lack isn’t defeat—it’s the beginning of healing.

• 📖 Scripture: James 5:16, Matthew 11:28–30

• 🙏 Reflection Question: What are you afraid to admit before God?

5. The Danger of Rebuilding What God Has Torn Down

⏱️ 22:17–26:50

• Philistines picked Dagon back up after God knocked him down.

• We often do the same—reinstating idols or attitudes God has already exposed.

• 📖 Scripture: Galatians 4:9, Proverbs 26:11

• 🧠 Key Question: What “Dagon” have you put back in place?

6. God’s Relentless Love and Holy Jealousy

⏱️ 26:50–30:55

• God intensifies the conflict when we refuse to surrender our idols.

• Severed hands and head = total defeat (1 Sam 5:4).

• 💥 Truth: “God’s judgment is an expression of His love—it refuses to share His throne.”

• 📖 Scripture: Exodus 20:3–5

7. Glory That Cannot Be Contained

⏱️ 30:55–34:46

• God’s presence is not confined to temples (or church buildings).

• His glory (kabod) moves powerfully in the world.

• 📖 Scripture: Acts 17:24–25, 1 Samuel 5:6

• ✝️ Reflection: Where is God trying to show His power in your life beyond Sunday morning?

8. When We Push God Away to Protect Our Idols

⏱️ 34:46–39:25

• The Philistines wanted God gone because He exposed what they loved most.

• We often do the same when conviction comes.

• 📖 Scripture: John 3:19–21, Revelation 3:20

• 🤔 Key Question: What are you protecting at the expense of God's presence?

9. God’s Hidden Victory and Sovereign Plan

⏱️ 42:27–44:23

• Even when Israel thought God was gone, He was working through their enemies.

• The Ark moved city to city, bringing judgment and displaying God’s sovereignty.

• 🧩 Key Insight: “God is always moving—even when you don’t see it.”

• 📖 Scripture: Romans 8:28, Isaiah 55:8–9

10. God is on the Move: A Call to Restoration

⏱️ 54:39–58:45

• God’s power and presence are aimed at restoring His people.

• Don’t wait—lay your Dagon down today.

• 📖 Key Verse: Luke 24:5–6 – “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”

• 🙌 Response: Come out of the shadows and into the light of God’s restoring power.

Scripture References

Word Study

Reflection Questions