Study 7: 1 Samuel 6: 1-21: Trent Evans

Trent Evans
May 12
7 min read

This sermon explores 1 Samuel 6 and the powerful themes of obedience, restoration, and the sovereignty of God. It underscores how delayed obedience leads to greater consequences, as seen in the Philistines’ mishandling of the Ark of the Covenant. The teaching challenges listeners to respond eagerly to God's direction, tether their actions to biblical truth, and surrender idols or disobedience that hinder intimacy with Him. The return of the Ark and the reactions of both the Philistines and Israelites illustrate how God's presence demands reverence and alignment with His commands—not cultural assumptions or human sentiment. Ultimately, the message calls believers to a life of immediate, joyful obedience, rooted deeply in Scripture and expressed through genuine transformation.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction & Prayer

Timestamp: 00:00–02:15
Key Point: We enter the Word not to edify people but to glorify Jesus.
Scripture: General opening prayer; focus on God revealing Himself through Scripture.

2. Background Recap: The Ark in Philistine Hands

Timestamp: 02:19–07:11
Key Point: The Ark's capture reflects Israel's disobedience; God's presence cannot coexist with idols.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 5 – Ark placed beside Dagon; idol is repeatedly found fallen and broken.
Application: Idols in our hearts cannot stand in the presence of God without producing conflict.

3. Delayed Obedience is Disobedience

Timestamp: 07:22–10:13
Key Point: The Philistines delayed returning the Ark despite recognizing the need, increasing judgment.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 6:1–2; James 4:17 – "If anyone knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it..."
Reflection: What areas of your life have you delayed obedience in, and at what cost?

4. God Desires Joyful, Eager Obedience

Timestamp: 10:13–12:18
Key Point: Psalm 119:60 – “I will hasten and not delay to obey…”
Hebrew Word: Chuwsh – to act with eager excitement.
Application: Obedience is more than duty—it's a joyful response to God's love and discipline.

5. Restoration Requires Ownership and Truth

Timestamp: 12:18–19:18
Key Point: Real restitution is impossible without owning our guilt.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 6:3–5 – Guilt offering (five gold tumors and rats) symbolizes acknowledgment of guilt.
Application: Restoration must be tethered to the truth, not emotions or misguided gestures.

6. God's Discipline is a Sign of His Love

Timestamp: 19:18–24:11
Key Point: God's persistent discipline is mercy in action, aimed at restoration.
Scripture: Hebrews 12:6 – “The Lord disciplines the one He loves…”
Reflection: Where have you experienced God’s loving discipline? How did it call you back?

7. Avoiding Accountability Through "Chance"

Timestamp: 24:11–32:38
Key Point: The Philistines set up conditions to explain away God's actions as "coincidence."
Scripture: 1 Samuel 6:7–9
Application: How do we rationalize away God’s conviction or guidance when it challenges our will?

8. Supernatural Obedience Overcomes Natural Instinct

Timestamp: 32:38–38:11
Key Point: Two cows—untrained, grieving, yoked for the first time—carry the Ark directly back.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 6:12
Reflection: God’s presence empowers even the unwilling or untrained to fulfill His will.

9. Reverence Matters: Even God's People Are Accountable

Timestamp: 38:11–45:42
Key Point: God strikes down Israelites in Beth Shemesh for looking into the Ark.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 6:19–20; Joshua 21 – Beth Shemesh was a priestly city.
Lesson: Proximity to the holy doesn’t excuse disobedience. God holds His people accountable.

10. God Desires Relationship—On His Terms

Timestamp: 45:42–50:47
Key Point: God fought to return the Ark, yet His people rejected His standards.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 6:20–21
Challenge: God sets the conditions for relationship. Will you meet Him on His terms?

Final Moment: Communion and Commitment

Timestamp: 50:47–54:20
Key Point: Communion is a physical reminder of Christ’s fight to restore us.
Call to Action: “Own it and surrender it” – Let communion be a moment of repentance and renewed obedience.

Scripture References

Word Study

Reflection Questions