1 Samuel 7

“Turn away from sin and turn to God”

Outline:

They cried out because they felt God abandoned them, but really their sin separated them

Samuel said, if you are sincere, you must put away foreign gods

They got rid the gods and repented of their sin

God came to their rescue

1. (V2) They mourned because it seemed as if the Lord had abandoned them

a) They lamented / To lament is to express deep regret, grief, or sorrow

They had good reason to lament. Their cities were in ruins, their armies were defeated, and they were under Philistine domination – all because they were not right with God.

b) They moved away from God, not the other way around ( -Their sin separated them from the presence of God

c) They felt separation, which God will use to help us to repent and come back to His presence

2. (V3) If you want to return to the Lord get rid of your foreign gods

a) Conditional promise based on obedience

Stop worshipping false gods:

The local gods of Baal and Ashtoreth were popular idols among the people of Israel.

Baal was attractive because he was thought to be the god of weather, bringing good crops and financial success. (God of Money)

Ashtoreth was attractive because she was thought to be the goddess of fertility, thus connected to love and sex. (God of sex)

3. (V6) The Israelites responded with fasting and the confession of sin

a) (V9) Samuel sacrificed to the Lord and pleaded with God to help Israel.

True repentance comes with action, not just lip service

4. (V10) The Philistines were defeated, God caused great confusion