The Triumphant Trinity: Exploring the Attributes of God

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(Talking Points for Today's Passage)
Unique Style: The passage is in an archaic hymn style, presenting distinct challenges.
Understanding the Text:
Literary Style: Outline the specific literary characteristics.
Verse by Verse: Explore each verse, providing relevant background and insights.
Structured Discussion: Present a three-part outline to streamline our discussion and application.

“What it Says”

Read 1 Samuel 2:1-11 CSB

“What it Means”

NOTE: The prayer was written in the archaical song format like Hauberks prayer.
The fist part is just following “Hannah prayed.” (literary style)
Song (2:1b-10)
(a) Yahweh’s Holy Sovereignty (vv. 1b-3)
(b) Reversal of Human Fortunes (vv. 4–5)
(c) Yahweh’s Holy Sovereignty (vv. 6–7)
(d) Reversal of Human Fortunes (v. 8a)
(e) Yahweh’s Holy Sovereignty (vv. 8b-10a)
(f) Theme of Kingship (v. 10b)
TRANS: Let’s see this verse by verse for background and deeper understanding.
(Work through CSB verse by verse)
TRANS: Shift to ESV for application

Message

His book “1 Samuel—Looking for a Leader,” John Woodhouse notes:
“To believe in the God of the Bible is to see the whole world and all of life in radically different terms from the person who does not hold this belief.”
Thank you for being here today.
What is your worldview? Will it shock you if I ask you “Do you believe in God?”
While what brought us here lies in a common belief in God, what we are doing here also begs the following question: Do you genuinely have a Christian worldview?

State of Belief in Florida

Data Insight

Longitudinal Study: A 20-year study in Lake County underscores an urgent need for proactive measures.

Shocking Statistic

Awareness Gap: Dr. Dew from NOBTS highlights a concerning reality: "7 out of 10 people in Florida have no clue who Christ is."

Reflection

Impact of Beliefs: This statistic challenges us to examine the effectiveness of our faith in guiding our actions.

Actions and Tools

Systematic Evangelism

Technology Integration: Leveraging tools like the Bless App to facilitate systematic evangelism across the community.

Personal Touch

Handwritten Welcome Cards: Advocating for personal outreach through handwritten cards to exemplify our Christian values.

Visibility of Faith

Community Impact: These initiatives are crucial for making the core beliefs of our faith both visible and influential within the community.
TRANS: When young, I was taught “Theory of Evolution” but today evolution is taught at fact.
HUM - Why don't Christians worry about evolution? Because they know Adam wasn't monkeying around!
Permission Granted: Lake County churches have permission from the Superintendent of Schools to teach Bible lessons to students during school hours.
Teaching Creationism: Provides an opportunity to teach creationism to counterbalance the evolution theory taught in schools.
Church Responsibility: It’s essential for churches to take an active role in educating children about biblical truths; this task should not be left to the school system alone.
Discipleship Focus: The responsibility of making disciples and imparting faith lies with the church, not with the educational institutions.
What else can we do?
Story about Lyric and his world view questions about what school teaches verses what the Bible teaches.
What is your worldview?
Do you believe God, His Word, & that obedience demands sacrifice?
TRANS - Hannah’s worldview provides a great example.
INTRO: I can often discern between those who simply profess belief in God and those who truly live by that belief; my primary concern is always, "Who or what is the authority in your life?"

Talking Points on Baptist Commitment to Scriptural Purity

Unadulterated Scripture: Baptists emphasize the Bible as the sole source of authority, refusing to "add to the Bible" through interpretations influenced by church history or cultural shifts.
True Believers: This strict adherence defines Baptists as true believers who prioritize scriptural purity over tradition.
Distinctive Doctrine: Unlike other denominations, Baptists stand firm against incorporating non-biblical elements into their faith practices, maintaining a clear focus on the Bible's teachings.
Faithful Application: This commitment ensures that all aspects of faith and practice among Baptists are directly aligned with Scripture, without dilution or distortion from external influences.
A true believer lives differently, not simply saying “I’m a believer.” For, even the devil is a believer!
The true Christian life is not so much a believer’s living for Christ as Christ’s living through the believer.
John F. MacArthur

Talking Points: Distinct Christian Worldview

HUM - Why did the Christian go to the eye doctor? To improve his worldview!
Unique Perspective: Believers view the world distinctively, guided by a set of values and goals that differ markedly from secular perspectives.
Emotional Experience: Our emotions, whether joy or sadness, are deeply colored by our faith, reflecting a unique vibrancy that stems from a spiritual foundation.
Faith-Driven Actions: All our actions are influenced and governed by our faith, shaping how we interact with the world.
Overcoming Fear: Our faith empowers us to navigate and overcome fears that might otherwise seem insurmountable.
Living by Faith: Daily life is experienced, interpreted, and enhanced through faith, transforming our interactions and reactions.
Gratitude and Connection: We approach all experiences with gratitude, seeing connections and life-giving changes as manifestations of God's presence and blessings.
TRANS: With the rest of our time we’ll divide our text into three sections I’m calling:
The Majestic Maker (vv. 1-2)
The Transcendent Transformer (vv. 3-4)
The Valiant Victor (vv. 9-11)
TRANS: Turn to 1 Samuel 2:1-11 (Reading from the ESV)

The Majestic Maker (vv. 1-2)

1 Samuel 2:1–2 ESV
And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. “There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.

Hannah's Transformation

- Hannah's initial distress and transformation through prayer.
- God's impact on her heart, strength, and speech.

Meaning of Heart and Strength

- Heart as the center of thoughts, emotions, and decisions.
- "My horn" metaphor for strength, symbolizing triumph and power.

Metaphorical Language

- "My mouth derides my enemies" as a metaphor for triumph.
- Understanding the poetic and dramatic nature of Hannah's language.

Reason for Exultation

- Hannah's joy and exultation rooted in God's salvation.
- Salvation as a significant concept reflecting God's deliverance.

Connection to Israel's History

- Hannah's language echoes Israel's past deliverances by God.
- Her suffering and joy parallel Israel's experiences.

Faith in God's Uniqueness

- Hannah's faith akin to Moses and Israel's faith in God's uniqueness.
- Emphasis on God's holiness, protection, and incomparability.

Personal Reflection

- Do you believe in God like Hannah, recognizing His uniqueness and incomparability?
Ephesians 1:18–23 CSB
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength. He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens—far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

The Transcendent Transformer (vv. 3-4)

1 Samuel 2:3–4 ESV
Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength.
TRANS - Just following our introduction and faith in God (vv. 1-2)
- We noted Hannah's radical view of the world due to her faith in God
Now looking at v.3 and forward

Knowledge That Answers Arrogance (v. 3)

A. Human arrogance and God's knowledge
1. God knows all, including human actions
2. Human pride denies God's uniqueness and knowledge
Psalm 14:1 CSB
The fool says in his heart, “There’s no God.” They are corrupt; they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good.
B. Actions weighed by the God of knowledge
1. Human actions revealed in their true character
2. Arrogant talk must cease in light of God's knowledge

Power That Turns the World Upside Down (vv. 4-8c)

1 Samuel 2:4–8 ESV
The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world.
A. Human power shattered by God
1. The bows of the mighty broken by God's knowledge
2. Feeble find strength in God
B. Reversals in human circumstances
1. Fullness leads to need, hunger to satisfaction
2. Barrenness can bring forth abundance, while plenty may lead to emptiness

God's sovereignty over life and death, poverty and riches

Matthew 23:12 CSB
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
1. The Lord brings life and death, poverty and wealth
2. He exalts the humble and provides for the needy

The Creator (v. 8d–e)

1 Samuel 2:8 ESV
He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world.
Acts 17:25 CSB
Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives everyone life and breath and all things.
- God as the Creator and sustainer of the world, everything dependent on Him
How to respond?
Humility: Examine personal pride, embracing humility before God.
Faith: Strengthen trust in God's control over life's challenges.
Gratitude: Recognize God's hand in every situation, fostering thankfulness.
Action: Live out humility, faith, and gratitude through acts of kindness and trust in God.
Impact: Align daily life with these biblical principles to deepen your relationship with God and reflect His grace.

The Valiant Victor (vv. 9-11)

1 Samuel 2:9–11 ESV
“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.” Then Elkanah went home to Ramah. And the boy was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli the priest.
Can you see how Hannah's prayer embodies a Biblical worldview and celebrates the joy of the Lord's salvation?.

The Winning Side (v. 9)

- Winners are not the powerful or successful but those faithful to the Lord.
John 14:21 ESV
Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
- The powerless cannot prevail without God.

The Losing Side (v. 10a-b)

- Warning against opposing the Lord, as seen in 1 Samuel's narrative.

The King (v. 10c-e)

- Prophecy about God judging the earth and strengthening His king.
- Hannah's prayer anticipates the coming of God's anointed king.
v.11 is a transitional statement from the song/hymn/prayer back to the regular text.
1 Samuel 2:11 ESV
Then Elkanah went home to Ramah. And the boy was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli the priest.
Most believe Samuel was about three years old at that time.

Comparison with Mary's Song

- Mary's song echoes Hannah's themes and anticipates Jesus as the ultimate king.
- Encouragement to believe in God with the clarity seen in Hannah's prayer.
Hannah's Prayer in 1 Samuel 2 and Mary's Prayer, the Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55, share have similarities and differences:

Similarities:

Thanksgiving and Praise: Both prayers begin with gratitude and praise to God.
God's Sovereignty: Each prayer recognizes God's supreme authority and power.
Reversal of Fortunes: Both prayers highlight how the humble are exalted and the proud are humbled.

Differences:

Context: Hannah's Prayer responds to her receiving a child, while Mary's Prayer reacts to the news of bearing the Messiah.
Narrative Focus: Hannah's Prayer is personal and intimate; Mary's Prayer broadens to include social justice and God's promises.
Historical Context: Hannah's Prayer reflects Old Testament beliefs; Mary's Prayer is rooted in New Testament insights into salvation through Christ.
Language and Style: Hannah's Prayer is direct and personal; Mary's Prayer is poetic and prophetic.
Comparison: Both prayers share themes of praise and God's sovereignty but differ in their personal and historical contexts, emphasizing unique aspects of faith.

Conclusion

God's Sovereignty: Hannah's Prayer acknowledges God's absolute power and authority.
Contrast with Humanity: It highlights the contrast between human arrogance and God's power to humble the proud and elevate the humble.
Divine Role: The prayer underscores God's role as the Creator and Judge, dispensing justice and mercy by His will.

3 applications

Humility and Trust in God

Like Hannah, who trusted in God's plan despite her struggles.
Christians can learn to humbly submit to God's will and trust His timing and purposes for their lives.

Prayer and Thanksgiving

Hannah's prayer exemplifies heartfelt communication with God and gratitude for His blessings.
Christians can develop a practice of prayerful gratitude, sharing their joys and sorrows with God and thanking Him for His steadfastness.

Justice and Compassion

The themes of justice and mercy in Hannah's prayer encourage Christians to advocate for the oppressed, support charitable causes, and show kindness in daily interactions.
These actions deepen understanding of God's character and promote a Christian life marked by humility, prayer, gratitude, and compassion.
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