Here I Raise My Ebenezer (1 Sam. 7:2-17)
Samuel remembered God’s faithfulness in the past to help him go forward. As individuals and as a church, it is important to celebrate his activity in the previous year as we anticipate his work in the coming year.
REPENTANCE (1 Sam. 7:2-6)
- True repentance always involves a turning to and a turning from.
- You can’t serve your God if you are consumed with serving yourself.
- Genuine repentance always moves from a tearful acknowledgement to a tangible response.
FORGIVENESS (1 Sam. 7:7-11)
- The enemies of the people of God are always armed and ready when they hear that we are making progress.
- Persisting in prayer reveals that we believe God’s strength is far greater than our strength.
- Even in our continual struggles, our greatest and surest hope is in the gospel.
- Our greatest contributions in battles are only after God has already won the war.
REMEMBRANCE (1 Sam. 7:12-14)
- In the middle of where you’ve been and where you’re going, it’s helpful to remember who has been there every step of the way.
- If the LORD has helped me this far, how could I fathom that he would leave me now?
- The greatest cure for an anxious heart is a good memory.
CONTINUANCE (1 Sam. 7:15-17)
- No matter how you started, seek to finish well.
- It is critical to evaluate and address the spiritual conditions of those within your sphere of influence.
- The routine isn’t as exciting as the revival, but both of them are important.