GOD’S GLORY DEPARTS FROM ISRAEL SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES LESSON 705: GOD’S GLORY DEPARTS FROM ISRAEL

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “God reveals Himself to Samuel”, we learnt that the scarcity of the undiluted word of God calls for passionate prayers and preaching the sound word of God to rescue the perishing. If we don’t restrain others from sin, we will be guilty of encouraging its spread and be judged. To continue to enjoy God’s divine presence, Christians must take care of their relationship with God.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 705: GOD’S GLORY DEPARTS FROM ISRAEL MEMORY VERSE: “And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, because of her father in law and her husband” (1 Samuel 4:21). TEXT: I Samuel 4:1-22

SUMMARY Divine Judgement against Sin and Compromise (1 Sam 4:1,2; Jude 5-7) God hates sin and gives clear warnings before severe judgement. Sin and compromise repel the presence and glory of God; but sincere repentance and restitution secure His presence. Danger of Religion without Righteousness (1 Sam 4:3-10, Mat 23:13-33) Religious sinners, hypocrites and compromisers will be disappointed. Repentance and righteousness remain the keys to victory over sin and its consequences. Departure of the Glory of God (1 Sam 4:11-22) The glory of God signifies His honour, dignity, brightness and majesty. God’s presence and glory separated Israel as His peculiar people. Departure of God’s glory leave His people dry, dull, defeated and dead!

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What should be the responsibility of parents over their children? Proverbs 22:6 I Samuel 3:13

QUESTION 2 Mention the sins of the sons of Eli that made the glory of God to depart from Israel? I Samuel 2:12,17,22,25b I Samuel 3:13

QUESTION 3 What urgent step should sinners and backsliders in the church take to escape God’s judgement? Isaiah 1:16-18 Isaiah 55:7

QUESTION 4 Mention some shortcuts religious people take to escape the consequences of sin? I Samuel 4:3,4 Why are they not enough to secure victory? I Samuel 15:22 Acts 3:19

QUESTION 5 What will be the end of unrepentant hypocrites who replace righteousness with religion? Galatians 6:7 Job 8:13-15

QUESTION 6 What important lessons do you learn from our study?

CONCLUSION God’s warning about the judgement of sinners will surely come to pass. Therefore, we should be faithful in declaring the undiluted message. Sin and compromise repel God’s presence but genuine repentance and restitution secure it. While steadfast righteousness is vital to victory, disappointment awaits hypocrites and religious sinners. To lose God’s glory is to abide in a dry land.