SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 28-10-2018

RECAP OF OURLAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “The resurrection of the dead”, we learnt that death is not the end of life. Our souls will live forever. Those who have died shall resurrect either to everlasting life or everlasting damnation. In view of the future resurrection of the dead, sinners and backsliders need to repent of their sins and believers need to be watchful, prayerful and be obedient to God’s word.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 716: ISRAEL’S VICTORY OVER THE PHILISTINES MEMORY VERSE: …… “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). TEXT: 1 Samuel 7:1-17

TODAY’S STUDY (continued) INTRODUCTION: Today’s study shows the acceptable return and reception accorded God’s ark by the people of Kirjath-jearim. This led to Israel’s repentance and restoration to the Lord and their eventual victory over the Philistines. The leadership style of Samuel played an important role in leading the children of Israel to victory.

ACCEPTABLE RETURN OF THE ARK 1 Samuel 7:1,2 The ark of the Lord was a sacred structure; so the children of Israel felt the absence of God when it was captured. They experienced suffering and defeat from their enemies because God left them due to their sins. As soon as the ark was returned, they received it with joy and handled the ark with care to avoid the mistakes of the past. QUESTION 1: Why was there punishment for wrongly handling the ark of God? – 1 Chronicles 15:2, Isaiah 52:11

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SIN AND RETURN TO GOD 1 Samuel 7:3-6; Psalm 32:3-5; 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 Samuel instructed Israel to repent, turn away from idols and serve God only. They obeyed and God granted them forgiveness of their sins. To have God’s favour, we must live righteously. QUESTION 2: Mention some ways people substitute religion for righteousness – 2 Tim 3:5; Luke 18:12-14 QUESTION 3: What practical steps must sinners and backsliders take to return to God? – Psalm 32:5, Prov 28:13

VICTORY OVER THE ARCH-ENEMY 1Samuel 7:7-17; Isaiah 41:8-12 After repentance, Israel depended on God. Samuel cried to God on their behalf and the Lord heard him and gave them victory. The Lord has promised to answer all who call upon Him in sincerity. We should seek to serve the Lord till the end like Samuel did. QUESTION 4: What lessons can we draw from Israel’s request from Samuel? – 1 Samuel 7:9,13; Romans 10:13 QUESTION 5: Mention some of the qualities that marked Samuel out among the judges in Israel – 1 Samuel 7:15,16

CONCLUSION “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”. God forgives sin and cleanses man from it. Every child of God should leave their battles God because victory comes from Him. We must show gratitude to God always and seek to serve Him till the end.