“Getting God Out Of The Box”
“Revive. Restore. Renew.” Series
Sermon Notes for Lesson 5
February 26, 2023

I. Learning From The Israelites…

A. Revival will never occur as long as we want God to come for our own

_ agendas.

B. When Samuel was born, Israel was engulfed in one of her darkest times. (I Samuel 3:1)

C. When a person’s heart is not set on the things of God, he/she will make foolish choices and reap what they sow, and then they will get

_ at God. (I Samuel 4:1-3; Proverbs 19:3)

D. Churches can “holler and scream” to the point the building trembles, but that doesn’t mean

is there. (I Samuel 4:4-11)

E. When Eli was told the ark had been captured, he fell over backwards, broke his neck, and died. (I Samuel 4:18)

F. The Israelites did not understand that they had lost God’s presence long before they had lost the

! They mistook the symbol of the presence of God for the actual presence of God. (I Samuel 4:21)

G. We must not think that God binds Himself to our “forms,” if our hearts are not bound to Him and His will! (II Timothy 3:5)

H. Reflection/Discussion Question: In what ways might modern day Christians try to “box up” God for their own selfish agendas? In what ways have we sometimes traded a “form of godliness or religion” (II Timothy 3:5) for the transformative power of a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ?

II. When Revival Goes Public…

    A.  If you return to the Lord with all your heart, God is going to demand that you  turn    away from whatever is His chief 

  

    
       
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 for your loyalty and   affection! (I Samuel 7:2-4) 

    B.  Samuel issues a call for 

  

    
       
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_ repentance that takes two forms.     (I Samuel 7:5-6)
1.  Samuel calls for 

  

    
       
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_ consecration. 

2.  Samuel calls for public 

  

    
       
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_. 

    C.  During revival, the people of God discover their best weapon is always  

  

    
       
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! (I Samuel 7:7-13)

    D.  Even today, “Ichabod” can still become “Ebenezer!” (What does this mean?)

    E.  Reflection/Discussion Question:  Think about your experiences with churches and     groups of Christians through the years. Have you ever witnessed “corporate”         repentance by a church, a group of church leaders, a youth group, or a group of     Christians? If so, what was that like? What kind of impact did that have on you and     others? Since this is seen in Scripture on various occasions, why do we not see it more     today? 

III. Three Truths About Revival….

    A.  God prepares for revival long before it is 

  

    
       
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! (I   Samuel 1 & 2)

    B.  Satan declares 

  

    
       
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_ on any community of people that is   experiencing revival. (I Samuel 7:7-13) 

    C.  We need to understand that Ebenezer prayers ask God to take over, not just  take sides! (I Samuel 7:8)

1. Too often today we are guilty of praying too many “box prayers,” treating God as if  He were our 

  

    
       
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 agent.

2. Be assured that God is extending His invitation to you today! Perhaps the really     crucial question is, are you extending a genuine invitation to Him? 

    D.  Reflection/Discussion Question: In what ways might Satan attack churches who    are experiencing and/or seeking revival? How might churches prepare for and guard   against Satan’s attacks, particularly during seasons of revival? 

    E.  Reflection/Discussion Question: In what ways do Christians have a tendency to   treat God like their “insurance agent?” In what ways do Christians pray “box prayers?”  What views of God might these two things reflect? In order for us to move beyond    “praying box prayers” and treating God as our “insurance agent,” what might we need     to do?