God is in Control

1 Samuel 5:1-12
Darrin Mariott, Lead Pastor

Big Idea: In challenging times, we can trust that God is in control and gives us the power to grow and change.
1 Samuel 5:1-12
1 When the Philistines captured the ark of God, they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. 2 Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up beside Dagon. 3 And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the Lord. So they took Dagon and put him back in his place. 4 But when they rose early on the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen face downward on the ground before the ark of the Lord, and the head of Dagon and both his hands were lying cut off on the threshold. Only the trunk of Dagon was left to him. 5 This is why the priests of Dagon and all who enter the house of Dagon do not tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day. 6 The hand of the Lord was heavy against the people of Ashdod, and he terrified and afflicted them with tumors, both Ashdod and its territory. 7 And when the men of Ashdod saw how things were, they said, “The ark of the God of Israel must not remain with us, for his hand is hard against us and against Dagon our god.” 8 So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines and said, “What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?” They answered, “Let the ark of the God of Israel be brought around to Gath.” So they brought the ark of the God of Israel there. 9 But after they had brought it around, the hand of the Lord was against the city, causing a very great panic, and he afflicted the men of the city, both young and old, so that tumors broke out on them. 10 So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. But as soon as the ark of God came to Ekron, the people of Ekron cried out, “They have brought around to us the ark of the God of Israel to kill us and our people.” 11 They sent therefore and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it return to its own place, that it may not kill us and our people.” For there was a deathly panic throughout the whole city. The hand of God was very heavy there. 12 The men who did not die were struck with tumors, and the cry of the city went up to heaven.

I. God’s Power Revealed (vv. 1-5)

A. Israel not only has lost the battle to the Philistines, but the ark has been captured. The Philistines may think they have the upper hand, but they will soon see, just as Israel did, that God is not theirs to exploit or command. The Philistines will learn that God Almighty, not their false gods, is in control.

B. As God’s power is revealed, we see:

1. There is only one true God (vv. 3-5; cf. Isa. 44:6-8).
Isaiah 44:6-8
6 Thus says the Lord, the King of Israeland his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last;besides me there is no god. 7 Who is like me? Let him proclaim it.Let him declare and set it before me,since I appointed an ancient people.Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. 8 Fear not, nor be afraid;have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me?There is no Rock; I know not any.”

2. God is all-powerful (cf. Isa. 40:28).
Isaiah 40:28
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?The Lord is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth.He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

3. God is sovereign (cf. Isa. 46:8-11).
Isaiah 46:8-11
8 “Remember this and stand firm,recall it to mind, you transgressors, 9 remember the former things of old;for I am God, and there is no other;I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginningand from ancient times things not yet done,saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ 11 calling a bird of prey from the east,the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;I have purposed, and I will do it.

C. From these truths we learn:

1. God will not be manipulated or controlled.

2. God will not be mocked (v. 6; Gal. 6:7-8).
Galatians 6:7-8
7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

II. God’s Power Recognized (vv. 6-12)

A. Though they initially resist, the Philistines soon recognize God’s power and supremacy as they are afflicted with tumors and begin to treat the ark like a deadly hot potato. In time the Philistines saw that only by returning the ark to Israel could they be free from their afflictions.

B. The Philistines learn the hard way that God is in control. In their lesson we see:

1. God makes a way - God is still all-powerful and in control.

2. God’s power calls – God goes beyond confrontation and calls us to face reality and make a choice (vv. 7-12).
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3. God’s power comforts - We can rest in Him.
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C. How can we best respond to God’s call upon our lives?
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1. Think clearly and decisively (cf. 1 Pet. 1:13-15).
1 Peter 1:13-15
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
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2. Focus on Messiah Jesus and the grace revealed in Him.
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3. Pursue Christlike conduct.
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