Dig Deeper - Sunday 2nd February 2025
Sermon Reflection Questions - Return to the Lord
1 Samuel 7: 1- 17
Dig Deeper notes from Sunday 2nd February service:
We live in a world where people frequently refuse to take responsibility for their actions. Figures like hedge fund trader Sanjay Shah, who defrauded Denmark of billions, or romance fraudster Cieran McNamara, who deceived multiple women, exemplify this pattern. Their sorrow appears to be less about their wrongdoing and more about getting caught. This lack of accountability isn't limited to criminals; we see it in politics, the church, and even in ourselves.
How often do we say things like, "I'm sorry, but..." or "I apologise if you were offended"? These phrases deflect responsibility rather than acknowledging real faults. True remorse and repentance are essential for personal growth, trust in relationships, and, ultimately, salvation.
In 1 Samuel 7, we see how God calls us to genuine repentance. The Israelites had suffered defeat, lost the Ark of the Covenant, and endured 20 years of spiritual distance from God. However, they eventually turned back to the Lord. Samuel, now a grown man and prophet, challenges them to prove their repentance not just with words but with actions. He calls them to rid themselves of foreign gods and commit fully to the Lord.
This moment mirrors our own struggles. We often place our trust in modern-day idols—careers, wealth, relationships—rather than fully surrendering to God. Like the Israelites, we might try to manipulate God rather than truly worship Him. Samuel’s call is clear: true repentance isn’t about tears or empty promises but about real change.
As the Israelites gathered at Mizpah to repent, the Philistines saw an opportunity to attack. Instead of relying on their own strength, the Israelites pleaded with Samuel to intercede for them. Samuel offered a sacrifice, and as he prayed, God intervened. He thundered against the Philistines, throwing them into panic and securing Israel’s victory.
This passage holds three powerful lessons for us today:
1. It holds up a mirror to our hearts.
Like the Israelites, our faith journey is often a rollercoaster. We shift between trust and failure, devotion and desertion. This story reminds us of our tendency to wander and our need for God’s grace.
2. It calls us to true repentance. Jesus’ first public message was, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Repentance isn’t a one-time event but a lifelong practice. As Martin Luther said, "When our Lord and Master called us to repent, He willed that our entire lives would be one of repentance." Repentance means not just regret but turning from sin and relying fully on God’s mercy.
3. It points us to the true rescuer. The Israelites’ rescue came not through their own efforts but through God’s intervention. This foreshadows the ultimate rescue through Jesus Christ. Just as Samuel interceded for the people and offered a sacrifice, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice, taking our place so that we could be saved.
We are all faced with the choice: do we want rituals, religion, and rejection, or do we want relationship, repentance, and rescue? The challenge before us is not just to recognise our sin but to actively turn away from it and trust in Christ. God stands ready to forgive and restore us when we come to Him in true repentance. Let’s not settle for half-hearted faith but instead embrace the fullness of God’s grace and deliverance.
Questions to think about and discuss:
1. In what ways do we sometimes shift blame or make excuses for our actions instead of taking full responsibility? How can we cultivate a heart that truly seeks repentance?
2. The Israelites had to rid themselves of foreign gods to return to the Lord fully. What are some "modern-day idols" in our lives that can take the place of God? How can we surrender them?
3. Samuel called the Israelites to demonstrate their repentance through action. What does true repentance look like in our daily lives? How does it go beyond just feeling sorry?
4. The Israelites relied on Samuel’s intercession and God’s power rather than their own strength. In what areas of life do we tend to rely on ourselves instead of fully depending on God?
5. Samuel’s sacrifice and intercession foreshadowed Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. How does understanding Christ’s role as our rescuer shape the way we approach repentance and faith?
6. A Lifelong Practice: Martin Luther emphasised that repentance is a lifelong journey. What practical steps can we take to make repentance a consistent and sincere part of our walk with God?
