Heritage & Hope
The Revival Under Samuel”
I Samuel
Introduction: Dr. C. E. Autrey writes “The revival under Samuel began in the heart of a consecrated woman at least a generation before it actually took place. Revival may break out at any time, but it always starts in a praying heart.” (pg.45) Hannah was burdened for a child (I Sam.1:10) - the child who would lead this great revival as God’s instrument. Let us prayerfully ask God to give us a burden for revival in the midst of the Laodicean church age.
I. Israel in Samuel’s day
A. Priests had no regard for the Lord (I Sam.2:12-17)
1. Their sin was great (17)
2. They treated God’s offering with contempt (17)
B. God’s Word was rare {KJV precious} (3:1). During the 300 years of the period of the judges, God’s Word had become rare to the people of God.
C. National security and pride was very low (4:1-3)
1. 4,000 dead soldiers (2)
2. “Why did the Lord bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines?” (3)
a. Deut.6:10-12
b. Deut.8:10-14, 19-20
3. 30,000 dead soldiers (10)
4. The Ark of the Covenant was captured (11).
5. Hophni and Phinehas died (11)
II. Twenty years later (I Sam.7:1, 2)
A. For at least twenty years the people went along with the status quo of the day. Twenty years is a long time (2).
B. “These twenty years marked a dreary period in Israel’s history. Politically, the Israelites were vassals of the Philistines… the tabernacle was dismantled, and the ark was in a private home” (Autrey, pg.49).
C. During this 20 year period God was preparing His man: Samuel. Just like Esther, Samuel had come for such a time as this! I believe God has been and continues to prepare us for this time in America. I believe we can be the Samuel to lead America back to God!
III. God’s formula for revival under Samuel
A. First, there had to be a heart hunger
1. The people mourned (2).
2. The people sought (2).
3. “If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts…” (3)
4. We are not there yet are we? I don’t hear the mourning, I don’t see the seeking. But the time is coming isn’t it? A level of dissatisfaction is beginning in America. Hearts may soon be ready to change.
5. When they are ready… we must be ready. God’s church must always be out in front of revival! God prepares us first!
B. Rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths (3).
1. And they asked “Why did the Lord bring defeat on us…”
2. The foreign (KJV strange) gods were Baal (4).
3. Ashtoreth was a female goddess. It came from Babylon. The worship was immoral.
4. “The Israelites were drawn to the worship of strange gods by its fleshly and fascinating effects upon them. The worship of Jehovah was simple, reverent, severe, and self-denying. The worship of the false gods was lively and attractive. They indulged in fashionable entertainment and fleshly revelries. It appealed to the carnal mind” (Autrey, pg.50).
C. Commit yourselves to the Lord and Serve him only (3).
1. Aren’t we in America so much like Aaron? “…Tomorrow will be a festival to the Lord… the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry” (Ex.32:5,6).
2. Is Jesus really our first love in American Christianity?
D. The Israelites obeyed (4).
1. Samuel prayed for the people (5).
2. They poured out water, signifying “there is no take backs”. We are all out for God – 100%.
3. They fasted and prayed (6).
4. They confessed their sins (6).
E. God delivered them from the Philistines supernaturally (7-13).
1. Why is verse 4 important? Because there is little need praying for God to bless America, praying for God to send revival if we will not obey Him!
2. Samuel prayed (9). Samuel trusted in the cross (9).
3. Philistines attacked (10). “The devil always answers the challenge of God. When there is a spiritual stirring and the hearts of the people become repentant, the devil always responds immediately and makes a direct attack” (Autrey, pg.56).
4. The Lord answered (9). The Lord gave victory (12,13).
Conclusion: Revival is the supernatural work of God. Would you begin praying for our revival May 31 with Dr. Richard Land, our VBS June 22-26, and our revival with Dr. Jeff Ginn September 13?