1 Samuel 3:13-14 NLT “I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them. So I have vowed that the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings.”
In the Old Testament, Israel was one nation under 12 tribes, but there was a high priest to oversee the whole nation of Israel. This was a shadow of Jesus, who was the ultimate High Priest and King. Today, in the New Testament, God’s people can be made of millions, and the church is composed of millions of individual churches or particular ministries. Each church has a senior pastor and can be viewed as a mini kingdom. Each church that is run under the Holy Spirit will be governed through an apostolic ministry. We are now a kingdom of priests. The churches are to be run as the apostles governed the churches in the days of Acts and continuing.
Why did Israel lose to the Philistines?
1 Samuel 4:3 NLT “After the battle was over, the troops retreated to their camp, and the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord allow us to be defeated by the Philistines?” Then they said, “Let’s bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord from Shiloh. If we carry it into battle with us, it will save us from our enemies.”
At first, they thought they just needed the Ark, which represented the Presence of God. We think if we just have the Presence, then all will be fine. This is true but His Presence will not be present where there is complacency and lack of properly honoring God. You think just coming to church and just having attendance will resolve your problems? Israel is defeated because of Eli’s disobedient leadership. He placed his two boys over honoring God, and he neglected his duties as the high priest. He was corrupted but still was allowed to be a high priest for 40 years. Scripture said that in those days, messages from the Lord were rare. Many churches with improper leadership have no relationship with the Holy Spirit, or they are mingling with demons.
Whether you are a church, family, or individual, a defeated life is a sign of disrespecting God and complacency to properly put God first. However, individuals or groups can still be defeated in a church with thriving leadership.
When Israel went to war, people died, whether under good or bad leadership. Those who died under good leadership can be compared to those who currently live defeated lives under thriving ministries due to their own disobedience and complacency. Or they can represent the ones who quit, fallen away, or cast out.
You need to give deep thought to this message.
Pastor Steve Kim