The Weakness of Shallow Religion

1 SAMUEL 1:1-3

Theme: Though Elkanah’s faith appears to be strong, it is actually weak, shallow and superficial. God would have us know Him, walk with Him and worship Him with all our heart and mind in an ever growing relationship.  

ELKANAH IS MERELY A RELIGIOUS MAN.  

Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: ² And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. ³ And this man went up out of his city ^†yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there.^[1] (1Samuel 1:1-3)

Elkanah’s description as an Ephraimite appears troublesome since Samuel served as a priest, an office reserved exclusively for Levites. However, Elkanah was a direct descendant of Levi (1 Chron. 6:33–38) and was therefore qualified to function in a priestly capacity. He was a Levite by lineage but an Ephraimite by residence. One indication of how lawless were the times in which Samuel was born is his father’s bigamous marriages. ^[2]

The designation “Ephrathite” indicates his residence and location only, but he actually belongs to the priestly tribe of Levi. He and his family are Levites who had been historically devoted to the Lord and His service. Yet, Elkanah is not serving as a priest or Levite….

    1. He Appears to be Faithful in His Worship.   Vs. 3

In spite of Elkanah’s failures, he is still a deeply religious man (1Sam.1:3).

       A.  He Has Not Forsaken the Lord.  Vs. 3, “unto the Lord of hosts in Shiloh”

He had not forsaken the one true God to worship the "gods" of Canaan like so many of his fellow Israelites. 

       B.  He Keeps the Annual Feasts and Sacrifices. 

Evidently, he faithfully celebrates all three special feasts outlined by the Lord in the book of Exodus (23:15-16).  "Three times in the year," God had said, “all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD” (Exo. 23:17).

Though many in Israel failed to honor God in this way—just as many Christians today fail to honor God by worshiping Him regularly and giving the first fruits of their material possessions—Elkanah was very conscientious about obeying these particular commandments.

       C.  He is Consistent and Faithful.

We read that “this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts in Shiloh.” (1 Sam. 1:3).

    2.  He Appears to be Persistent in His Worship.  Vs. 3

1 Samuel 1:3, And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there.

Verse 3 emphasize Elkanah’s persistence in spite of the sinfulness and corruption of Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas. These men were notoriously wicked, but Elkanah faithfully and persistently worshiped God from his heart. He refuses to allow the sinfulness of others hinder his acts of devotion. Many weak souls will soon abandon their practice of faith because of the perceived and actual hypocrisy of so called adherents. They will work with, play with, recreate with, party with and even go into business with hypocrites, but they will NOT worship with them. Such excuses only evidence shallow commitments. Not Elkanah though.... He stayed with what he knew to be right and true even though his spiritual leaders were desperately wicked men.     

    3. He is Actually Superficial in His Worship.

Elkanah is a religious man—a faithful Jew when it came to performing the outward requirements of the law, particularly in terms of offering sacrifices to God. Remember superficial identifies his religion as surface, external, peripheral, and merely skin deep. It consisted in outward routines devoid of spiritual meaning. His faith is not really internalized; therefore, minimally impactful in his lifestyle and decisions.  Elkanah is an illustration of weak and shallow religion....

APPLICATION: It’s often easier to carry out the external requirements of Christianity yet neglect the internal and foundational requirements that give meaning to our outward forms of worship, service and commitment. Sometimes giving great amounts of money to a church or ministry is merely a substitute for giving one self and our talents or skills to the Lord. Such gifts tend to gain us recognition, special privileges, and honor before the rest of the church. It is so easy for spiritual disciplines to become routines disconnected from their God-given designs. As a result our faith stagnates at shallow routines and nearly meaningless practices. Bible reading is hit and miss...mostly miss. Prayer is relegated to emergency use only, but certainly not daily communion with God. Meditating on God's Word has been lost upon modern Christians. Tradition can displace truth as worship descends into patterns and forms long severed from their original meaning, power, and grace as God intended. It is possible to attend church and never worship while there…. It is possible to discover powerful truths through preaching and never bother to actually explore their potential in our own lives...through obedience. Yes, like Elkanah we can merely settle for a form of shallow and weak religion that vaguely resembles a vibrant faith.  

But, why? How could this development take shape when a person regularly involves themselves in religious events and activities? Really...when a person is willing to sacrifice for their faith isn't that an indication of deep and substantial devotion? Then how can Elkanah be regarded as merely superficial and shallow in his worship? Wouldn't it be more correct to say his faith is strong and deep instead of weak and shallow?

          A.  Worldliness is often the Culprit.

However, when it came to matters of the heart, Elkanah allowed the worlds system to penetrate his lifestyle. We must remember that in this moment of Israel’s history, “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judg. 21:25), including marrying more than one woman. Elkanah’s decision to be a polygamist and to subsequently demonstrate favoritism toward Hannah definitely reflected the pagan influence that had penetrated his own life. Consequently, he suffered the consequences in terms of his family life.

          B.  External Religion without Internal Commitment is Likely the Case.

Today, many of us as Christians definitely consider ourselves religious. We may go to church regularly, we may have been baptized, and we may even substantially support the ministry financially. We're also committed to the basic tenets of Christianity: the deity of Christ, salvation by grace, the Bible is the Word of God, and that Jesus Christ is coming again.

But at the heart level there is something missing in many of our lives. We are more committed to the externals of the Christian Faith than we are to the internal aspects, such as genuine devotion, loving God, deep transformation within, empowered obedience, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit, which the apostle Paul describes as “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance” (Gal. 5:22).

APPLICATION: Unfortunately, most of us live in a culture that is out of harmony with these Christian values. Consequently, we must constantly be on guard against the subtle influences of the world system, which the apostle John defines as, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:16). The Word of God can help us know the true state of our hearts and motives. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Daily, the Scriptures can alerts us when we are merely going through the religious motions.

          C.  A Compensation for Guilt May also be in Play.

Frankly, I also believe many of us as Christians perform our religious duties to compensate for our failures. Guilt is the real motivation and not the Spirit of God.

                 1.  We know in our hearts we are not committed to Jesus Christ as we should be.

                 2.  We know we’re toying with sinful thoughts that dull our spiritual lives.

                 3.  We’re playing around with the sensual aspects of a worldly lifestyle.

                 4.  We’re making decisions in our businesses that are questionable, if not downright unethical.

                 5.  Our language is often not honoring to God.

                 6.  We give the appearance of being religious—in actuality, to compensate for our guilt.

APPLICATION: Sometimes we do good things for the wrong reasons. Elkanah should have been devoted to God as a priest or a Levite…. Knowing he was not what and where he ought to be motivated him to practice shallow religion instead of exploring and experiencing a life of joyful obedience to God. Yes, He made great sacrifices to compensate for his guilt, but God would rather obedience than sacrifice (1 Sam. 15:22-23). God desires that we worship Him in spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:23-24) from the heart and not merely adhering to empty religious traditions, and rituals that miss the point of adoration, praise, and heart-felt devotion (Matt. 22:36-40). If any of what I am emphasizing is true in your own life, ask God to help you practice Paul's exhortation to the Philippians: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philip. 4:8) Allow such honest inward reflections and Spirit-led self-examinations to produce godly outward expressions of true devotion from the heart. Finally, 1 John 1:9, is still in the Bible for folks just like you and me. God is a merciful and forgiving God when we specifically acknowledge our sins to Him in an attitude of genuine repentance.

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^[1] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 1 Sa 1:1–3). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[2] Merrill, E. H. (1985). 1 Samuel. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 433). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Another Gospel...Really!?

2 Cor. 11:2-4; Gal. 1:3-9

THEME: Beware of the many false notions and beliefs associated with the genuine Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Have you ever heard someone say, “There are many ways to Heaven”? I can recall a debate on the Oprah Winfrey Show years ago where she advocated for “many paths to God” instead of through Jesus Christ alone. This version of political correctness acknowledges that we live in a very pluralistic society and confuses respect for freedom of religion with legitimacy of all faiths. While we all enjoy the right to believe what we want equally, all belief systems are not equal, valid, or even advisable. They all do not produce the same results.

The struggle is nothing new, people have disagreed since Cain and Abel about the tenants of genuine faith and practices (Gen. 4). There have always been those ‘peace-loving’ (but misguided) people also who tried to harmonize belief systems for the sake of “peace.” The results have been a proliferation of false notions about God, Faith, Christianity, Jesus, the Bible, and on the list goes into the future. Yes, one outcome in the first century was the emergence of other gospels….

LESSON: 

THERE ARE SEVERAL MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE GOSPEL

2 Cor. 11:2-4, For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. [3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. [4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

  

“Another Gospel” refers to false gospels of multiplied variations. There are many erroneous teachings today as to what the Gospel is. Humanity, religionists, and the Devil have tried to pervert the true message of the grace of God. The real Gospel of Jesus Christ is always distinguished by the fact that God saves sinners based on Christ’s work—divine performance. The formula is Faith + Christ’s Work = Salvation. Universally, false gospels always offer salvation because of our works and devotion—human performance. The formula is basically Faith + Human Works = Salvation. Genuine Christianity is the only faith in the entire world that proclaims the work of God on our behalf as the solution for our guilt, shame, and sin! All other world religions preach “another Jesus,” “another spirit,” and “another gospel.” The name of the savior will vary, the ‘holy book’ will vary, and the messages will vary, but it is still one false gospel! Please carefully note how this occurs in two extremely popular, but dangerous belief systems—false gospels….

THERE IS THE FALSE GOSPEL OF BAPTISM

There are those who teach that a person must be baptized before they can be saved or to become a Christian.  The Bible clearly teaches that we are not saved by any amount of human works at all.

    1.  Infant Baptism is a Common Practice Related to This False Gospel.

Infant baptism is the sprinkling or immersion of infants for imparting to them spiritual blessing of some sort. Though the exact purpose of it differs from group to group, almost always it implies that the child thereby receives salvation in some sense.

Infant Baptism is not taught in the N.T. "For some, infant baptism is a doctrine by implication. It is implied that in five households in the N.T. that were visited by salvation, there must surely have been young children. These were the households of Cornelius in Ac. 10, Lydia in Ac. 16, the Philippian jailer in Ac. 16, Crispus in Ac. 18, and Stephanas in 1 Co. 1:16" (The Church of God: A Symposium). This is pure conjecture, not biblical evidence or support!

    2.  What Are We to Do for Our Children?

Since babies are not to be baptized to be saved then what is a loving parent to do?

         a. Christians Can Rejoice That Their Children Are Sanctified by the Parents' Relationship with Christ (1 Co. 7:14).

1 Cor. 7:14   For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

               (1) The Presence of a True Believer in a Non-Christian Home Has a Sanctifying Influence.  To sanctify “holy” simply means to set apart.  Here it does not mean that the unsaved child is automatically saved simply because the wife/mother is, neither does it mean that he is automatically made holy.  Rather it means that he is set apart in a position of external privilege.  He is fortunate to have a Christian mother who prays for him. The child is privileged to live in a home where the parents are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God.  In this sense the children are holy.  Her life is a testimony and influence for God in the home.  He receives a Christian influence that could result in a true conversion.      

               (2)  Though We Might Not Know Everything This Involves, We Do Know That....

                      (i) The Passage Is Not Speaking of Sanctification by a Baptismal Ritual. Nothing is said here or in any other N.T. passage regarding the necessity of baptizing infants before they can partake of this family sanctification.

                     (ii) Children are Eternally Safe If They Die in Early Childhood. The case of the death of David's son illustrates this. After the child's death, David said he would one day go to be with him (2 Sa. 12:22-23). This shows David's assurance that the baby was safe with God. If this were true for the children of O.T. saints, surely it is true for the N.T. believer.

2 Samuel 12:22-23, And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? [23] But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

Certainly, King David was a saved man, who is in Heaven today with his child who went to Heaven before him!

                      (iii) At a Certain Point in the Child's Life He Becomes Personally Responsible Before God for His Relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible does not say at what age or point this occurs, but Jesus encouraged children to come to Him (Lk. 18:16), and Timothy was taught the Scriptures as a child with the goal that he would come to salvation (2 Ti. 3:15).

Mark 10:13-16, And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. [15] Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. [16] And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. (Jesus received little children, blessed little children, placed his hands on them and held them in his arms, but he never baptized a single one of them!)

The Lord also made it very clear that little Children where already a part of the Kingdom of God and that they were safe until the age of accountability.

         b. The Parents Must Dedicate Themselves to Train the Child in the Way of Christ. It is not really the dedication of infants that is essential; it is the dedication of parents. Parents are wasting their time if they go through a public ceremony of dedicating their child to God but fail thereafter to discipline and instruct him in the right way. Let us do both! Let us offer our newborn children to God and plead His best blessing upon their lives and let us carefully train them for His holy service.

Ephes. 6:4, And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

    3.  Scripture Declares That We Are Not Saved by Any Good Works.

Titus 3:5, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;  

Being Baptized is a good work which is only proper for the true believer.  (Eph. 2:8-10)

    4.  Salvation is Strictly by Faith in Jesus Christ and What He Accomplished, the Gospel.

Romans 3:21-28 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; [22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: [23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. [27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. [28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

    5.  What Does Mark 16:16 Mean?

Mark 16:16, He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

The omission of baptized with the latter clause of this verse show clearly that Jesus does not make baptism essential to salvation.  

This verse has the same since as the following statement; “He who boards the bus and sit down will arrive at the down town shopping mall.”  It really doesn’t matter at all if they sit down on the bus, they will still arrive at the Mall if they board the bus.  A person who believes on Christ but does not get baptized will still go to heaven.  This verse does not teach at all that baptism saves it actually is a very strong argument for the need to believe on Christ to be saved.

ILLUSTRATION: The Thief Who Died on the Cross Beside the Lord Jesus Was Saved by Faith Without Baptism.   Luke 23:42-43 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. [43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Jesus, Himself assured this dying thief that he was saved and would go and spend forever with Him in paradise.  Jesus made it clear that faith in Him alone was enough to receive the benefit of His Death, Burial and Resurrection.  This thief was not baptized but he certainly got saved! 

   

      6.  Baptism Is ONLY for Those Who Have Trusted Jesus Christ As Their Savior.

Acts 8:34-38, And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? [35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. [36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? [37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

THERE IS THE FALSE GOSPEL OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

There are those that claim that you must join their church and take the sacraments to be saved.  They claim that salvation can only be obtained through their church.  As a result, many feel that since they belong to a certain church or denomination that they will be saved and certainly go to Heaven because they belong to a specific church.  Often when I ask them, “Are you 100% sure that if you died right now you would go to Heaven?” they will respond by saying, “Well I’m a Baptist” or “I was raised a Catholic” or “I belong to the Methodist Church”.  In other words, their confidence concerning how to go to Heaven and forgiveness of sins rests in the belief that they belong to a certain church. 

Their response reveals that their hope of Forgiveness, and Salvation from Sin is wrapped up in the fact that they belong to a church, lodge, or fraternity.  All of these are false ideas and must be rejected as legitimate hope of salvation.

      1.  The Scriptures Declare That Jesus Christ is the Only Mediator (Middleman or Liaison) Between God and Humanity.

1 Tim 2:5, For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

          a.  Mediator Means Intercessor; Middle Man; One That Interposes Between Parties at Variance for the Purpose of Reconciling Them.

          b.  The Lord Jesus Christ is the Sole Mediator Between God and Men.

Hebrews 8:6, But now hath he [Jesus Christ] obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he [Jesus Christ] is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Hebrews 9:15, And for this cause he [Jesus Christ] is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 12:24, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

Bible commentator Albert Barnes says,  

Christ constantly presents the merits of his death as a reason why we should be saved. He does in heaven whatever is necessary to obtain for us grace and strength; secures the aid which we need against our foes; and is the pledge or security for us that the law shall be honoured, and the justice and truth of God maintained, though we are saved. It is reasonable to presume that this is somehow by the presentation of the merits of his great sacrifice, and that is the ground on which all this grace is obtained. As that is infinite, we need not fear that it will ever be exhausted.

This automatically excludes any church or religious group who claim to have a monopoly on salvation and entrance into Heaven. Jesus, the God-man, is the only one who can save not a church.

      2.  There is No Salvation in Any Other.  Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY to Heaven.

There is no such thing as many ways to Heaven.  There is no such thing as the Hindu way, Confucius way, Baptist way, Methodist way, or Catholic way to Heaven. All approaches to God are NOT acceptable. All roads and religions do not lead to God! Inventing our own conditions and prerequisites for salvation is not possible with God! We must come to Him on His terms.  

            a.  We Must Come to God, His Way and on His Terms! 

Acts 4:12, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.      (ALSO EPH. 2:8-10)

John 3:36, He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Beloved, Jesus is the ONLY WAY to God, forgiveness of sins, a home in Heaven, and a new life! It is through FAITH in Jesus that we receive eternal life by grace.

            b.  Salvation Is in the Person Jesus Christ and Not in an Institution!  No church, lodge, or religious group can save a person. Only Jesus Christ can Save us from our sin and promise us Heaven when we believe on Him and Him Alone. Salvation is for anyone and everyone who will believe on Christ.  If a Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Mason, Eastern Star, or Pagan will Trust Jesus Christ and Him alone for eternal life, He will save them.

John 6:35, And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 6:37, All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Bible Salvation is in the Person Jesus Christ and His Accomplishments; Nothing nor No One else! This is God’s Good News, we are not saved by our merits and accomplishments but by those of Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION:

THOSE WHO PERVERT THE GOSPEL ARE CURSED OF GOD

Galatians 1:3-9, Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, [4] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: [5] To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

    [6] I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: [7] Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. [9] As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

ANY OTHER GOSPEL MUST BE REJECTED AS A LIE, AND THE GOSPEL OF GOD MUST BE EMBRACE THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST AND HIS FINISH WORK.

Because Christ is Alive, God Has a Basis for Saving and Justifying the Believer; We are Just as Righteous as The Risen Christ is!

Romans 8:33-35, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. [34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

 When a sinner trust Christ as their Lord and Savior, he is accepting the credit of being alive and in Heaven because he is identifying with Christ’s Resurrection.  For the sinner who believes on Christ, there remains no more obligations to sin and death.  He is freed from such obligations so that he can serve his Lord with his new life.   (See Rom 6:4-13).

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is an essential element of the gospel of the Grace of God, without it we have no hope or means of going to Heaven, Forgiveness of Sin, a Relationship with God, and Peace for all Eternity.  But now is Christ risen from the dead! This is the Gospel, the Good News of Christ who died in the place of sinners and the One who was buried to put away our sin.  Finally, the One who lives today in the power of and eternal life.  He can offer life to all that will believe on Him. 

Scandalous Behavior in High Places

1 Samuel 2:11-21

Our recent US Presidents have certainly generated a good deal of negative press. The mere mentioning of their names revives memories of continuing investigations for unconstitutional, immoral and unethical behaviors. This is a pervasive theme throughout our federal and state governments. Whether it is Hillary Clinton’s Benghazi investigation or police brutality, everyone is justifiably more skeptical of public officials! The business world is another sector where scandals have made international news. Names like Martha Stewart, WorldCom, British Petroleum, Enron, Xerox, Volkswagen and too many others have been charged with illegal and unethical business practices. Though we are accustom to scandals related to the lives of entertainers still we find ourselves dumbfounded by the behaviors of ‘superstars’ like Bill Cosby, and NBC’s former anchorman Brian Williams. Such negative developments create unholy ripple effects in society!    

Unfortunately this kind of behavior is not limited to politics, business, and entertainment. It has also permeated the “religious” world. Catholic priests have been publicly charged with the horrible crime of sexually abusing children. The Anglican Church has a homosexual priest serving as the head bishop. Prominent television evangelists and other well-known religious leaders have been charged with double lives indulging in pornography, adultery, and homosexuality.

Never before in the history of our own culture have we experienced so much “wickedness in high places.” Surprisingly in contrast, the Bible indicates this is not new; throughout Israel’s colorful history God exposed sinful leaders for the whole world to see.

Lesson:

I.  The Scandalous Behavior of Eli’s Sons.   1Sam. 2:11-17

A.  THEY WERE WICKED SONS OF BELIAL.

   1.  Sons of The Priest and Judge.

Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were extremely wicked men. Eli served both as a judge and as high priest in Israel.

   2.  They Were Priests Also.   (2:12)

We first meet these men in the opening verses of the book of 1 Samuel, where they are also identified as "priests of the Lord" (1:3). Sadly, these two men did not measure up to the spiritual qualifications that God had established for spiritual leaders (Lev. 21:1-15). Rather than living righteous and holy lives, they were very wicked the “Sons of Belial.”(1 Sam. 2:12a).

   3.  They Knew Not the Lord.   (2:12)      

This phrase, “they knew not the LORD” is very revealing regarding their spiritual status.  Even though Eli’s sons had not turned from God to worship the false gods of Canaan, they did not know God personally. Even though they were involved in a religious profession as priests in the Tabernacle at Shiloh, they were not true followers of the Lord. (Getz)

   4.  Not All Jews Were Saved.

When Paul addressed the Jews in his epistle to the Romans, he made it clear that there are Jews who are Believers and those who are not. More specifically, Paul said: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: [29] But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” (Rom. 2:28-29).

 

Eli’s sons were not true Jews by God’s definition. They were no doubt circumcised according to the Law of Moses, but they had cold and calloused hearts. Their wickedness is almost incomprehensible.

B. THEY WERE DISRESPECTFUL OF GOD’S OFFERINGS.    1 Samuel 2:15-16

   1.  They Ignored Bible Guidance. Vs. 16

They Treating the Lord’s Offering with violent Contempt!  Moses had clearly outlined God's plan for the priests (Lev. 7:30-34). They were not to take the fat portions of the meat that was being offered. They were legally allowed to have the "breast" and the "right shoulder," but only after the fat portions of the sacrifice had been burned upon the altar.

  2.  They Established Personal Preferences.   Vs. 15

Instead, Eli's sons had set up their own rules in order to get the best meat while the sacrifice was being boiled (1 Sam. 2:13-14).

  3.  They Asserted Their Will.

But they took another step out of the will of God. We read that “Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.” (2:15). In addition, if anyone resisted, the servants would “take it by force” (2:16).

 

C.  THEY WERE LITERALLY ROBBING THE LORD.

   1.  Their Actions Were Robbery.

God was very displeased with Eli’s sons. God viewed their actions as taking for themselves what belonged to Him. As Keil & Delitzsch state: "To take the flesh of the sacrificial animal and roast it before the offering had been made, was a crime which was equivalent to a robbery of God."

   2.  Their Actions Were Frustrating Worship.  Vs. 17

But more so, these men were stealing the LORD’S offerings with zero appreciation for the worship of Jehovah. Not only were they taking from God what belonged to Him, but they were keeping people from offering sacrifices to atone for their sins. Consequently, what they did affected all Israel. They were treating with contempt what God had established as a means of having fellowship with His people and a way in which His people could have fellowship with Him. (Getz)

 “Just Suppose!” Though I cannot think of any contemporary illustration to describe the gravity of the sin Eli's sons committed, let me share one idea that may help. The church I serve has seventeen paid pastors. Suppose we ordered our secretaries to meet our people at the door on Sunday mornings and demand they give directly to the pastors the money they had planned to give to the Lord. Though what a person gives to the Lord financially has nothing to do with the forgiveness of sins, we would certainly be taking from God what belongs to Him and hindering our people from worshiping God. Though the Lord has given us biblical guidelines specifying that pastors should be paid from the offerings of the people (1 Tim. 5:17-18; Gal. 6:6), those salaries should be paid from a portion of the offerings after the money has been first and foremost given to God.—Gene Getz

This illustration, multiplied many times, describes the seriousness of the sin committed by Hophni and Phinehas. Such behavior grieved God. Sadly, modern so called servants of God are taking money people believe they are giving to God for themselves. This too is scandalously disrespectful of the God’s offering!  

To be sure God still uses imperfect Christians, but sin in our lives leads to serious consequences. God used Eli even though he at times disobeyed the Word of the Lord, and today God may even use us when we deliberately disobey Him. He honors His Word. But ultimately we’ll pay a serious price for our sins. We will eventually reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7).  Galatians 6:7, unmistakably says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

I know a number of former pastors who had built very prominent churches. Thousands of people professed faith in Christ under their preaching and ministries. At the same time, they were living scandalously immoral double lives. They got involved with pornography, their secretaries, and young ladies in their Christian schools, social media outlets, ladies they were counseling, and in some instances multiple affairs through dating services. But eventually their worlds came crashing down because sin had caught up with them. It always does! Unfortunately, too many of their confessions of sin and repentance were superficial, dishonest, and manipulative. Eventually, they lost their pastorates, some of them lost their marriages, and their families.   

Please do not misunderstand me. Not all crises of this nature are the result of sin. But in Eli’s case—the cause-effect relationship seems quite clear. These men violated God’s will again and again over lengthy periods of time. It did not all happen at once or suddenly…gradually their unrepentant sinfulness led to greater and deeper sin. Beloved, this should not surprise us. Really bad things do happen because God promises He will discipline His children who habitually practice sin (Heb. 12). In Corinth, some church members’ sins were so flagrant that God allowed them to become terribly ill and some of them actually died. In other words, God took them home to heaven prematurely. First Corinthians 11:30, clearly warns, “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.”

II. The Spiritual Development of Hannah’s Son.  1Sam. 2:18-21

A.  SAMUEL WAS GROWING PHYSICALLY. (2:18-19).

In stark contrast, little Samuel was growing up and ministering before the Lord in truth. In spite of the terrible wickedness and outright hypocrisy that existed in the tabernacle at Shiloh, Samuel continued his spiritual journey. Eli served as his mentor, even though his own sons were woefully wicked. As a young boy, he actually performed spiritual tasks alongside Hophni and Phinehas—“ministered before the LORD” (1 Sam. 2:18). Once a year when his parents traveled to Shiloh to worship, Hannah brought him a “little coat” she had made—obviously a bit larger each year to fit his growing body. (Getz)

B.  ELKANAH’S FAMILY WAS GROWING NUMERICALLY. (2:20-21)

And each year, Eli pronounced a blessing on Elkanah and Hannah, asking the Lord to give them more children to replace Samuel. God graciously responded to Eli’s prayers and blessed Hannah with “three sons and two daughters.” That is a five hundred percent increase on the initial investment of little Samuel. I love God’s math!

C.  SAMUEL WAS GROWING SPIRITUALLY. VS. 21

Meanwhile, we read, “The child Samuel grew before the LORD” (2:21). Again in spite of his immediate climate, circumstances, and culture this little servant was thriving in the Lord his God!

    1.  God Protected His Heart.

In some miraculous way, God protected young Samuel from being negatively influenced by the corruption that existed in the house of the Lord.

   2.  Hannah’s Prayers Shielded Him.

I have no problem believing that Hannah’s faithful prayers afforded him a measure of protection and grace. A godly mother’s and father’s prayers can still avail protection for our children in this evil permeated culture we must traverse. If we must send them off into the public school system and secular colleges, then please shield and guard them with your prayers!  

It is possible for children to grow up to be godly men and women, even though they have lived in an environment that is permeated with evil. This is one of the most encouraging principles that grow out of this unique story. In spite of his evil environment, Samuel continued to mature to become a man of God. If this could happen to this young man in his environment, it certainly can happen to our own children.  However, this does not happen automatically. We must adhere to God’s strategies, plans, and ways. Most importantly, we must live consistent Christian lives in front of our children from the very time they are born. We must dedicate them to the Lord early and pray for them consistently. It is also incumbent upon us to do all we can to protect them from evil influences without attempting to remove them completely from the broader society. This, of course, is one of the greatest challenges we face as parents in the world today. But, when we join together as Christian parents and encourage and pray for one another,  I am confident God will help us to bring up our children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). If this was possible in the first-century world, it is certainly possible in our deteriorating twenty-first century world.

Christ Only, Compromise, or Coexist?

I realize that I run the risk  of being misunderstood; nevertheless, I wish to state my position. I am more interested in Jesus Christ than I am in the Anti-Christ, politics, or mere religion. I understand the applicable prophecies, the political climate, and the state of America, but I also understand the Great Commission of our Lord. As true Americans we hold to and believe in the freedom of religion. Our culture is pluralistic whether we like it or not.  No matter what a belief system may involve as long as it does not promote the hurt of others it is acceptable or tolerated in American society. Americans afford the right to worship and religious freedom to all Americans. At the same time we Christians believe there is One God and One Way to have a relationship with Him. Jesus Christ is the Way, Truth, and Life and absolutely no one can come to the Father except through Him (John 14:1-7). This is a decision of faith, a conscience choice to believe God and the biblical record. While we desire for all men to be saved, we also afford men the freedom to worship according to their conscience. The Lord Jesus would not coerce the beliefs of another, nor would He engage in religious oppression.

All religions are created equal, and all of them are equally bankrupt—completely and categorically empty! However, the Christian Faith is no religion. It is a vital relationship with God through Faith in Jesus Christ who died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day. That is the gospel hope for all humanity, but only genuine believers have a real relationship with God.  Again as Americans we afford the freedom to worship to all Americans, but as Christians we acknowledge only One true Faith and One Living Triune God. Remember, America has an undeniable heritage rooted in Christian principles, but today she is very pluralistic. Freedom of religion means something different today than it meant 200 plus years ago. Our task is to take the gospel to Americans who know not the Savior. Let us never forget this important design of our Savior Jesus Christ. While we are taking the gospel to our country, let us also take it to our world. Christ would be pleased with that!

 The fact that the Christian Faith is being subdued, censored, muffled, and largely misrepresented in the media and public square cannot be denied. The fact that every other religion, especially Islam, is given a voice, amplification, and a free pass is not only evidence of inequity but the influence of Satan in our country. It is absolutely true we cannot compromise nor regard these religions as equals to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Tolerance and coexistence, in our country at least, seems to mean Christians shut up and let every other religion speak up. This too is driven by the wicked one, Satan. Let us remember, that our battle is not with people, but with Satan, his lies, and the wickedness he promotes (Eph. 6:10-20). All human beings are ‘potential’ believers, they are among the “every creatures” we are to proclaim the gospel to (Mark 16:15). While we must never ever compromise with false religions of any kind (Rom. 16:17-20), we must discern a way to reach people trapped in these false systems of worship to be obedient to Christ our Lord (Matt. 28:18-20). We must find a way to reach people of other religions here in America. May God give us the grace, power, wisdom, and love of Christ to do so.   

We must never forget that the Savior and Lord we love so much, died for every sinner. Sinners of other religions, sinners of other worldviews, sinners of other philosophies, and sinners who are currently sold out to Satan are among those Christ desires to save. Also remember our God is so great that He deserves the worship and praise of EVERY CREATURE; it is our job to point them to Christ Jesus with our lips, literature, and lifestyle. Christ desires to save all who will repent and believe the Gospel.