Ebenezer: Two Problems Solved by Christ, Our Stone of Help

I. EXPOSITION FOR OUR UNDERSTANDING

Background from First Samuel 4-6
1. The Ark of God Captured, 1 Sam 4
2. The Ark of God Breaks Dagon, 1 Sam 5
3. The Ark of God Returned, 1 Sam 6

Brief Outline of First Samuel 7
1. God's Ark in Kirjath Jearim, 1 Sam 7:1-2
2. God's Judge in Israel, 1 Sam 7:3-6
3. God's Thunder in Philistines Ears, 1 Sam 7:7-17

II. EXHORTATION FOR OUR APPLICATION

Powerful Illustrations of Christ Jesus
1. Christ, the ark of God, 1 Sam 7:1
a. Matt 28:20; Heb 13:5
2. Christ, the Stone of help, 1 Sam 7:12
a. Isa 28:16; Psa 118:22 (Matt 21:42)
3. Christ's gospel pictures in the ark
a. from tragic acts comes gospel triumph
i. faithless men unto fallen idols
ii. fallen man unto faithful promise
iii. filthy sinners' conspiracy unto free salvation in Christ's cross

Practical Applications for Christ's Glory
1. Houston, we have a problem... Rom 7:18-19
a. second problem, Jas 3:2-3
2. heavenly solution, Heb 4:15-16
a. Stone of help is sovereign God
i. Christ's gospel proclamation, Psa 118:22-23
ii. Christ's gospel providence, Rom 8:28
3. hopeful solution for the unsaved, Matt 21:42, 44
a. Stone of help is a saving God
i. Christ's gospel sufficient to save, Psa 118:22
ii. Christ's gospel powerful to save, Psa 118:23