Victory in Defeat

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 4:1-22

Quotes for Reflection

C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
Like a good chess player, Satan is always trying to maneuver you into a position where you can save your castle only by losing your bishop.

Richard D. Phillips, 1 Samuel (The Reformed Expository Commentary)
What is the alternative to power religion? It is the religion of the Bible, which Martin Luther summarized as the “theology of the cross.” Biblical religion is not a series of techniques for manipulating God’s goodwill or harnessing God’s power. Rather, it is a humble appeal for God’s mercy and grace, which he has offered through the priestly ministry of his Son, Jesus Christ.

Dane Ortland, Deeper
When pain washes into our lives, we immediately, instinctively feel as if we are losing. Something is happening in the debit category. We are going backward. This is bad, we think. Understandably so. In the economy of the gospel, however, we are united to a Savior who was himself arrested, crucified, put in a grave, and left for dead, only to rise in a triumphant glory not possible apart from that death. Pain seeds glory.

Application Questions

1. How has the church sought to weaponize God in socio-political struggles? What were Israel's other options in the face of threat, and what difference would that make?

2. 1 Samuel 4 seems pretty abysmal, but how does it inspire hope?

3. How are you experiencing defeat right now? How can the gospel reshape your understanding of how God might be at work to bring about your salvation?