1 Samuel 4:1-22 Using God To Get Your Way

How can Christians have full assurance of hope? I. Because of the promise and oath of God, vv13-15. II. Because of the humility, integrity, and kindness of God, vv16-18. III. Because of the Son of God, vv19-20.

I. The argument of the disciples about greatness in the kingdom of heaven, v1. II. In his response, Jesus uses a visual aid, v2. III. And then he gives his verbal lesson, vv3-4 

I. Assurance of salvation is possible. II. Assurance of salvation is a pastoral and personal priority. III. Assurance of salvation produces perseverance. 

I. Jesus is the free Son of God the King, vv24-26. II. Jesus fulfills the temple tax upon the cross, Exodus 30:11-16. III. Jesus is the Sovereign Lord of creation, v27. 

I. The problem of those who fall away, v6. II. The description of those who fall away, vv4-6. III. The evidence and end of those who fall away, vv7-8

I. Why does Jesus repeat himself? II. What does he repeat? The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day. III. How should we respond?

I. The cause of spiritual immaturity, v11. II. The symptoms of spiritual immaturity, vv12-14. III. The foundation of spiritual maturity, vv1-2. IV. The source of spiritual maturity, v3. 

I. Human misery and the need for healing mercy, but the impotence of the disciples, vv14-16. II. Jesus rebukes their faithlessness and twistedness, then demonstrates his own ability, vv17-18. III. A poor faith’s inability and a small faith’s ability, vv19-20.

Why is Jesus qualified to be our great high priest? I. Because of his tear-filled prayers, v7. II. Because of his reverent piety, vv7b-8. III. Because of his saving perfection, vv9-10. 

I. The sovereign choice of God in the spiritual experiences of his disciples, v1. II. The clarity of Jesus concerning the future, v9. III. Christ’s help in answering our questions, vv10-12. IV. God’s servant, the second Elijah, in the plan of redemption, vv13. V. God’s care for his saints. VI. Our failures and Christ's faithfulness.