Remembering God's Faithfulness: Our Stones of Ebenezer

 

Summary

In reflecting on the story of Samuel setting up the stone of Ebenezer, we are reminded of the importance of recognizing God's hand in our lives. Just as Samuel marked a significant moment of divine intervention and help, we too are called to acknowledge the ways God has guided and supported us. The stone of Ebenezer serves as a powerful symbol of gratitude and remembrance, urging us to look back on our own journeys and see the evidence of God's faithfulness.

Throughout history, God has shown His might and mercy in the lives of His people, from delivering David from the lion and the bear to forgiving Manasseh's sins. Yet, it is equally vital to see God's hand in our own stories. We often do an injustice to God by thinking His mighty acts were only for the saints of old. Our lives, too, are filled with His goodness and truth, and we must not forget the deliverances and blessings we have received.

The act of setting up a memorial, like Samuel's Ebenezer, is not just about looking back but also about inspiring future faithfulness. It is a call to remember our past defeats and sins, which serve as a backdrop to God's mercy and grace. Our failures and sorrows highlight the wonder of His continued goodness to us, despite our imperfections and unfaithfulness.

Moreover, the story of Ebenezer teaches us the power of repentance and prayer. The Israelites' victory over the Philistines came after they repented and sought God earnestly. Similarly, our spiritual victories are often preceded by a sincere turning back to God and a renewed commitment to His ways.

As we set up our own stones of remembrance, let us not only celebrate past victories but also look forward with hope. The journey is not over; there are more trials and triumphs ahead. Yet, we can be confident that the God who has helped us thus far will continue to be with us, guiding and sustaining us until the end.

Key Takeaways:

1. Recognizing God's Hand in Our Lives: Just as Samuel set up the stone of Ebenezer to mark God's help, we are encouraged to see God's hand in our own lives. Our personal histories are filled with His goodness and faithfulness, and acknowledging this strengthens our faith and gratitude. [01:10]

2. The Power of Remembrance: Remembering past defeats and sins serves as a backdrop to God's mercy. Our failures highlight His grace, reminding us of His continued goodness despite our imperfections. This reflection deepens our gratitude and inspires us to trust Him more. [11:21]

3. Repentance and Prayer as Catalysts for Victory: The Israelites' victory came after they repented and sought God. Our spiritual victories often follow sincere repentance and earnest prayer, emphasizing the importance of turning back to God and renewing our commitment to Him. [17:02]

4. Looking Forward with Hope: The journey is not over; there are more trials and triumphs ahead. Yet, we can be confident that the God who has helped us thus far will continue to guide and sustain us. This assurance encourages us to face the future with hope and trust. [42:11]

5. Giving Glory to God Alone: All victories and accomplishments are through God's power, not our own. We must always give Him the glory, recognizing that any good achieved is by His grace. This humility keeps us aligned with His will and open to His continued work in our lives. [35:34]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Ebenezer
- [00:54] - God's Hand in Our Lives
- [03:12] - Manifestations of Grace
- [05:24] - Recording God's Mighty Acts
- [07:04] - Setting Up Our Ebenezer
- [08:15] - The Place of Defeat and Victory
- [11:21] - Remembering Our Sins
- [14:28] - Reflecting on Sorrows
- [16:35] - Repentance and Renewal
- [19:02] - Longing for God's Presence
- [21:20] - Renewing the Covenant
- [24:16] - Victory Through the Lamb
- [27:09] - The Power of Prayer
- [30:11] - God's Voice in Our Victories
- [35:34] - Giving Glory to God
- [42:11] - Looking Forward with Hope

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- 1 Samuel 7:12
- Genesis 28:18-19
- Psalm 103:5

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#### Observation Questions

1. What significant event does 1 Samuel 7:12 describe, and why did Samuel set up the stone of Ebenezer? [00:10]

2. How does the sermon describe the importance of recognizing God's hand in our personal histories, similar to the ancient saints? [01:10]

3. What role did repentance and prayer play in the Israelites' victory over the Philistines according to the sermon? [17:02]

4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of giving glory to God alone for victories and accomplishments? [35:34]

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#### Interpretation Questions

1. In what ways does the story of Ebenezer encourage believers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and God's faithfulness? [03:51]

2. How does the sermon suggest that past defeats and sins serve as a backdrop to God's mercy and grace? [11:21]

3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between repentance, prayer, and spiritual victories? [17:02]

4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of looking forward with hope, trusting in God's continued guidance and support? [42:11]

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#### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you recognized God's hand in your life. How did acknowledging His presence impact your faith and gratitude? [01:10]

2. Consider a past failure or sin in your life. How can reflecting on God's mercy in that situation inspire you to trust Him more today? [11:21]

3. What steps can you take to incorporate sincere repentance and earnest prayer into your daily routine to seek spiritual victories? [17:02]

4. How can you set up your own "stones of remembrance" to celebrate past victories and inspire future faithfulness in your spiritual journey? [03:51]

5. In what ways can you give glory to God alone for your accomplishments, ensuring that humility keeps you aligned with His will? [35:34]

6. Identify a current trial or challenge you are facing. How can the assurance of God's past help encourage you to face the future with hope and trust? [42:11]

7. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to renew your commitment to God. What practical steps can you take to strengthen this commitment? [20:52]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing God's Presence in Our Journey
In the story of Samuel setting up the stone of Ebenezer, we are reminded of the importance of recognizing God's hand in our lives. Just as Samuel marked a significant moment of divine intervention and help, we too are called to acknowledge the ways God has guided and supported us. Our personal histories are filled with His goodness and faithfulness, and acknowledging this strengthens our faith and gratitude. By reflecting on our own journeys, we can see the evidence of God's faithfulness and be encouraged to trust Him more deeply. [01:10]

1 Samuel 7:12 (ESV): "Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, 'Till now the Lord has helped us.'"

Reflection: Think of a specific moment in your life where you felt God's guidance or support. How can you commemorate this moment as a reminder of His faithfulness?


Day 2: The Power of Remembrance
Remembering past defeats and sins serves as a backdrop to God's mercy. Our failures highlight His grace, reminding us of His continued goodness despite our imperfections. This reflection deepens our gratitude and inspires us to trust Him more. By setting up our own stones of remembrance, we not only celebrate past victories but also acknowledge the lessons learned from our failures. This act of remembrance encourages us to remain faithful and hopeful for the future, knowing that God's grace is ever-present. [11:21]

Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."

Reflection: Identify a past failure or sin that God has redeemed in your life. How can you use this memory to inspire gratitude and trust in His ongoing work in your life?


Day 3: Repentance and Prayer as Catalysts for Victory
The Israelites' victory over the Philistines came after they repented and sought God earnestly. Similarly, our spiritual victories are often preceded by a sincere turning back to God and a renewed commitment to His ways. Repentance and prayer are powerful tools that align us with God's will and open the door for His intervention in our lives. By earnestly seeking God, we invite His presence and power to bring about transformation and victory in our spiritual journey. [17:02]

2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and seek God's guidance? How can you incorporate prayer into this process today?


Day 4: Looking Forward with Hope
The journey is not over; there are more trials and triumphs ahead. Yet, we can be confident that the God who has helped us thus far will continue to guide and sustain us. This assurance encourages us to face the future with hope and trust. By remembering God's past faithfulness, we can approach the unknown with confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. Our hope is anchored in the promise of His continued presence and guidance. [42:11]

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Reflection: What is one upcoming challenge or decision you are facing? How can you actively place your hope and trust in God's guidance for this situation?


Day 5: Giving Glory to God Alone
All victories and accomplishments are through God's power, not our own. We must always give Him the glory, recognizing that any good achieved is by His grace. This humility keeps us aligned with His will and open to His continued work in our lives. By acknowledging God's role in our successes, we maintain a posture of gratitude and dependence on Him. This perspective allows us to remain humble and receptive to His ongoing guidance and blessings. [35:34]

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV): "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent success or accomplishment. How can you intentionally give God the glory for this achievement today?

Quotes

Sure, here are 12 quotes from the transcript that align with the key takeaways:

"Have you had no deliverances have you passed through no rivers supported by the divine presence have you walked through no fires unharmed have you not been saved in six troubles yeah in seven hath not Jehovah helped you have you had no manifestations the God that spoke to Abraham at Mamre have he ever spoken to you the angel that wrestled with Jacob at Peniel have he never wrestled with you he that stood in the fiery furnace with the three holy children hath he never trodden the coals at your side oh beloved he has manifested himself unto us as he doth not unto the world forget not these manifestations fail not to rejoice in them." [00:18:00]

"Brethren let us remember our defeats have we forgotten when we went out in our own strength determined to subdue out corruptions and found ourselves weak as water have you forgotten when you reposed in the ark of the Lord when you rested in ceremonies and ordinances and not in the rock of your salvation have you forgotten I say how you were discomforted before your sins and found no place of refuge from your adversaries have we forgotten our pitiful failures in preaching and prayer when we waited not upon God for strength all those times of groaning when none have believed our report because the Lord's arm was not revealed." [00:09:00]

"Brethren let us recollect our sins they will serve as a black foil on which the mercy of God shall glisten the more brightly Egypt's fertility is the more wonderful because of its nearness to the Libyan sands which would cover it all together if it were not for the Nile that God should be so good is marvelous but that he should be so good to you and to me who are so rebellious is a miracle of miracles I know not a word which can express the surprise and wonder our souls ought to feel and God's goodness to us." [00:11:20]

"When you and I are most diligent in hunting sin then God will be most valiant in routing our foes you look to the work within and overcome sin and God will look to the work without and overcome your troubles and your trials for you our dear friends as we pile that stone thinking how God has helped us let us shed tears of sorrow to think how ungrateful we have been on earth penitence and praise must always sing together just as in some of our tunes there are two or three parts we shall always need repentance to take the base notes while we are here while faith in praise can mount up to the very highest notes of the divine gamut of gratitude." [00:17:00]

"How delightful it is to see a church earnest after revivals crying pleading for God to come into her midst when you know brethren that without God your ordinances are nothing when you cannot rest satisfied with the dead dry letter but really want to have the power and the presence of God then it will not be long before you have it so while you and I express gratitude for the past let us breathe another prayer to God for renewed grace if you personally have lost the light of his face pray this morning return o holy dove return sweet messenger of rest I hate the sins that made thee mourn and drove thee from my breast." [00:19:02]

"Whenever God's people look back upon the past they should renew their covenant with God put your hand into the hand of Christ anew thou saint of the most high and give thyself to him again climb thy watchtower and watch for the coming of thy Lord see whether there be sin within thee temptation without thee duty neglected or lethargy creeping over thee come to Misper the watchtower come to Misper the place of the renewal of the covenant and then set up your stone and say hitherto the Lord hath helped us." [00:21:20]

"Brethren if we have done anything for Christ if we have achieved any victories if in this house any souls have been converted any hearts sanctified any drooping spirits comforted bear witness that it has been all through the Lamb when we have pictured Christ slaughtered have described the agonies which he endured upon the cross when we have tried to preach fully though feebly the great doctrine of his substitutionary sacrifice have set him forth as the propitiation for sins then it is that the victories have begun and when we have preached Christ ascending up on high leading captivity captive and when we have gloried in the fact that he ever liveth to make intercession for us and that he shall come to judge the quick and the dead if any good has been accomplished it has been through the Lamb the Lamb slain or else the Lamb exalted." [00:24:16]

"Brethren let us bear our witness this morning the default of good has been accomplished here it has been the result of prayer often have I solaced my heart by the recollection of the prayers offered in our former house of meeting at New Park Street what supplications have I heard there what groans of wrestling spirits times we have known when the minister has not had the heart to say a word because your prayers to God have melted him stopped his utterance and he has been feigned to pronounce a benediction and send you away because the spirit of God has been so present that it was hardly the time to speak to man but only to speak to God." [00:27:09]

"I charge you before the most high never depend upon my ministry what am I what is there in me I speak and when God speaks through me I speak with a power unknown to men in whom the spirit dwells not but if he leave me I'm not only as weak as other men but less than they for I have no wisdom of years I have no human learning I have taken no degree in the university and wear no titles of learned honor if God speak by me he must have all the glory if he saves souls by such a frail being he must have all the glory give unto the Lord glory and strength lay every particle of the honor at his feet but do continue to pray do plead with God for me that his power may still be seen his arms still put mightily to his work." [00:35:34]

"Surely brethren we shall be a stench in the nostrils of the most high an offense even like carrion before the Lord of hosts if we arrogate to ourselves any honour what does God send his saints for that they may be demigods did God make men strong that they may exalt themselves into his throne what does the king of kings crown you with mercies that you may pretend to lord it over him what does he dignify you that you may usurp the prerogatives of his throne no you must come with all the favors and honours that God has put upon you and creep to the foot of his throne and say what am I and what is my father's house that thou has remembered me hear the two the Lord hath helped us." [00:39:00]

"Look back look back 20 years 30 40 50 60 70 80 hear the two say that each of you through poverty through wealth through sickness through health at home abroad on the land on the sea in honor in dishonor in perplexity in joy in trial in triumph in prayer in temptation hear the two put the hole together I like sometimes to look down a long avenue of trees it is very delightful to gaze from end to end of the long vista a sort of leafy temple with its branching pillars and its arches of leaves cannot you look down the long aisles of your years look at the green bows of mercy overhead and the strong pillars of loving kindness and faithfulness which bear your joys." [00:42:11]

"For when a man gets up to a certain mark and writes hitherto he looks back upon much that is past but hitherto is not the end there is yet a distance to be traversed more trials more joys more temptations more triumphs more prayers more answers more toils more strength more fights more victories more slanders more comforts more lions and bears to be fought more tearings of the lion for God's David's more deep waters more high mountains more troops of devils more hosts of angels yet and then comes sickness old age disease death is it over now no no no we will raise one stone more when we get into the river we will shout Ebenezer there hitherto the Lord hath helped us for there is more to come." [00:42:11]

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Transcript
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