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1 Samuel 7

Good Morning “Responders to The Lords conviction”.  Today we are in 1 Samuel 7.  

You know that feeling that comes from deep within?  It’s that nauseating, feeling that comes when you know you’ve sinned and dishonored The Lord.  It’s the feeling that comes with a desire to never feel it again, a recognition that whatever it takes, I’ve gotta change things so that I don’t end up here ever again.  It’s different, more than just guilt… it’s conviction.  Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit.  It’s the thing He uses to point out that our sin is wrong and keep us or get us back heading the right direction.  

Generally speaking, we all have particular sin areas that Satan uses to repeatedly invite us back to sin.  Our flesh wages war with The Holy Spirit in us, and unfortunately, by our own choosing the flesh often wins (James 1:14).  With Jesus we are no longer in bondage to sin… we choose (Galatians 5:1).  If we know that sin separates us from Jesus, and we know ultimately it leads to death, and we hate the way we feel after… why do we return to it?  “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” Proverbs‬ ‭26‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬.

The flesh is strong!  Sin is inviting.  We want it which weakens our ability.  We are NOT strong enough to resist, so…. We have to be smart!  In this chapter we see the Ark returned to Israel.  It took 20 years for Israel to respond to conviction with repentance.  Check it out.

“The ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time—twenty years in all. Then all the people of Israel turned back to the Lord. So Samuel said to all the Israelites, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”1 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭2-3 ‭NIV‬‬

Samuel gives the answer as to “how we can be smart!” In repentance get rid of, distance yourself from, do whatever you gotta do to ensure you can’t go back to that sin.  That, is true repentance. True repentance brings restoration in our relationship with Jesus.

We’re not alone!  If you know Jesus, you have The Holy Spirit, it’s in His strength we have victory.  (John 14:15-18).  Don’t ignore conviction, or “try” to be stronger - be smart!

Love you all!  Dig in!