The people of Israel began thinking about the One True God as nothing more than a god in a box. Their superstitious actions resulted in a devastating military loss.

2. 1 Sam. 3:11-14
3. Deut. 28:1
4. Deut. 28:7-9
5. Deut. 28:15
6. Deut. 28:25-26
7. Judges 10:10-15
8. “Here was a pressure tactic, a way of - if you will
pardon the expression - twisting God’s arm. That is not faith but superstition. It is what I call ‘rabbit-foot theology.’ When we, whether Israelites or Christians, operate this way, our concern is not to seek God
but to control Him, not to submit to God but to use Him. So we prefer religious magic to spiritual holiness; we are interested in success, not repentance.” - Dale Ralph Davis

9. 2 Chron. 7:14
10. “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." - Richard Philips

11. Romans 2:23-24
12.  "If God is for us, who can be against us?"   Romans 8:31-39

Is God on your side?

- The word of the Samuel came to all Israel - (1 Samuel 4:1)

(This was God's judgement against the house of Eli - I Samuel 3:11-14)

Israel asks "Why has the Lord deefeated us today before the Philistines?" (v3a)

But instead of calling out to God with repentance they bring the Ark of the Covenant to the battlefield (v3a-4) and then they are soundly defeated (v10-11)

Six Truths about God

1. God saves everyone who comes to Him in humility and repentance.

2. God's judgement is often surprising.

3. God is often scoffed at because of the behavior of His people.

4. God is to be worshipped, not manipulated.  In fact, He cannot be manipulated.

5. God hates superstition.

6. God will never leave or forsake His people.