God is Still God: The Fall of False Gods & False Faith (1 Samuel 5) - 11/2/25

Intro

• God has fulfilled His word of judgment to Eli and Israel.

• The ark is captured, Eli’s family is gone — yet God is still on His throne.

• He defeats His enemies and judges all who oppose Him.

• God will not share His glory—He alone is sovereign and worthy of worship.

  
  

God Defeats False Gods – vv. 1–5

• The Philistines place the ark in Dagon’s temple.

• God answers without words—Dagon falls face-down.

• The next day, Dagon’s head and hands are severed.

• Every rival god—ancient or modern—will fall before Him.

  
  

God Judges False Faith – vv. 6–12

• God’s hand grows heavy on Ashdod, Gath, and Ekron.

• Plagues, panic, and death spread through the land.

• The Philistines fear His power but never repent.

• They seek relief, not relationship with the Lord.

  
  

When the idols fall and false faith fails, one truth remains—God stands alone. (the exclusivity of God; monotheism)

• God Alone Is God — all idols fall before Him. Isaiah. 45:5

• God Alone Must Be Worshiped — He demands exclusive allegiance. Exodus. 20:3

• God Alone Saves — through Jesus Christ, our true Ark and Mediator. Acts 4:12

• God Alone Is One — Father, Son, and Spirit, eternally worthy of glory. Deut. 6:4; Matthew 28:19

  
  

The What Now

• Because He alone is God, lay down every idol; give Him your full allegiance.

• Because He alone saves, turn in repentance and trust in Christ.

• All idols fall, all rivals fade, all glory belongs to Him.

• Follow Him—today.