Return To The Lord Wholeheartedly Series

RETURN TO THE LORD WHOLEHEARTEDLY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 7:1-17

Supporting Texts: Joel 2:12-13, Hosea 6:1-3, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Acts 3:19, James 4:8-10

INTRODUCTION:

Every genuine revival in Scripture begins with a return to the Lord. Israel had experienced defeat, disgrace, and the loss of God’s presence. The Ark had been returned, but the people's hearts were still far from God. For twenty years, they lived under spiritual heaviness and Philistine oppression. But in 1 Samuel 7, we see a national turning point—a moment of collective repentance that led to spiritual revival and supernatural deliverance.

Revival does not come automatically. It requires brokenness, repentance, and a renewed pursuit of God. Under the leadership of Samuel, Israel was led to Mizpah, not for entertainment or ritual, but for spiritual renewal. There, they fasted, confessed their sins, and cried out to the Lord. The result was divine intervention: the Philistines were defeated, and peace was restored. The story of Mizpah reminds us that God is always ready to return to His people—but only when they return to Him first.

In our time, many seek revival, but few embrace the full process of repentance. God does not revive unrepentant people; He revives the broken, the humble, and those who return to Him with their whole heart. This message is a call to reawaken our devotion, to forsake our idols, and to seek the Lord with intensity and sincerity. When we return to Him wholeheartedly, He responds with mercy, power, and restoration.

1. THE CALL TO RETURN TO GOD WHOLEHEARTEDLY

a) Revival Begins with the Heart (1 Samuel 7:2–3)

Samuel said, “If you return to the Lord with all your hearts…” God does not respond to half-hearted repentance. He wants our full attention and total devotion.

b) Remove the Foreign gods and Ashtoreths (1 Samuel 7:3)

Israel was instructed to put away all idols. You cannot serve God and hold on to substitutes. Revival demands separation from false gods.

c) Direct Your Heart to the Lord and Serve Him Only

God wants exclusive loyalty. Divided devotion hinders the flow of divine grace. God seeks those who will love Him without rivals.

d) He Will Deliver You (1 Samuel 7:3)

Repentance precedes deliverance. When we return to Him, He delivers us from the hand of the enemy.

e) Biblical Example: The people of Nineveh repented from the heart, and God spared the city from destruction (Jonah 3:5–10).

2. THE GATHERING AT MIZPAH – A PLACE OF BROKENNESS

a) Israel Assembled to Fast and Pray (1 Samuel 7:5–6)

Mizpah became a national altar. The people came together not for battle but for repentance. Revival often begins in sacred gatherings of humility.

b) They Poured Out Water Before the Lord

This act symbolised emptiness, brokenness, and surrender. It showed that they had come to the end of themselves and were thirsting for God.

c) They Confessed Their Sins Openly

Revival is not built on pretence but on honesty before God. Confession is a key to cleansing and renewal.

d) Samuel Interceded for the People

Every revival has an intercessor. Samuel stood between God and the people, pleading for mercy.

e) Biblical Example: In Nehemiah 9, the people fasted, wore sackcloth, and confessed their sins during national repentance and revival.

3. GOD RESPONDS TO GENUINE REPENTANCE WITH DELIVERANCE

a) The Philistines Attacked During Revival (1 Samuel 7:7)

The enemy often strikes when people begin to turn to God. Revival provokes resistance, but God defends the truly repentant.

b) The People Asked Samuel Not to Cease Praying (1 Samuel 7:8)

They recognised the power of intercession. Their dependency had shifted from human strength to divine help.

c) Samuel Offered a Burnt Offering (1 Samuel 7:9)

True revival is sealed by sacrifice. Worship must follow repentance. The burnt offering signified total surrender to God.

d) The Lord Thundered from Heaven (1 Samuel 7:10)

God fought for them supernaturally. Repentance moves God to act. What they could not defeat in 20 years, God destroyed in one divine moment.

e) Biblical Example: In 2 Chronicles 20, when Judah fasted and sought the Lord, God confused the enemy and gave them victory without fighting.

4. EBENEZER – THE MEMORIAL OF GOD’S HELP

a) Samuel Set Up a Stone of Remembrance (1 Samuel 7:12)

After the victory, Samuel erected a stone and named it Ebenezer, meaning “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” Revival must be remembered and marked.

b) Revival Must Be Followed by Thanksgiving

When God moves, we must not forget. Gratitude keeps the revival fire burning.

c) Revival Brings Long-Term Peace (1 Samuel 7:13)

As a result of their return to the Lord, the Philistines did not invade Israel again. Repentance secures lasting rest.

d) Restoration of Lost Territories (1 Samuel 7:14)

The cities that had been taken by the Philistines were restored. Revival restores what sin had stolen.