Don't Allow Hophni and Phineas To Tag Along

# 60 – Today's Du-votional comes from 1Sa 4:4b, “And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.” Kind of a chilling addition to the story isn't it? It seems the Holy Spirit wants us to make special note of the fact that the wicked sons of Eli, (Hophni and Phineas) were tagging along with the ark. If we read ahead, we know that Hophni and Phineas would meet their end in this battle and that even with the ark of the covenant leading the Israelites into battle, they still lose big time. They lose because they allow Hophni and Phineas to tag along. You just can't allow sin to tag along and expect to be victorious. Last time we talked about the New Testament ark of the covenant being in the heart of those who received Christ. The very presence of God, in the form of the Holy Spirit dwelling with you! But if you want to release the full power of the Spirit in your life, then you must deal with Hophni and Phineas, you must deal with your sin. Listen to what the Spirit says in 1 Cor 6:19,20, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.” Glorify God be seeking to live a holy life! Again, listen to the Spirit, “Do you not know that fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals,sodomites, thieves,covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners will not inherit the kingdom of God? (1 Cor 6:9,10) Those who do not deal with their sins will be dealt with just as sternly as Hophni and Phineas were! But there is hope! 1 Cor 6:11 says, “But such were some of you!” We don't have to drag Hophni and Phineas into battle with us. We can confess our sins to God and receive His forgiveness through the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Indeed, we must if we are to taste of the ultimate victory.