1 SAMUEL 13
1 Outline
1 Samuel 13 & 15
THE SAUL IN US
I would be glad if the
apostles John, Peter and Paul were members of my local church.
I wouldn't mind if Rahab, Esther or Ruth worshiped with our congregation.
I'd be delighted if
Timothy, David or Mark were part of our Sunday gathering.
But I don't think I'd be
too happy if King Saul were to be in our assembly of believers!
For the prophet Samuel,
Saul was trouble with a capital "T"! He caused the prophet much
grief.
We must realize that,
like Saul, we sinners. We must realize that we have the same capacity to sin as
Saul. We must realize that, very possibly, some of Saul's sins are our
sins! We must examine our lives to make
sure that there are none of the characteristics of Saul in our lives. We must watch out for:
IMPATIENCE - 1 Samuel
13:8-9
Saul was having trouble
with the Philistines. Samuel had told Saul to wait seven days. The seventh day was not complete and Paul was
impatient. We must remember that there
are times in our lives when God wants us to wait (Psalm 27:14). We must be
careful not to be impatient with God's timing, because His timing is perfect!
INVOLVEMENT - 1 Samuel
13:9-13
Saul took matters into
his own hands. Samuel was told to wait, and he didn't!
Saul took matters into
his own hands because of:
1. Pressure of
Circumstances Vs. 11
2. Promise delayed Vs. 11
3. Prospect of a
"quick fix" or easy solution Vs. 12
What Saul did was
foolish because he did not obey God! Vs. 13
IMPERFECTION - 1 Samuel
13:14
Saul did not have a
perfect heart that sought after God.
We must be careful not
to have a divided heart which one moment wants to please God, and the next
moment wants to please ourselves. James
1:8, Matthew 6:24, Psalm 16:4
INSURRECTION (REBELLION)
- 1 Samuel 15:22
Saul was given specific
instruction. 1 Samuel 15:1-3
Saul did not do exactly
as he was told. 1 Samuel 15:7-9
Saul tried to cover up
his sin with:
1. Smooth Words 1 Samuel
15:13
2. Feigned obedience 1
Samuel 15:13
3. Blaming Others 1
Samuel 15:15
4. Offering Sacrifice 1
Samuel 15:15
Samuel made it very
clear to Saul that God is more concerned about obedience to Him than anything
else we could possibly do for Him. Disobedience is rebellion against God. 1
Samuel 15:22-23
INSISTENCE (STUBBORNESS) - 1 Samuel 15:23
Stubbornly insisting on
having our own way is just as bad as iniquity and idolatry.
Let's make sure that
there are no characteristics of Saul inside of us!