In this sermon, we explore the captivating story of King Saul from the book of 1 Samuel. Saul had a profound fear of man and craved approval from others.
We begin with the account of Saul’s sons behaving corruptly, which prompts the Israelites to request a king. God informs Samuel that their request is a rejection of Him and anoints Saul as king. Saul’s reign is characterized by a mixture of triumphs and failures.
In one incident, Saul becomes impatient and offers sacrifices without waiting for Samuel, thus disobeying God’s instructions. Samuel rebukes Saul and informs him that God has rejected him as king. This teaches us about the significance of obedience and the need to trust in God’s timing.
As Saul continues to engage in battles against the Philistines, we come across another instance where he disobeys God’s command to destroy the Amalekites completely. He keeps the best of their possessions, prompting Samuel to confront him. The importance of obedience over mere sacrifices is emphasized, leading to God’s rejection of Saul as king.
The sermon concludes with the story of David and Goliath, highlighting David’s faith and reliance on God in stark contrast to Saul’s fear and doubt. We are encouraged to reflect on our own lives and consider whether we are truly focused on God and His will or if we are influenced by the fear of others. Obedience and leaving a legacy that impacts others for Christ should be our paramount concern.