KING SAUL'S DISOBEDIENCE

1 Samuel 15:1-23

(From Jeff Jackson and reworked by David Riggs)

Intro.
   A. The Old Testament is an important book for people living under
      the New Testament.  
      1. The Old Testament is a type of mirror reflecting the        
         attitudes and actions of men whereby God was pleased or     
         displeased.                                                 
      2. There are three blessings promised to those Christians who
         will study the Old Testament: patience, comfort, and hope.
         Rom. 15:4
   B. The classic case of disobedience in the Old Testament comes
      from the life of Israel's first king, Saul .
      1. "Disobedience" in the New Testament is a word which
         literally means, "the condition of being unpersuadable."
      2. "It's stated sense in the New Testament is that of obstinate
         rejection of the Will of God." (Vine's Expository           
         Dictionary)
      3. Samuel used two synonyms for disobedience which give
         insight into the meaning: rebellion and stubbornness. 1 Sam.
         15:23
   C. There are some significant lessons to be learned from Saul's
      disobedience.

I. TALK IS NOT OBEDIENCE. 1 Sam. 15:13
   A. "Talk is cheap." - It is easy to talk a good game.
   B. It is easy to say, "I love the Lord," but obedience is the acid
      test. John 14:15; 15:14
   C. It is easy to say, "I love my brethren." 1 John 3:16-18
      1. But, are we willing to lay down our life? Love in deed and
         truth?
   D. Many people "testify" today about their salvation; yet, they   
      have not obeyed the Lord.
      1. "But why do you call me Lord, Lord and not do the things
         which I say?" Luke 6:46

II. PARTIAL OBEDIENCE IS COMPLETE DISOBEDIENCE.
   A. Saul "obeyed" God with two exceptions: Agag the King, and the
      best of the flocks and herds. 1 Sam. 15:20-21
   B. Saul's partial obedience was complete disobedience.
      1. Saul had not obeyed God. 1 Sam. 15:11
      2. Saul had rejected the Lord's word. 1 Sam. 15:26
      3. If one believes, but does not repent, is that obedience?
      4. If one does many good works, but never obeys the gospel, is
         that obedience?
         a. Consider Matt. 7:21-23.
            (1) Are you actually doing the will of the Father?
         b. Consider Mark 10:17-22
            (1) Is there "one thing you lack"?
   C. Again, partial obedience is complete disobedience.

III. MAJORITY ACTION DOES NOT JUSTIFY DISOBEDIENCE. 1 Sam. 15:21
   A. Saul blamed the people. 1 Sam. 15:19-21
      1. Both Saul and the people were disobedient.
   B. Both Aaron and the people made the golden calf. Ex. 32:1-6
      1. Consider Aaron's excuses Ex. 32:22-24.
      2. The people were severely punished. Ex. 32:26-28
      3. Moses interceded for Aaron. Deut. 9:20
   C. Some use the majority, or the world, as their standard.        
      "Everyone else is doing it, why can't I?"
      1. Only few find the right way. Matt. 7:13-14
      2. "Many are called, but few are chosen." Matt. 22:14
      3. A few (eight souls) were saved in Noah's day. 1 Pet. 3:20

IV. WORTHY OBJECTIVES DO NOT JUSTIFY DISOBEDIENCE. 1 Sam. 15:21
   A. To obey is better than to sacrifice. 1 Sam. 15:22
   B. Remember Uzzah. 2 Sam. 6:3-7
      1. Their means of transporting the ark was all wrong. Ex. 37:5;
         Num. 4:15
      2. Later, they did it the right way. 1 Chron. 15:12-15
      3. Though Uzzah had good intentions, he was punished for his
         error.
   C. It seems worthy to say "Lord, Lord"; however, we must be
      willing to do God's will. Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:9
      1. Often we try to "think for God" in order to justify things  
         we want to do.
      2. Many people try to justify unholy marriages, but God's word
         is plain and easy to understand. Matt. 19:9
      3. Our ways are not God's ways. Isa. 55:8-9; Prov. 14:12; 1
         Cor. 3:18-20                                       

Concl.
   A. 1 Sam. 15:22-23
   B. What about you?
      1. Are you obeying the Lord in your own way, like Saul?
      2. Are you obeying some commands, but rejecting others?
      3. Remember, partial obedience is total disobedience.
   C. Why not give everything to the Lord?
      1. Obey completely, and you will be rewarded eternally!