Biblical Characters Who Failed In Excellence Series

BIBLICAL CHARACTERS WHO FAILED IN EXCELLENCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 10:6-11

Key Verse: “Now these things happened to them as examples, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11)

Supporting Texts: Judges 16:19-21; 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Numbers 20:7-12; Acts 5:1-5

INTRODUCTION:

The Bible is not only filled with stories of men and women who walked in excellence but also of those who failed in it. Their lives serve as warnings so that we may avoid their errors and walk uprightly before God. Serving God without excellence leads to wasted opportunities, loss of destiny, and in some cases, destruction.

Excellence in serving God demands faithfulness, obedience, humility, and diligence. Whenever these virtues are neglected, the result is failure, compromise, and shame. Mediocrity in divine service always has negative consequences.

By studying the failures of biblical characters, we are reminded of the dangers of negligence and disobedience. Their stories challenge us to rise above complacency, pursue excellence, and remain steadfast in pleasing God in all we do.

1. SAUL – FAILURE THROUGH DISOBEDIENCE AND PRIDE

Saul’s reign as Israel’s first king was marred by repeated disobedience that cost him the throne.

a) Incomplete Obedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Saul spared Agag and the best livestock, proving that partial obedience is disobedience before God.

b) Fear of People (1 Samuel 15:24)

He prioritised pleasing the people over obeying God, showing a lack of excellence in leadership.

c) Pride of Position (1 Samuel 13:9-10)

Saul usurped the priestly role by offering sacrifices, disregarding divine order.

d) Rejection by God (1 Samuel 15:26)

His consistent disobedience led to the loss of his kingship and divine favour.

Biblical Example: Saul’s fall shows that leadership without obedience and humility leads to disgrace and rejection by God.

2. SAMSON – FAILURE THROUGH CARELESSNESS AND COMPROMISE

Samson was anointed to deliver Israel, but his lack of discipline and moral weakness led to his downfall.

a) Neglect of Consecration (Judges 16:17-19)

Samson revealed the secret of his strength to Delilah, showing disregard for his Nazarite vow.

b) Lustful Living (Judges 14:1-3)

His uncontrolled desire for Philistine women demonstrated spiritual carelessness.

c) Pride in Anointing (Judges 16:20)

He assumed God’s presence would always remain, but discovered otherwise when the Spirit departed.

d) Loss of Vision and Destiny (Judges 16:21)

Samson was blinded and enslaved, showing the high cost of compromise.

Biblical Example: Samson’s fall reveals how carelessness with consecration can turn a mighty deliverer into a captive.

3. MOSES – FAILURE THROUGH ANGER AND PRESUMPTION

Though Moses was a great leader, his moment of failure cost him entry into the Promised Land.

a) Disobedience in Action (Numbers 20:7-11)

God told Moses to speak to the rock, but he struck it twice instead.

b) Lack of Self-Control (Numbers 20:10)

His anger at the people caused him to dishonour God publicly.

c) Presumption in Leadership (Numbers 20:12)

Moses misrepresented God before the people, taking credit for the miracle.

d) Denied Entry into Canaan (Deuteronomy 32:51-52)

His failure in that moment cost him his lifelong desire of entering the Promised Land.

Biblical Example: Moses’ failure teaches that no matter our position or past victories, disobedience can rob us of destiny fulfilment.

4. ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA – FAILURE THROUGH HYPOCRISY AND DECEPTION

This couple in the early church showed mediocrity in service through dishonesty.

a) Pretence in Giving (Acts 5:1-2)

They sold land but secretly withheld part of the money while pretending to give all.

b) Agreement to Sin (Acts 5:9)

Instead of correcting each other, they conspired together in deceit.

c) Lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4)

Their hypocrisy was an insult to God’s presence, not just to men.

d) Immediate Judgement (Acts 5:5, 10)

They both died, proving that God detests dishonesty in service.

Biblical Example: Their story shows the danger of hypocrisy and teaches that God values truth and sincerity in service above appearances.

CONCLUSION:

The failures of Saul, Samson, Moses, and Ananias with Sapphira remind us that excellence in serving God is not optional. Disobedience, pride, carelessness, anger, and hypocrisy can hinder destiny and bring judgement.

As believers, we must learn from these examples and commit ourselves to wholehearted service, guided by humility, obedience, and the fear of God. Only then can we fulfil our destinies and finish well.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, deliver me from the spirit of disobedience and pride.

2. Father, help me to remain faithful and obedient to Your Word always.

3. Lord, keep me from moral weakness and compromise.

4. Father, deliver me from the spirit of anger and lack of self-control.

5. Lord, help me to finish my race well and not miss my inheritance.

6. Father, remove every form of hypocrisy from my life.

7. Lord, empower me to walk in truth and sincerity in all things.