Consequences Of Disobedience In Leadership Series

CONSEQUENCES OF DISOBEDIENCE IN LEADERSHIP

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 13:8-14; 1 Samuel 15:1-28

Supporting Texts: Numbers 20:7-12, Deuteronomy 28:15, Ezekiel 34:2-10, James 3:1, Hebrews 12:25

INTRODUCTION:

Leadership in God’s kingdom carries great responsibility. It is a sacred trust, not a personal entitlement. When leaders obey God, they become channels of blessing and direction. But when they disobey, they bring confusion, judgement, and reproach upon themselves and the people they lead. The higher the calling, the heavier the consequences of rebellion.

The life of King Saul stands as a solemn warning. He was anointed, chosen, and equipped, yet his disobedience brought divine rejection. Saul’s story reveals that disobedience is not just about breaking rules—it is about breaking God’s heart and violating sacred trust. God does not tolerate rebellion in leadership, especially when it misrepresents His will to the people.

In this teaching, we will explore how disobedience affects spiritual leadership. We will learn from Saul’s downfall, understand the seriousness of divine instructions, and embrace the call to lead with reverent obedience to God.

1. DISOBEDIENCE DISQUALIFIES A LEADER FROM DIVINE ENDORSEMENT

When a leader disregards God's instructions, he forfeits divine backing.

a) Saul Offered Sacrifice Illegally, Breaking Divine Protocol (1 Samuel 13:8-9)

Leaders must not assume the liberty to cross spiritual boundaries. Only priests could offer sacrifices.

b) Samuel Rebuked Saul for Acting Foolishly (1 Samuel 13:13)

Foolishness in leadership is measured by disobedience, not lack of intelligence.

c) Saul’s Kingdom Was Rejected Before It Was Established (1 Samuel 13:14)

Disobedience doesn't just delay destiny—it can terminate it.

d) God Chose Another Man After His Heart to Replace Saul

When leaders disobey, God raises others who will fulfil His purpose.

Biblical Example: Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it, and God denied him entry into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12).

2. PARTIAL OBEDIENCE IS TOTAL DISOBEDIENCE IN GOD’S EYES

Delayed or selective obedience is rebellion masked as compliance.

a) God Commanded Saul to Destroy Amalek Completely (1 Samuel 15:2-3)

The instruction was clear and non-negotiable.

b) Saul Spared Agag and the Best Livestock (1 Samuel 15:9)

He obeyed partially and claimed it was for sacrifice. God is not impressed by disobedient offerings.

c) Samuel Declared, “To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22)

God values obedience above religious acts or public appearances.

d) Rebellion and Stubbornness Were Compared to Witchcraft and Idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23)

Spiritual disobedience opens the door to deception and destruction.

Biblical Example: King Uzziah burned incense on the altar—an act reserved for priests—and was struck with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-19).

3. DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS AND SELF-DECEPTION

A disobedient leader loses the ability to discern the truth about himself.

a) Saul Claimed to Have Obeyed God Fully (1 Samuel 15:13)

Disobedient leaders often deceive themselves with selective memory.

b) Samuel Asked, “What then is this bleating of sheep?” (1 Samuel 15:14)

Evidence of rebellion always speaks louder than words.

c) Saul Blamed the People Instead of Taking Responsibility (1 Samuel 15:21)

A key sign of spiritual blindness is the refusal to accept fault.

d) Disobedience clouds spiritual perception and corrupts judgment

A leader who loses sight of God's standard begins to compromise truth.

Biblical Example: Samson violated his Nazarite vow repeatedly until the Spirit of God left him, and he did not even know it (Judges 16:20).

4. DISOBEDIENCE EXPOSES A LEADER TO DIVINE REJECTION

God will never allow a disobedient leader to permanently misrepresent Him.

a) Saul Was Told, “The Lord Has Rejected You from Being King” (1 Samuel 15:26)

Rejection comes not because of mistakes, but because of unrepented rebellion.

b) The Anointing Was Not Enough to Preserve His Position

Charisma cannot sustain what only character can protect.

c) God Took the Kingdom from Saul and Gave It to David (1 Samuel 15:28)

Divine authority is transferable when trust is broken.

d) Leadership is a privilege that can be lost through disobedience

No one is indispensable when obedience is abandoned.

Biblical Example: Eli’s sons defiled the priesthood, and God raised up Samuel to take their place (1 Samuel 2:27-36).

5. DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS CONSEQUENCES TO THOSE UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP

The failure of a leader affects everyone connected to him.

a) Israel Suffered Under Saul’s Poor Decisions (1 Samuel 14:24-30)

His rash oath caused the people to sin unknowingly by eating with the blood.

b) Saul’s Rebellion Opened the Door for National Turmoil and War

The disobedience of a leader weakens the nation spiritually and morally.

c) Even Jonathan—Saul’s innocent son—was almost killed because of Saul’s oath

The innocent often suffer when leaders disobey divine instruction.

d) David Spent Years Fleeing From Saul Instead of Building the Nation

Disobedience delays progress and distorts divine agendas.

Biblical Example: Achan’s hidden sin caused the defeat of Israel in battle, even though the army was unaware (Joshua 7:1-12).