Disobedience Positions People For Replacement

DISOBEDIENCE POSITIONS PEOPLE FOR REPLACEMENT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 15:1-29

"Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king." – 1 Samuel 15:23b

Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 13:8-14, 1 Samuel 16:1, Deuteronomy 28:1-2, Isaiah 1:19-20, John 14:15

INTRODUCTION:

Obedience to God is not optional—it is foundational for walking in divine purpose. One of the most sobering lessons in the Bible is the story of King Saul, the first king of Israel. Chosen and anointed by God, Saul started well but eventually lost his throne due to acts of disobedience.

God does not delight in rebellion or stubbornness. These are equated to witchcraft and idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23). When a person persistently disobeys divine instructions, they create a vacancy for another to take their place. In Saul’s case, disobedience not only led to his personal rejection but to the divine search for “a man after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14).

This sermon reminds us that God desires yielded vessels—people who will do His will and not follow their own ways. Disobedience may seem small in our eyes, but in the eyes of God, it is rebellion, and it carries serious consequences.

1. DISOBEDIENCE IS A SEED THAT BRINGS REJECTION

a) God expects total obedience, not selective compliance

(1 Samuel 15:3, 9) – Saul spared what God said to destroy.

b) Partial obedience is still disobedience

(James 2:10) – To fail in one part is to be guilty of all.

c) Disobedience provokes divine anger and rejection

(1 Samuel 15:11) – “It repenteth me that I have set up Saul…”

d) Disobedience replaces divine favour with divine disapproval

(1 Samuel 15:23) – Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.

Biblical Example: Saul disobeyed God's instruction to utterly destroy the Amalekites and was rejected as king (1 Samuel 15:1-29).

2. DISOBEDIENCE CANCELS DESTINY AND INVITES REPLACEMENT

a) God does not leave vacant thrones—He replaces

(1 Samuel 16:1) – “I have provided me a king…”

b) When a man fails, God raises another

(1 Samuel 13:14) – “The Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart…”

c) God watches our hearts more than our titles

(Acts 13:22) – David was chosen for his heart toward God.

d) Disobedience disqualifies even the anointed

(Romans 11:22) – “Behold…the severity of God…”

Biblical Example: David was chosen to replace Saul after the latter’s persistent disobedience (1 Samuel 16:1, 13).

3. OBEDIENCE KEEPS YOU IN POSITION FOR PURPOSE

a) Obedience is the pathway to divine promotion

(Deuteronomy 28:1-2) – Obedience brings blessing.

b) God delights in those who tremble at His word

(Isaiah 66:2) – God favours the obedient and humble.

c) True love for God is shown by obedience

(John 14:15) – “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

d) Obedience brings longevity in divine assignment

(Isaiah 1:19) – “If ye be willing and obedient…”

Biblical Example: Abraham’s obedience to God's voice positioned him as the father of nations (Genesis 22:1-18).

CONCLUSION:

Disobedience is not just a mistake—it is a doorway to replacement. Saul had all the advantages: the anointing, the title, the people. But he lost it all because he put personal opinion above divine command. God does not bless stubbornness; He honours submission.

To remain in position and purpose, we must choose the path of complete, consistent, and humble obedience. Let Saul’s fall be our caution, and David’s heart be our example.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, I thank You for the privilege of divine calling and purpose.

2. Lord, deliver me from every trace of rebellion and disobedience.

3. Create in me a heart that delights in obeying You completely.

4. I refuse to be replaced—grant me grace to stay faithful.

5. Let me finish my course and assignment without being disqualified.