Lessons On Leadership (Samuel, Saul, And David) Series

LESSONS ON LEADERSHIP (SAMUEL, SAUL, AND DAVID)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel (selected passages)

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 4:7, Matthew 20:26-28, 1 Peter 5:2-3, Acts 13:22, Hebrews 13:7

INTRODUCTION:

The Book of 1 Samuel introduces us to three of the most significant leaders in Israel's history: Samuel the Prophet, Saul the First King, and David the Shepherd-King. Each of them offers vital lessons—both positive and negative—on the subject of leadership. While their callings and personalities differed, they were all placed in leadership positions to serve God’s purposes in their generation.

Samuel was a prophet and judge who grew under divine instruction. Saul was chosen by God but fell because of pride and disobedience. David was a man after God’s heart, tested through seasons of obscurity, warfare, and personal failure, yet emerging as a model of humble and faithful leadership. These three men together show us what makes or breaks a godly leader.

Leadership in the kingdom of God is not merely about charisma or human ability—it is rooted in character, obedience, and spiritual discernment. In studying Samuel, Saul, and David, we see the principles that govern lasting leadership and the pitfalls that can destroy it.

1. GODLY LEADERSHIP BEGINS WITH A LIFE OF CONSECRATION (SAMUEL)

Before God can use a man publicly, He must shape him privately. Samuel's leadership began with a vow, a voice, and a vision.

a) Samuel Was the Result of a Prayerful Mother’s Vow (1 Samuel 1:11)

Every great leader is the fruit of divine purpose and spiritual labour.

b) He Was Dedicated to the Lord from Childhood (1 Samuel 1:28)

Consecration from an early age laid the foundation for future ministry.

c) He Ministered to the Lord Before He Knew the Lord (1 Samuel 2:18; 3:7)

Service should precede position. God shapes leaders in secret before public appointment.

d) Samuel Heard God Clearly Because He Listened Intentionally (1 Samuel 3:10)

A leader must be attentive to God’s voice to lead effectively.

Biblical Example: Moses encountered God at the burning bush before leading Israel (Exodus 3:1-4).

2. FAILURE IN CHARACTER LEADS TO LEADERSHIP COLLAPSE (SAUL)

Saul started with promise but ended in disgrace because he lacked inner strength and godly fear.

a) Saul Was Chosen by God but Hid Among the Baggage (1 Samuel 10:22)

Insecurity in leadership often results in performance rather than purpose.

b) He Took Matters Into His Own Hands and Offered Sacrifice Illegally (1 Samuel 13:9)

Impatience and pride will always result in spiritual disqualification.

c) Saul Disobeyed God’s Instructions Concerning Amalek (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Leadership without obedience is rebellion in disguise.

d) He Feared the People More Than God (1 Samuel 15:24)

A true leader follows God's voice even when it is unpopular.

Biblical Example: King Uzziah was struck with leprosy for entering the priest’s office unlawfully (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

3. TRUE LEADERSHIP IS FORGED IN THE FURNACE OF ADVERSITY (DAVID)

Before David ruled from the throne, he learned to serve in obscurity, to fight in faith, and to wait on God.

a) David Was Faithful in the Sheepfold Before the Palace (1 Samuel 16:11–13)

Promotion in God’s kingdom comes through diligence in small things.

b) He Defeated Goliath with Confidence in God's Name (1 Samuel 17:45–50)

Spiritual courage comes from intimacy with God, not from titles or armour.

c) David Honoured Authority Even When Saul Sought His Life (1 Samuel 24:6; 26:9)

Honour in leadership is shown by how you treat those above and around you.

d) He Strengthened Himself in the Lord in Crisis (1 Samuel 30:6)

A true leader turns to God, not to flesh, when things fall apart.

Biblical Example: Joseph remained faithful in Potiphar's house and prison before ruling Egypt (Genesis 39–41).

4. SPIRITUAL LEADERS MUST PRIORITISE GOD’S VOICE ABOVE POPULARITY

The decline of Saul and the rise of David teach us that the voice you follow determines the future you walk into.

a) Saul Sought a Medium When God Was Silent (1 Samuel 28:7)

When leaders neglect God’s voice, they fall into spiritual compromise.

b) Samuel Regularly Consulted the Lord (1 Samuel 7:9, 8:6, 12:23)

Prophetic leadership listens and intercedes.

c) David Consistently Inquired of the Lord (1 Samuel 23:2, 30:8)

Wise leaders don’t move without divine instruction.

d) God’s Presence Was David’s Greatest Desire (Psalm 27:4)

The mark of spiritual leadership is a longing for God above results.

Biblical Example: Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19).

5. GOD REWARDS FAITHFULNESS AND HUMILITY IN LEADERSHIP

Saul’s kingdom was taken because of disobedience, but David’s kingdom was established through faithfulness and honour.

a) David Refused to Lift His Hand Against God’s Anointed (1 Samuel 24:10)

Leadership must be governed by honour, not ambition.

b) He Waited for God’s Timing to Reign (1 Samuel 26:10)

Impatience can birth Ishmael; only patience produces Isaac.