Presumption And Partial Obedience Series

PRESUMPTION AND PARTIAL OBEDIENCE – WHEN KINGS WALK AHEAD OF GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 13, 1 Samuel 14

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5–7, Ecclesiastes 8:6, 1 Samuel 15:22–23, Isaiah 30:1, Hebrews 10:36

INTRODUCTION:

One of the greatest dangers in leadership is stepping ahead of God—acting out of pressure rather than patience, and making decisions out of fear rather than faith. In 1 Samuel 13–14, we witness Saul's fatal errors: he offered an unlawful sacrifice due to impatience and disobeyed divine instruction by exercising selective obedience. These decisions cost him dearly—not just in battle, but in destiny.

Saul's actions reveal that disobedience is not always flagrant rebellion. Sometimes, it comes clothed in urgency, popularity, and partial compliance. God, however, sees the heart. He does not measure obedience by how much we do, but by how much we do exactly as He commands. Presumption in the place of patience, and performance in the place of instruction, disqualify even the anointed.

Through Saul’s missteps and Jonathan’s contrasting faith, these chapters draw a sharp line between godly dependence and human presumption. Saul walked ahead of God, but Jonathan waited on Him and acted in faith. The lesson is clear: when leaders act outside divine timing or instruction, the result is spiritual decay and lost opportunity—even if outwardly things still seem to be working.

1. PRESUMPTION LEADS TO DISOBEDIENCE UNDER PRESSURE

When leaders lose patience and act outside divine instruction, they open the door to spiritual downfall.

a) Saul Waited for Samuel but Grew Impatient (1 Samuel 13:8–9)

Though told to wait seven days, Saul panicked when Samuel delayed and the people scattered. Impatience under pressure led to disobedience.

b) He Offered the Burnt Offering Himself

Saul assumed a role that was not his. He violated the spiritual order, proving that urgency can never excuse disobedience.

c) Samuel Arrived Just After the Offering (1 Samuel 13:10)

If Saul had waited a little longer, he would have been justified. But haste cost him divine endorsement.

d) Excuses Followed the Disobedience (1 Samuel 13:11–12)

Saul blamed the people, the delay, and the enemy. True repentance takes responsibility—not deflection.

Biblical Example: King Uzziah entered the temple to burn incense unlawfully, and was struck with leprosy for crossing divine boundaries (2 Chronicles 26:16–21).

2. GOD SEEKS OBEDIENCE ABOVE PERFORMANCE

Outward success or sacrifice never substitutes for a heart that honours God’s voice above all.

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

He called Saul’s action foolish—not because he lacked skill, but because he ignored divine instruction.

b) “Your Kingdom Would Have Been Established Forever”

Saul lost a generational legacy because of a moment of disobedience. Delayed obedience is disobedience.

c) God Sought a Man After His Own Heart (1 Samuel 13:14)

God desires leaders who value His presence over popularity and His voice over convenience.

d) Obedience is the Foundation of Spiritual Endurance

Success in God’s kingdom is sustained not by charisma but by character and submission.

Biblical Example: When the rich young ruler asked Jesus about eternal life, he was told to obey—but he walked away sorrowfully because he loved wealth more than obedience (Matthew 19:16–22).

3. FAITH IN GOD MAKES A DIFFERENCE, EVEN IN DARK TIMES

While Saul faltered through presumption, Jonathan demonstrated how faith-filled dependence on God brings victory.

a) Jonathan and His Armour Bearer Took Initiative (1 Samuel 14:6)

Without consulting Saul, Jonathan trusted God’s ability to save by many or by few. Faith sees possibilities in impossible places.

b) They Gained Supernatural Victory (1 Samuel 14:13–15)

God honoured Jonathan’s faith. A small step of courage triggered divine confusion in the enemy’s camp.

c) True Leaders Are Bold in God, Not in Themselves

Jonathan depended on God’s approval, not the crowd. He acted with humility and spiritual clarity.

d) Faith Produces Results When Obedience Precedes Strategy

Jonathan didn’t need numbers—he needed God. When God is involved, size doesn't matter.

Biblical Example: David faced Goliath with five stones and no armour, yet defeated him because he trusted in the name of the Lord (1 Samuel 17:45–50).

4. RELIGIOUS ZEAL WITHOUT SPIRITUAL DIRECTION IS DANGEROUS

Saul’s rash decisions, even when spiritually motivated, lacked the guidance of God—and brought unnecessary affliction.

a) Saul Made a Rash Vow (1 Samuel 14:24)

He forbade anyone to eat until evening, weakening his army and placing them under undue strain.

b) The People Became Faint with Hunger

Instead of empowering them, Saul's oath nearly broke their strength. Good intentions must be guided by wisdom.

c) Jonathan Broke the Vow Unknowingly and Was Revived (1 Samuel 14:27)

Jonathan’s act proved the vow was unreasonable. God does not endorse religious performance that harms His people.

d) Saul Was Willing to Kill Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:43–45)

Saul's misguided sense of justice nearly led him to kill his own son. When zeal replaces discernment, it leads to destruction.