Pastor’s Bible Class
Thomas Road Baptist Church
Series: Why Good People Go Bad
Dr. Elmer Towns
Lesson 1: Saul’s Confirmatory Signs
September 7, 2008
A. SAUL HAD A GOOD BEGINNING: I SAMUEL 10:1-16
1. Influential father from the tribe of Benjamin. “Kish was a rich, influential man” (9:1, LB).
2. Humble son. “Saul answered . . . am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes . . . my family the least of all the families of the tribe?” (9:21). “There was not a person . . . goodlier than he” (9:1, KJV).
3. Obedience in small areas of life. Note three verbs: “Arise, go, and look for the donkeys” (9:3).
4. Was in the habit of being thorough. “They passed through the land of Shalisha . . . Shaalim . . . Benjamites, but they did not find them” (9:4).
5. Was not beyond asking directions. “Perhaps he can show us the way” (9:6).
6. Many have been irresponsible. “I don’t have any money to give the prophet” (9:7).
7. God is in the details. God told Samuel, “Tomorrow . . . I will send you a man . . . anoint him” (9:16).
8. Is God in the circumstances? “As they were coming into the city, Samuel was coming out” (9:14).
9. Samuel mentored Saul.
a. Saul in seat of honor.
b. Gave royal portion of meat.
c. Spent night at Samuel’s house. “Samuel called to Saul on the top of the house, get up” (9:26).
10. God loves symbols. “I tell you the Word of God” (9:27).
a. Kissed, a sign of loyalty.
b. Anointed with oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and a sign of inauguration into office.
Jesus = His name
Christ = His office
(means anointed one, or Messiah)
Lord = His title
11. Three confirmatory signs. “When you art departed from me, you will find” (10:2).
a. First, “You will find two men by Rachel’s tomb” (10:2).
b. Second, “Three men going to Bethel . . . and will give you two loaves of bread” (10:3-4).
c. Third, “Group of prophets . . . you will prophesy . . . be turned into another man” (10:5-6).
Three Signs
Predicted – supernatural assurance
Confirm – strengthen his resolve
Direct – guide him into leadership
12. Early prediction of backsliding. Saul’s uncle asked him, “What did Samuel say to you?” (10:15). Refusing to acknowledge God or witness for him may be the first step of backsliding. “Saul did not tell him what Samuel said about the matter of kingship” (10:16).
At the beginning of his life, he seeks a prophet; at the end of his life, he seeks a witch.
B. CORONATION AT MIZPAH: 10:17-27
1. Mizpah was site of previous revival. Definition, “God pouring His presence on His people” (7:1-17). “Samuel called the people . . . to Mizpah” (10:17).
2. Samuel reminded people of their request for a king (10:18-19).
3. They cast lots to determine the king. “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:33).
Leader of each twelve tribes (not Judah)
Leader of Benjamin (God loves to use weakness)
Leader of Kish clan
4. Saul was not there – hiding among the baggage.
a. Saul did not take his anointing seriously. Is this another sign of his backsliding or weakness?
b. Saul did not pursue greatness, it pursued him. Is this good?
c. Samuel found Saul by the Urim and Thummin. “The Lord answered, ‘He is hiding behind the baggage’” (10:22).
d. People delighted with outward appearance of tall Saul, “He was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward” (10:23).
5. People shouted, “God save the king” (10:24).
Anointing, inward confirmation for Saul;
the outward recognition for people
C. RESULTS
1. Attracted good men. “Valiant [men] went with him” (10:26).
2. Attracted criticism. “Some rebels . . . despised him” (10:27).
3. Wise response. “But (Saul) held his peace” (10:27).
4. What is backsliding?
a. Entertain inward questions about God.
b. Feed inward doubts about God’s leading/calling.
c. Refuse to speak of God outwardly.
d. Verbalize your inward problems in outward ways.
5. When God calls, you answer, “Here am I.” When God sends, you respond, “Send me.”
D. ASSIGNMENT
Read, I Samuel 11.
Read, topic “Backslide” in encyclopedia on the Internet.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.
