Obedience
1 Samuel 15:1-24
In this passage of scripture Saul as the king of Israel is given a clear command from God (ref. 1 Sam. 15:3) to carry out concerning the Amalekites. In the actions of Saul we see a classic lesson on obedience by his lack thereof.
Vs.22 to obey is better than sacrifice
God here is putting a premium on obedience and desires it more than any sacrifice (gift) we bring before Him.
In fact the Bible has much to say in this area of obedience in every aspect of life!
• Children unto their parents
• The relationship between spouses
• Servants unto their masters
• Citizens unto government
• Christians unto God etc..,
In all of these I believe God would say unto us it is better to obey than to sacrifice.
Disobedience is an act of selfish will over a righteous law!
Mention: Vs.23 God goes as far as saying it is rebellion and stubbornness; the sin of witchcraft, and idolatry.
Mention: Romans 6:16 Know ye not that whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey…
In this we all need to realize that all acts of disobedience to a righteous law is unto God!
Point: If a child disobeys his or her parents they have disobeyed God and so it is when we disobey a righteous law of government.
1. The Basis Of Disobedience
The Bible teaches us that obedience or disobedience is a product of the heart and mind.
See: Romans 6:17 But ye have obeyed from the heart
And: 2 Cor. 10:3-6 imaginations and thought
This is why Jesus said if you love Me you will keep my commandments ref. John 14:15
The Bible says “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind”
Point: This is why God stated that He would choose the next king a man after His own heart
2. The Believers Initiatives
It is our responsibility as believers to perform the whole commandment of God!
Here in our text Saul only did partially what he was commanded to do from the LORD. He spared the best of the sheep and oxen and king Agag against the command of God.
See: 1 Samuel 15:19-20 Saul insists that he had obeyed the LORD
• To do part and intentionally disobey other part is disobedience
Mention: Vs.15, 21 The people is Saul’s excuse ref. Acts 5:29 Better to obey God rather than man.
It is important to say that none of us is perfect and are prone to experience acts of disobedience in our life. The key here is what is our desire? This is because God knows our heart.
Examples:
• Abraham we are told in Hebrews 11:8 obeyed God
• Moses the Bible says faithful Hebrews 3:2
• David the successor of Saul serve his generation according to the will of God Acts 13:36
They all had times in their lives when they had disobeyed, but with a heart desire to be obedient.
This is not a license to disobey but instead encouragement to pick yourself up when you do not obey.
3. The Benefits Of Obedience
See: Exodus 19:5-8 A peculiar treasure
Mention: Joshua 1:8 God promised to make the way of Joshua prosperous and allow him to experience good success
See: Deut. 11:26-27 a blessing if ye obey…
It is obedience that prompts the favor and promises of God.
See: Psalms 119:112 This verse should be our heart’s desire
