Sermons on Shmuel Alef 15:16:

To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice

Contributed by John Gaston on Feb 11, 2021

We look at the fall of King Saul. We see how he rationalized his sins by selective obedience, shifting blame, and subterfuge. Then we study the true nature of obedience and end with an enlightening story.

TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE 1 Sam. 15:1-30 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: KNOWING IS NOT DOING 1. United Press International (UPI) reported that termites had eaten through a large stack of documents entitled, “Control of Termites” in the mail room of the University of California at Berkley. 2. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Obedience, Not Sacrifice

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 6, 2022

Disobedience is an extremely costly sin. God desires our obedience over our sacrifice. If we are trying to worship and we have been disobedient to the Lord, then He won’t accept our worship until we make our life right with Him.

This morning we’re going to discuss the sin of disobedience to God’s commands. Disobedience is an extremely costly sin; for we know that when the Israelites were on their exodus from Egypt that they refused to follow God’s plan for taking the Promised Land, and the consequence was spending forty ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-3, 1 Samuel 15:7-23

Denomination: Baptist

Those Summary Attributes Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jul 25, 2022

When we ponder God in light of the Scriptures, we are overwhelmed with Who He is. Some of His attributes are lesser known than others, including what we call “summary attributes.”

Those Summary Attributes 1. There is a joke that is so old some of you may never have heard it. I don’t think I’ve told it – at least during a sermon – for twenty years. 2. In the foyer of a church, a young boy was looking at a plaque with names of men and women.. He asked the pastor, “Who are ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17, Psalm 37:4, Proverbs 11:30, 1 Samuel 15:9-23, Psalm 18:30, Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 27:4, Philippians 4:8-9, Psalm 73:25, Hebrews 1:3, 2 Corinthians 3:18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Slipping By Degrees

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Jul 27, 2022

King Saul started well, but ultimately shipwrecked his faith. God's Word is given to us so that we may learn and avoid the pitfalls of the enemy.

Slipping by Degrees Text: 1 Samuel 13:5-14, 1 Samuel 15:1-35 OPEN WITH PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING One of the saddest things to see, at least to me, is someone who - by all appearances seemed to be a Christian, fall into sin and apostasy. Not let me make that clear… I said, someone who “seemed” to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:5-14, 1 Samuel 15:1-35

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Obedience Better Than Sacrifice Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 14, 2022

Unlike any other nation, the Hebrews had a conviction, seared into their collective consciousness by the mighty deeds of God, that the one God, ruler of heaven and earth, had picked them out to be His special people.

Monday of 2nd Week in Course 1 Sam 15: 16-23; Mark 2: 18-22 One of my friends who can’t attend daily Mass but devoutly reads the lessons each day was commenting on “how boring” the recent readings from Samuel are. Well, it’s good to be candid about your understanding of Scripture, but it’s ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:16-23, Mark 2:18-22

Denomination: Catholic

The Path Of Least Resistance

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Mar 11, 2023

This message is about walking with God and doing His will even when things are extremely difficult. It is human nature to choose the path of least resistance, but as a child of God, we can't in our service to Him.

The Path of Least Resistance Scripture: Second Timothy 1:1-7; 4:2-4; First Samuel 15:1-3; 24 The title of my message this morning is “The Path of Least Resistance.” The path of least resistance is “the physical or symbolic pathway that provides the least resistance to forward motion by a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-7, 1 Samuel 15:1-24, 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When God Changes His Mind (Jonah 3:1-10) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Sep 8, 2022

The king of Assyria knows that there's a chance that God will change his mind, and not bring about the promised judgment. God prefers to forgive, and bless. For three chapters in a row, God has shown mercy, not judgment.

The book of Jonah began in a surprising way. Yahweh called Yonah to go to Ninevah, and Yonah disobeyed. This is not what prophets do. Prophets obey. But Yonah ran the wrong direction, to the end of the known world, at Tarshish. When that didn't work, he chose death over Yahweh. He refused ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 3:1-10, Numbers 22:18-25, 1 Samuel 15:10-29

Teaching Obedience To The Next Generation

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 22, 2021

Saul hides behind his religion. Mafia hitmen rationalize, “Yes, I kill people but I’m really good to my mother.” We are incredibly good at self-deception. People hide behind their religion to evade obedience

Today, I want to speak to parents and grandparents on raising children who have a stalwart character all their lives. Let’s look at one of the most interesting kings of ancient Israel, King Saul. Today’s Scripture The word of the Lord came to Samuel: 11 “I regret that I have made Saul king, for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:10-23

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon – Dangerous Steps To King Saul's Downfall

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 6, 2025

Yet, In this text, we witness the downfall of king Saul and his choice to rebel against God. Saul was chosen by God, anointed by Samuel and celebrated by the people, and given many victories against Israel’s enemies, but he fell from grace.

Sermon – Dangerous Steps To Downfall Scripture Lesson - 1 Samuel 15:10-29 “Then the Lord said to Samuel, “I am sorry that I ever made Saul king, for he has not been loyal to me and has refused to obey my command.” Samuel was so deeply moved when he heard this that he cried out to the Lord all ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:10-29, Proverbs 14:34, 1 Samuel 9:2, 1 Samuel 15:10-15

Denomination: Methodist

Lordship: Salute Or Dilute Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Apr 8, 2023

What do we do when we are confronted with the Lordship of Christ. Obey? Or in the case of saw, seek to dilute the responsibility we have concerning Lordship.

LORDSHIP: SALUTE OR DILUTE 1 SAMUEL 15:1-26 1 SAMUEL 15:22 BUT SAMUEL REPLIED: "DOES THE LORD DELIGHT IN BURNT OFFERINGS AND SACRIFICES AS MUCH AS IN OBEYING THE VOICE OF THE LORD? TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE, AND TO HEED IS BETTER THAN THE FAT OF RAMS. INTRODUCTION: WHEN WE BEGAN THIS ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

The High Cost Of Disobedience Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 4, 2025

There is a weight to divine instruction, and there is a consequence when that instruction is ignored.

THE HIGH COST OF DISOBEDIENCE – WHEN KINGS REJECT GOD’S VOICE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Samuel 15:1-35 Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 12:14-15, Isaiah 1:19-20, James 1:22, Hebrews 3:7-8, John 14:15 INTRODUCTION: There is a weight to divine instruction, and there is a consequence when that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-35

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Consequences Of Disobedience In Leadership Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 5, 2025

Disobedience in leadership is dangerous because it misrepresents God to His people. As seen in Saul’s life, disobedience can lead to spiritual blindness, rejection, and destruction—not only of the leader but of those under him.

CONSEQUENCES OF DISOBEDIENCE IN LEADERSHIP By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Samuel 13:8-14; 1 Samuel 15:1-28 Supporting Texts: Numbers 20:7-12, Deuteronomy 28:15, Ezekiel 34:2-10, James 3:1, Hebrews 12:25 INTRODUCTION: Leadership in God’s kingdom carries great responsibility. It is a sacred ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:8-14, 1 Samuel 15:1-28

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 5, 2025

Obedience is the foundation of spiritual authority and divine favour. God does not accept substitutes for obedience—sacrifice, talent, position, or charisma cannot replace a heart yielded to Him.

OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Samuel 15:1-23 Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 28:1-2, Proverbs 21:3, John 14:15, Isaiah 1:19-20, Hebrews 10:5-9 INTRODUCTION: God places a high premium on obedience. In His kingdom, obedience is not optional—it is the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Worldly Mindset Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Nov 24, 2024

As humans, we have a natural tendency to defend and justify ourselves when we feel attacked, criticized, or threatened.

Scripture Reference: Luke 16:15, "You justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God." As humans, we have a natural tendency to defend and justify ourselves when we feel attacked, criticized, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:15, 1 Samuel 15:13-23

Disobedience Positions People For Replacement

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 5, 2025

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.

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, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-29

Denomination: Assembly Of God