The High Cost Of Disobedience Series

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 instruction is ignored. In 1 Samuel 15, we come to the tragic turning point in Saul’s kingship—a moment when God gave a clear command and Saul chose to interpret, modify, and execute it on his own terms. This chapter unveils how rebellion, when disguised as strategy or partial obedience, can cost a man his throne, his destiny, and his relationship with God.

God had not forgotten Amalek’s cruelty against Israel in the wilderness, and He gave Saul a direct order to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all they possessed. This was not a matter for debate or partial execution—it was a divine judgement and Saul was merely the instrument. However, Saul obeyed selectively. He destroyed what he deemed worthless and preserved what looked useful. In so doing, he made himself the judge over God's Word.

The most sobering truth here is that disobedience, even when masked with sacrifice, is still rebellion in God's sight. Saul thought he could appease God with offerings after disobeying Him. But God desires obedience more than offerings, and loyalty more than leadership appearance. Saul's failure in this chapter echoes through history as a warning: to reject God's voice is to reject God's favour.

1. GOD GAVE A CLEAR AND NON-NEGOTIABLE COMMAND

When God speaks, His instructions are not suggestions. They are to be obeyed fully, promptly, and without personal adjustments.

a) Samuel Delivered God’s Instructions to Saul (1 Samuel 15:1–3)

Saul was told to destroy Amalek completely. This was divine judgement—not personal warfare or selective justice.

b) God Remembers Both Mercy and Injustice (Exodus 17:14–16)

Amalek’s attack on the weak of Israel in the wilderness had not been forgotten. God repays evil in His appointed time.

c) The Command Included Everything – People, Livestock, Possessions

Nothing was to be spared. This was a test of Saul’s obedience and his willingness to carry out God's will without compromise.

d) Divine Instructions Test Our Heart’s Submission

How we handle clear instructions reveals whether we serve God or our own understanding.

Biblical Example: Noah followed God’s exact specifications when building the ark. His obedience preserved his family and fulfilled God's purpose (Genesis 6:22).

2. PARTIAL OBEDIENCE IS COMPLETE DISOBEDIENCE

Saul carried out part of the command, but he kept back what he felt was valuable. This was rebellion masquerading as leadership.

a) Saul Attacked the Amalekites, But Spared Agag and the Best Livestock (1 Samuel 15:7–9)

He obeyed the easy part but preserved what appealed to his flesh and the people.

b) Selective Obedience Exposes a Heart of Pride and Self-Will

Instead of yielding fully to God, Saul took ownership of the instruction and altered it to suit his judgment.

c) God Regretted Making Saul King (1 Samuel 15:10–11)

Disobedience doesn't just grieve God—it can make Him revoke what He once approved.

d) Obedience Without Total Surrender Is Still Rebellion

We cannot offer God our terms and expect His blessing. He demands our full allegiance.

Biblical Example: Lot’s wife was instructed not to look back at Sodom. Her partial obedience turned into judgment (Genesis 19:26).

3. JUSTIFYING DISOBEDIENCE MAKES IT WORSE

Rather than own up to his failure, Saul tried to explain and defend it. His excuses only deepened his guilt.

a) Saul Greeted Samuel with Deceptive Confidence (1 Samuel 15:13)

He claimed he had performed the command of the Lord, even though the evidence of disobedience was all around him.

b) “What Then Is This Bleating of the Sheep?” (1 Samuel 15:14)

Samuel exposed Saul’s lie with undeniable proof. The noise of the spared animals contradicted Saul’s claim of obedience.

c) Saul Blamed the People (1 Samuel 15:15)

He shifted the responsibility to those he led—a common trait of insecure, disobedient leaders.

d) Leaders Are Ultimately Accountable for What Happens Under Their Watch

God didn’t address the people; He addressed Saul, the king. Responsibility cannot be delegated.

Biblical Example: Aaron yielded to the people's request and made the golden calf, but Moses held him accountable before God (Exodus 32:21).

4. GOD VALUES OBEDIENCE ABOVE SACRIFICE

Sacrifice, no matter how grand, cannot substitute for a heart that listens and obeys. God wants surrender, not ceremonies.

a) “To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22)

Samuel's declaration is a foundational truth. God prefers obedience over religious rituals or offerings.

b) Rebellion Is Like the Sin of Witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23)

Disobedience is not a minor error—it is spiritual insubordination, equated with divination and idolatry.

c) “You Have Rejected the Word of the Lord, and He Has Rejected You”

The consequence was immediate and irreversible. Saul was stripped of divine endorsement.