Victory And Accountability – When Kings Must Still Submit Series

VICTORY AND ACCOUNTABILITY – WHEN KINGS MUST STILL SUBMIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 11,12

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 21:1, Romans 13:1, Psalm 75:6-7, Hebrews 13:17, Deuteronomy 17:18-20

INTRODUCTION:

Leadership without accountability is a pathway to destruction. In 1 Samuel 11 and 12, we see two striking elements in Saul’s early reign—his first great military victory and a powerful prophetic address by Samuel. The narrative captures the balance of triumph and warning: while Saul steps into national leadership with commendable zeal, Samuel reminds both king and people that no one is above God’s rule.

God gave Saul favour in battle. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily, and he led Israel to victory over the Ammonites. This proved that God was willing to back Saul's kingship. However, this early success could have easily birthed pride or self-sufficiency. Samuel, sensing the spiritual climate, seized the moment to realign the people—and the king—back to God.

True leadership flourishes under submission to divine authority. Saul’s victory was not the end, but the beginning of a deeper test: would he lead in humility and obedience? Samuel’s farewell speech is not just a formality—it is a prophetic charge to remind both rulers and followers that no man, no matter how powerful, is ever exempt from submission to God.

1. GOD EMPOWERS OBEDIENT LEADERS FOR HIS PURPOSE

a) Nahash the Ammonite Threatened Jabesh-Gilead (1 Samuel 11:1–2)

The enemy demanded disgrace and humiliation, but God was ready to raise a deliverer. Crises often expose the readiness of leaders.

b) The Spirit of God Came Upon Saul Mightily (1 Samuel 11:6)

When Saul heard of the threat, he was divinely stirred. God's Spirit empowers leaders to respond with courage and clarity.

c) Saul Took Swift and Decisive Action (1 Samuel 11:7–8)

He mobilised the nation by bold leadership. Though newly crowned, he acted with urgency and resolve.

d) Victory Came Through Divine Strategy (1 Samuel 11:11)

Saul divided his army and attacked at dawn. The result was total victory—because God’s wisdom guided the plan.

e) Biblical Example: In Judges 6–7, Gideon also received divine empowerment and strategy to defeat the Midianites with a small army.

2. SUCCESSFUL LEADERS STILL NEED SPIRITUAL ACCOUNTABILITY

a) The People Wanted to Kill Saul’s Early Critics (1 Samuel 11:12)

In their zeal, the people wanted revenge against those who doubted Saul. But success should not turn into vengeance.

b) Saul Displayed Humility and Mercy (1 Samuel 11:13)

He declared, “The Lord has brought salvation to Israel today.” He refused to take personal glory and avoided bloodshed.

c) Samuel Led the People Back to Gilgal for Renewal (1 Samuel 11:14–15)

Instead of a celebration of Saul, it became a covenant renewal with God. Even political victories must end in spiritual consecration.

d) Leadership Must Not Replace Lordship

The people now had a king, but Samuel reminded them they still had a God. Human authority must submit to divine oversight.

e) Biblical Example: In 2 Chronicles 26, Uzziah became proud after success and entered the temple unlawfully—his downfall came when he lost accountability to God.

3. SAMUEL REMINDED THE NATION OF THEIR HISTORY AND COVENANT

a) Samuel Affirmed His Integrity Before Them (1 Samuel 12:1–5)

He publicly challenged anyone to accuse him of corruption. Accountability begins with transparent leadership.

b) He Reviewed God’s Past Faithfulness (1 Samuel 12:6–11)

He reminded them of God’s deliverance through Moses, Gideon, Jephthah, and others. Forgetting history breeds spiritual decay.

c) Their Demand for a King Was a Rejection of God's Kingship (1 Samuel 12:12)

Even though God gave them a king, their motive grieved Him. Desiring what others have often leads us away from divine order.

d) God Granted Their Request but Still Required Obedience (1 Samuel 12:13–15)

Samuel made it clear: if both king and people obey, all will go well—but if not, God’s hand will be against them.

e) Biblical Example: In Acts 7, Stephen recounted Israel’s repeated rebellion despite God’s continuous mercy—a pattern of rejecting God's rule.

4. GOD CONFIRMS HIS WORD WITH SUPERNATURAL SIGNS

a) Samuel Called on God for Thunder and Rain (1 Samuel 12:16–18)

This was during the dry harvest season—yet God sent rain in response. A clear sign that Samuel’s words carried divine authority.

b) The People Trembled and Confessed Their Sin (1 Samuel 12:19)

They recognised their rebellion and feared God’s judgment. Revival begins when the heart is pierced by truth.

c) God’s Mercy Follows Genuine Repentance

Though they sinned, Samuel assured them of God’s willingness to forgive if they returned wholeheartedly.

d) The Power of Prophetic Authority in Leadership

Samuel’s prayer life and integrity made his ministry effective. God honoured his voice because it was aligned with His will.

e) Biblical Example: Elijah called down fire and rain on Mount Carmel to confirm God’s supremacy over Baal (1 Kings 18:36–38, 41–45).