God Judges Sin

Lesson for Sunday, May 14, 2017

INTRODUCTION:

  • Last week we saw how the Israelites asked God for a king, so they could be like other nations.
  • Just as God told them, the earthly king – a man with a sinful nature – would not live up to God’s standard.
  • This lesson picks up shortly after Saul was crowned king.
  1. Saul’s Choice to Disobey (1 Samuel 13:1-15)
  2. Observe God’s Word
  3. How long had Saul been reigning? 2 years.
  4. Who was threatening the Israelites and why? Philistines – they were preparing to attack because Jonathan had attacked them.
  5. Who was Jonathan? Saul’s son.
  6. What apparent contradiction appears in vs. 3-4, and how can we resolve it? Explain by referencing the notes in the lesson.
  7. How did the people respond to the threat? Some hid, some fled across the Jordan, and some stayed with Saul at Gilgal in fear.
  8. Why was Saul in Gilgal? Samuel told him to go there and wait 7 days, at which time sacrifices would be offered.
  9. When Samuel didn’t show up, what did Saul do? Offered a burnt offering to the Lord.
  10. What was Samuel’s response as Saul greeted him? Asked Saul what he had done.
  11. How did Saul respond? Tried to justify his actions and said he was compelled to make the offerings in light of the impending attack.
  12. How did Samuel respond? Said Saul had acted foolishly and violated God’s command.
  13. What were the consequences of Saul’s disobedience? His kingdom would not continue, and another king would be established.
  14. What kind of a king was God seeking? One who would obey the Lord.
  15. Was Saul acting by faith or by sight when he offered the sacrifices? Vs. 11 – “when he saw” – was focusing on his circumstances instead of trusting God.
  16. Interpret the Truth
  17. Saul did things his own way, and God judged his sin. What general word could we use to describe Saul’s sin? Disobedience.
  18. Interesting – only Jesus is qualified to be Prophet, Priest, and King. Saul’s action was one of stepping into the priestly duties, as he ignored the message of prophet Samuel.
  1. Saul Disobeys Again (1 Samuel 15)
  2. Observe God’s Word
  3. Summarize the command to Saul in vs. 1-3.
  4. Hit the highlight verses…8-9, 13-15, 17-24
  5. What did God command Saul to do? Utterly destroy the Amalekites and all livestock.
  6. What did Saul actually do? Kept King Agagalive and the bet of the flocks.
  7. How did Samuel know what happened? God revealed it to him.
  8. What is misleading about Saul’s address to Samuel in vs. 13? Said he fulfilled the command, but he did not.
  9. When Samuel asked about the sounds he was hearing, how did Saul respond? Blamed the people for bringing the best animals back for a sacrifice.
  10. What do we learn about God’s view of obedience in vs. 22? He desires obedience more than sacrifices.
  11. What consequence did Saul face for his actions? Kingdom was to be removed – an example of a prophet pronouncing judgment on an individual.
  12. How did Samuel complete the task Saul was sent to accomplish? Samuel killed Agag.
  13. What connection to our account do you see in John 14:15?
  14. Interpret the Truth
  15. Offering a sacrifice to God is a good thing, but not if it is done through sinful actions. Covering up sin with an act of worship does not fool God.
  16. Disobedience is a very broad term. We are going to do an activity to help us discover the root of Saul’s sin – and some of our own as well.

Getting to the Root Worksheet – Good exercise – will be in your packets!

APPLYING GOD’S WORD

  • As God called Saul to obey His commands, He calls us to obey His Word.
  • Knowing that God judges sin is only part of the gospel. There are consequences for sins, but if we have trusted Christ, we do not face God’s wrath since Jesus took that for us.
  • Our obedience does not earn favor with God. Christ has already behaved perfectly in our place. Since our righteousness is in Christ, we can joyfully obey God and serve Him, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit. And, we know that the Spirit will not leave Christians as He left Saul.
  • What important idea about obedience can you take from this lesson and apply in your own life?
  • Would you be more inclined to obey a command of God if a prophet delivered it to you?
  • In what ways do you tend to sympathize with Saul’s actions? Why could this be a dangerous attitude to cling to? Saul was trying to do the best he could in the situation, but that attitude can lead us into dangerous compromise. Obey God on His terms!
  • How can our talk about getting to the root of sin help you?