Introduction

What kind of obedience does God want from his people? Having come to faith in Jesus Christ, what is the standard that God expects from us? If you listened carefully in the earlier part of our service, you will remember the Ten Commandments are held up to us not only to reveal our sin but also to give a blueprint for the Christian life. That is to say, the moral standards of God’s law remain applicable for us today; they have not changed. And so, as those who belong to Jesus, we are expected to pursue righteous living. Admittedly, due to our sinful natures we have only the smallest beginnings of obedience. Nevertheless, the standards of God’s law remain our aim and it is not for us to make excuses to justify our wrongdoing.

The sin of Saul

• Explain: how much time has passed since 1 Samuel 12? What did Saul do in that time? 

• Explain: how does the gathering at Gilgal connect with Samuel’s instructions in 1 Samuel 10?

• Explain: why are the men of Israel frightened? Why does Saul want to get on with the sacrifices rather than wait?

• Explain: what was the sin of Saul? Should he have known better? What is the judgment that follows his disobedience?

A perfect king and a call to obedience

• Explain: what kind of king does God want for his people? How does the works principle relate to kingship?

• Explain: what did Jesus Christ come to do? How did he obey God in difficult circumstances?

• Apply: what kind of men can/should be called to serve as office-bearers in God’s church?

• Explain/Apply: do the demands of God’s moral law remain in force for Christians today? How do we sometimes allow our circumstances and emotions to excuse sinful decisions? Are we right to do this?

Prayer of response

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you that he is the perfect King, a King who trusted you in the midst of fear, a king who always obeyed you no matter the cost, a king who shows us what it means to live in relationship with you. He points to you in all things and calls us to follow in his ways. Thank you for his humility and courage and we pray that you would graciously grant the office-bearers in our midst the same humility and courage, that they may be examples to us, that they may encourage us in the Christian faith, and make wise decisions that will be for your glory and the good of your church. 

Help us also, Lord, to realize that your law is perfect and that biblical principles apply in all circumstances. Like Saul, we are quick to excuse our sin, especially when obedience is costly and dangerous. Please forgive us for this evil, and change us so that we will stand strong in times of trial. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.