1. 1 Samuel 14:47–52 (ESV)
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Sermon outline for 1 Samuel 14:47–52

1 Samuel 14:47–52 (ESV)

47 When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned he routed them.

  • Introduction

    1 Samuel 14:47–52 provides the concluding episode in the second cycle or the second section of 1 Samuel. The first section of the book, chapters 1 to 7 were all about the rise of Samuel. It began with the vow of Hannah at the temple and it ended with a victory over the Philistines and Samuel established as prophet and judge in Israel.

    With the second cycle, the focus moved from Samuel to Saul and specifically the institution of kingship. This was a dramatic change. Where the twelve tribes were previously responsible for driving out the Canaanites in their own allotted areas and establishing their own borders, they would now have a king to take on that responsibility. A king with a standing army, he had the right to issue taxes and conscript the required men. The people expected him to bring a measure of peace and stability. Looking back on Saul’s kingship, that is exactly what he did.

  • The verdict of history

    • Explain: what are we told about Saul’s accomplishments?

    • Explain: what are the two questions raised by the summary?

    • Explain: according to what standard was Saul a successful king?

    • Explain/Apply: what are some of the worldly standards that we often use to measure the success of our lives? What should our aim be instead?

    • Explain: what is the pilgrim road that is marked out for believers?

  • The verdict of God

    • Explain: was Jesus a success in the eyes of the world?

    • Explain: what is the verdict of God?

    • Explain: how does the Lord’s Supper testify to the verdict of God and help us to know that our best life is yet to come?

    • Apply: give some examples comparing different measures of success. Encourage believers to seek God’s approval above all.

  • Prayer of response

    Heavenly Father, we thank you that we have been justified through faith in your Son and that belonging to Jesus, we have already been declared right in your sight. As we look forward to the return of Jesus, please help us to not let the world’s definition of success become our own. Strengthen us by your Holy Spirit, so that we will make choices that are consistent with what you teach us in your Word. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.