1. 1 Samuel 14:47–52 (ESV)
  2. Sermon suggestions

Sermon goal of 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.

Your sermon is a chance to draw together the one big theme that has been repeated again and again since 1 Samuel 8:1–22, that is, the contrast between walking by sight and walking by faith. You must explain how Saul was a king like the nations—successful when it comes to the judgment of history, but ultimately a fool because he forsook the Lord. His life serves as a negative example to us, a warning that we must not chase earthly success if it costs us heavenly glory. The verdict of God must be more significant to us than what anyone else thinks.