Introduction

Detailing the rejection of Saul as king, 1 Samuel 15 is a very well known passage. It is a famous chapter not only because it paves the way for the coming of David, but also because of that well known phrase in 1 Samuel 15:22: it is better to obey than to sacrifice. It is better to walk in God’s ways than to ignore him. The Lord delights in a sinner who repents. Sacrifice and burnt offerings have their place, but obedience takes first prize.

Along with that memorable statement, this chapter also raises several important questions. Isn’t the destruction of the Amalekites an example of genocide? Men and women devoted to destruction—how can we worship the Lord when he commands such things? Then there is the Lord’s grief or regret. In 1 Samuel 15:11, he regrets that he made Saul king and yet 1 Samuel 15:29 tells us that the Lord does not regret and cannot change his mind. What should we believe? Does the Lord regret and change or not?

These are two important questions, and we will deal with them in the course of the sermon, but first we need to get our bearings in the chapter.

The judgment and faithfulness of God

• Explain: why does the Lord want to destroy the Amalekites? What did they do?

• Explain: what is the test that Saul will now face?

• Explain: why does Saul think he obeyed the Lord’s instructions? What does the Lord think instead?

• Explain: why is Saul rejected as king? Why does Samuel agree to go with him? 

Saul’s future, the place of sacrifice, and the second coming of the Messiah

• Explain: Saul is removed from office but not from the old covenant community.

• Explain: sacrifices were a stimulus to and not a replacement of obedience.

• Explain: the true Messiah will come to bring God’s judgment upon his enemies.

• Explain/Apply: who will stand in the Day of Judgment when Christ returns in glory? Why?

• Apply: Christ's future return means that the present day is a time for salvation/good news to be shared.

• Apply: formal worship is never an excuse for disobedience. Give some examples of how we can fall into this trap or manner of thinking and behaviour.

• Apply: church offices must be careful to teach, implement, and obey God’s voice rather than the voice of church members.

Prayer of response

Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing to us once again our need for a perfect king, that we might fix our eyes upon your Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you that he came in the fullness of time, that he submitted to all the demands of your law, that he bore the burden of your wrath against our sin. Help us to remember that he will come again in glory, and that the day of his return will be the Day of Judgment. Thank you that judgment of this world is in the hands of a king who always does what is right, a king who knows the value of life and the penalty that sins deserve. Thank you also that we do not need to fear that day because we belong to Christ your Son.

Whilst we wait for his return, please strengthen us by your Spirit that we might pursue godly living. We have heard this morning that to obey is better than to sacrifice. Lord, we want to obey your commandments, we want to offer our bodies as instruments of righteousness in your service. Please help us to do so. Do not allow us to make excuses for our sin. Expose them to us by the light of your Word, and work a true repentance in our heart. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.