FELLOWSHIP CHURCH | Victoria Torres

My name is Victoria and I serve here on My name is Victoria and I serve here on staff at Fellowship Church. And it is staff at Fellowship Church. And it is staff at Fellowship Church. And it is truly my honor and privilege to be able truly my honor and privilege to be able truly my honor and privilege to be able to preach the word this weekend. to preach the word this weekend. to preach the word this weekend. We have been in this series for quite We have been in this series for quite We have been in this series for quite some time. In fact, in this whole year, some time. In fact, in this whole year, some time. In fact, in this whole year, studying different Bible characters in studying different Bible characters in studying different Bible characters in the Bible. Maybe some you have heard the Bible. Maybe some you have heard the Bible. Maybe some you have heard about, maybe some you have not. We're about, maybe some you have not. We're about, maybe some you have not. We're going to unpack a character in the Bible going to unpack a character in the Bible going to unpack a character in the Bible today and his name is King Saul. today and his name is King Saul. today and his name is King Saul. Everybody say King Saul. Everybody say King Saul. Everybody say King Saul. >> King Saul. >> King Saul. >> King Saul. >> Now, his story, there's a lot of life >> Now, his story, there's a lot of life >> Now, his story, there's a lot of life lessons that we can learn from his lessons that we can learn from his lessons that we can learn from his example. Not necessarily a successful example. Not necessarily a successful example. Not necessarily a successful life, but he serves as an example and life, but he serves as an example and life, but he serves as an example and helping us not to make the same mistakes helping us not to make the same mistakes helping us not to make the same mistakes that he made. It's okay if we dive right that he made. It's okay if we dive right that he made. It's okay if we dive right into the Bible today. into the Bible today. into the Bible today. >> Who's ready for church? >> Who's ready for church? >> Who's ready for church? We are going to dive right in. So go We are going to dive right in. So go We are going to dive right in. So go ahead and turn with me to 1 Samuel. The ahead and turn with me to 1 Samuel. The ahead and turn with me to 1 Samuel. The title for today's sermon, church, is how title for today's sermon, church, is how title for today's sermon, church, is how do I live surrendered instead of do I live surrendered instead of do I live surrendered instead of self-driven?

self-driven? self-driven? How do I live surrendered instead of How do I live surrendered instead of How do I live surrendered instead of self-driven? self-driven? self-driven? Before we can understand Saul, we have Before we can understand Saul, we have Before we can understand Saul, we have to understand the condition of Israel to understand the condition of Israel to understand the condition of Israel coming into 1 and 2 Samuel. Now before coming into 1 and 2 Samuel. Now before coming into 1 and 2 Samuel. Now before this point in Israel's history, God had this point in Israel's history, God had this point in Israel's history, God had been their true king and he ruled his been their true king and he ruled his been their true king and he ruled his people through judges. Now, who were people through judges. Now, who were people through judges. Now, who were judges? They were leaders that God would judges? They were leaders that God would judges? They were leaders that God would raise up at specific times to rescue raise up at specific times to rescue raise up at specific times to rescue Israel and to call them back to a place Israel and to call them back to a place Israel and to call them back to a place of faithfulness. of faithfulness. of faithfulness. Samuel was the last and probably one of Samuel was the last and probably one of Samuel was the last and probably one of the greatest judges to ever live. And as the greatest judges to ever live. And as the greatest judges to ever live. And as he was getting old, he actually appoints he was getting old, he actually appoints he was getting old, he actually appoints his sons to take his place. But unlike his sons to take his place. But unlike his sons to take his place. But unlike their father, they lived a very corrupt their father, they lived a very corrupt their father, they lived a very corrupt life. They accepted bribes, twisted life. They accepted bribes, twisted life. They accepted bribes, twisted justice, and failed to lead God's people justice, and failed to lead God's people justice, and failed to lead God's people with integrity. with integrity. with integrity. And seeing this, it's actually And seeing this, it's actually And seeing this, it's actually interesting because judges were only interesting because judges were only interesting because judges were only ever appointed by God, never by man, not ever appointed by God, never by man, not ever appointed by God, never by man, not even a father. And so to Samuel, for him even a father. And so to Samuel, for him even a father. And so to Samuel, for him to do this and appoint his sons and to do this and appoint his sons and to do this and appoint his sons and thinking that he had the authority to do thinking that he had the authority to do thinking that he had the authority to do this, it's actually it's actually this, it's actually it's actually this, it's actually it's actually interesting because only God can do interesting because only God can do interesting because only God can do that. And this is where we see the that. And this is where we see the that. And this is where we see the elders of Israel, they approach Samuel elders of Israel, they approach Samuel elders of Israel, they approach Samuel with a very specific request. They're with a very specific request. They're with a very specific request. They're asking, "Appoint for us a king to judge asking, "Appoint for us a king to judge asking, "Appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations."

us like all the nations." us like all the nations." And on the surface of this request, it And on the surface of this request, it And on the surface of this request, it seems reasonable. Samuel was aging. His seems reasonable. Samuel was aging. His seems reasonable. Samuel was aging. His sons were unfit to lead. And Israel was sons were unfit to lead. And Israel was sons were unfit to lead. And Israel was wanting stability. But God revealed that wanting stability. But God revealed that wanting stability. But God revealed that there was a lot more happening under the there was a lot more happening under the there was a lot more happening under the surface of this request. Follow me to surface of this request. Follow me to surface of this request. Follow me to 1st Samuel 8:7. 1st Samuel 8:7. 1st Samuel 8:7. It says, "They have not rejected you, It says, "They have not rejected you, It says, "They have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being but they have rejected me from being but they have rejected me from being king over them." king over them." king over them." We see here that Israel wasn't simply We see here that Israel wasn't simply We see here that Israel wasn't simply asking for better leadership. They were asking for better leadership. They were asking for better leadership. They were placing their confidence in the human placing their confidence in the human placing their confidence in the human king instead of trusting the God who had king instead of trusting the God who had king instead of trusting the God who had faithfully proven to lead them through faithfully proven to lead them through faithfully proven to lead them through the blast generations. the blast generations. the blast generations. And it's interesting because their And it's interesting because their And it's interesting because their request, they were wanting to look like request, they were wanting to look like request, they were wanting to look like the rest of the world, but their calling the rest of the world, but their calling the rest of the world, but their calling was to remain distinct as God's holy and was to remain distinct as God's holy and was to remain distinct as God's holy and covenant people. And I think we fall covenant people. And I think we fall covenant people. And I think we fall into this same temptation to wanting to into this same temptation to wanting to into this same temptation to wanting to blend in with the world, wanting to do blend in with the world, wanting to do blend in with the world, wanting to do what everyone else is doing, wanting to what everyone else is doing, wanting to what everyone else is doing, wanting to act like how everyone else is acting.

act like how everyone else is acting. act like how everyone else is acting. >> But we are to remain as God's holy, >> But we are to remain as God's holy, >> But we are to remain as God's holy, distinct covenant people. Can I get an distinct covenant people. Can I get an distinct covenant people. Can I get an amen, church? amen, church? amen, church? >> And it's interesting because even when >> And it's interesting because even when >> And it's interesting because even when reading this, I felt the Lord strongly reading this, I felt the Lord strongly reading this, I felt the Lord strongly say that what's the point in trying to say that what's the point in trying to say that what's the point in trying to reach the world if we look and act just reach the world if we look and act just reach the world if we look and act just like it? like it? like it? And ironically, the very things that And ironically, the very things that And ironically, the very things that they wanted in a king were the very they wanted in a king were the very they wanted in a king were the very things they were already getting from things they were already getting from things they were already getting from God, God, God, >> but they wanted to look like everyone >> but they wanted to look like everyone >> but they wanted to look like everyone else. This lays the backdrop for Saul's else. This lays the backdrop for Saul's else. This lays the backdrop for Saul's story. Saul didn't enter the picture story. Saul didn't enter the picture story. Saul didn't enter the picture because God needed a king. He entered because God needed a king. He entered because God needed a king. He entered the picture because Israel demanded one. the picture because Israel demanded one. the picture because Israel demanded one. >> And he would come into this role as >> And he would come into this role as >> And he would come into this role as king, but he had already entered his king, but he had already entered his king, but he had already entered his reign with a people whose hearts had reign with a people whose hearts had reign with a people whose hearts had already drifted from trusting God. already drifted from trusting God. already drifted from trusting God. And in 1st Samuel 9:10, we see that Saul And in 1st Samuel 9:10, we see that Saul And in 1st Samuel 9:10, we see that Saul is chosen as king and becoming the king is chosen as king and becoming the king is chosen as king and becoming the king that Israel wanted, not necessarily the that Israel wanted, not necessarily the that Israel wanted, not necessarily the king that Israel needed. king that Israel needed. king that Israel needed. >> In 1st Samuel 9:2, it says, "And he had >> In 1st Samuel 9:2, it says, "And he had >> In 1st Samuel 9:2, it says, "And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome a son whose name was Saul, a handsome a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the young man. There was not a man among the young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he.

people of Israel more handsome than he. people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward, he was taller From his shoulders upward, he was taller From his shoulders upward, he was taller than any of the people." Now, the people than any of the people." Now, the people than any of the people." Now, the people would have immediately noticed his would have immediately noticed his would have immediately noticed his outward appearance. In fact, they're outward appearance. In fact, they're outward appearance. In fact, they're probably thinking this is exactly what probably thinking this is exactly what probably thinking this is exactly what we thought a king should look like. we thought a king should look like. we thought a king should look like. Strong, handsome, commanding. Strong, handsome, commanding. Strong, handsome, commanding. But this is also their downfall because But this is also their downfall because But this is also their downfall because we clearly see in 1st Samuel 16 when we clearly see in 1st Samuel 16 when we clearly see in 1st Samuel 16 when David is anointed as king that God David is anointed as king that God David is anointed as king that God doesn't look like look at the outward doesn't look like look at the outward doesn't look like look at the outward appearance. He looks at the heart. appearance. He looks at the heart. appearance. He looks at the heart. And so we see in the description of Saul And so we see in the description of Saul And so we see in the description of Saul and even comparing and contrasting David and even comparing and contrasting David and even comparing and contrasting David to this when we read about King David, to this when we read about King David, to this when we read about King David, there's so much to say about his there's so much to say about his there's so much to say about his relationship with the Lord. David relationship with the Lord. David relationship with the Lord. David inquired of the Lord. David sought after inquired of the Lord. David sought after inquired of the Lord. David sought after the Lord. David prayed to God. David the Lord. David prayed to God. David the Lord. David prayed to God. David worshiped God. And when studying Saul's worshiped God. And when studying Saul's worshiped God. And when studying Saul's life, there's not really much to say life, there's not really much to say life, there's not really much to say about his relationship with God. about his relationship with God. about his relationship with God. >> And there's not really much to say even >> And there's not really much to say even >> And there's not really much to say even in how his relationship was. And I truly in how his relationship was. And I truly in how his relationship was. And I truly believe that there is nothing because believe that there is nothing because believe that there is nothing because there was nothing to say.

there was nothing to say. there was nothing to say. The meaning of his name in Hebrew, it The meaning of his name in Hebrew, it The meaning of his name in Hebrew, it actually means asked for. His actual actually means asked for. His actual actually means asked for. His actual literal meaning in Hebrew, it means literal meaning in Hebrew, it means literal meaning in Hebrew, it means asked for. And in the midst of Israel asked for. And in the midst of Israel asked for. And in the midst of Israel asking for a king, God didn't step off asking for a king, God didn't step off asking for a king, God didn't step off of his throne just because Israel asked of his throne just because Israel asked of his throne just because Israel asked him to. But he would indeed give them a him to. But he would indeed give them a him to. But he would indeed give them a king, but a flawed king to a flawed king, but a flawed king to a flawed king, but a flawed king to a flawed Israel. Yeah, Israel. Yeah, Israel. Yeah, >> we see that Samuel would then anoint >> we see that Samuel would then anoint >> we see that Samuel would then anoint Saul as king, showing that yes, God Saul as king, showing that yes, God Saul as king, showing that yes, God chose him. Yes, God called him to lead chose him. Yes, God called him to lead chose him. Yes, God called him to lead Israel and to deliver his people. And Israel and to deliver his people. And Israel and to deliver his people. And what happened to his head and his body? what happened to his head and his body? what happened to his head and his body? It served as a spiritual picture of what It served as a spiritual picture of what It served as a spiritual picture of what God did in him. God always clearly God did in him. God always clearly God did in him. God always clearly confirms his calling, church. But the confirms his calling, church. But the confirms his calling, church. But the success of that calling still depends on success of that calling still depends on success of that calling still depends on a heart of obedience. Yeah, a heart of obedience. Yeah, a heart of obedience. Yeah, >> we see every calling inside the Bible, >> we see every calling inside the Bible, >> we see every calling inside the Bible, every calling outside of the Bible, it every calling outside of the Bible, it every calling outside of the Bible, it starts with God's initiative, not our starts with God's initiative, not our starts with God's initiative, not our qualification. qualification. qualification. >> And in 1 Samuel 10:9, it says, "When he >> And in 1 Samuel 10:9, it says, "When he >> And in 1 Samuel 10:9, it says, "When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God turned his back to leave Samuel, God turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart." The only thing gave him another heart." The only thing gave him another heart." The only thing Samuel could not give Saul was another Samuel could not give Saul was another Samuel could not give Saul was another heart. And this clearly shows that God heart. And this clearly shows that God heart. And this clearly shows that God doesn't simply call us, but he equips us doesn't simply call us, but he equips us doesn't simply call us, but he equips us with the calling and everything we need with the calling and everything we need with the calling and everything we need to be successful in that calling.

to be successful in that calling. to be successful in that calling. >> And we see that Samuel gathers Israel >> And we see that Samuel gathers Israel >> And we see that Samuel gathers Israel and reminds them that God has always and reminds them that God has always and reminds them that God has always been their true deliverer, their true been their true deliverer, their true been their true deliverer, their true rescuer, their true provider. Yet rescuer, their true provider. Yet rescuer, their true provider. Yet instead of trusting in God, they're instead of trusting in God, they're instead of trusting in God, they're choosing to trust in a human king to choosing to trust in a human king to choosing to trust in a human king to lead them. So we see in chapter 10 21 it lead them. So we see in chapter 10 21 it lead them. So we see in chapter 10 21 it says and Saul the son of Kish was taken says and Saul the son of Kish was taken says and Saul the son of Kish was taken by Lot. But when they sought him he by Lot. But when they sought him he by Lot. But when they sought him he could not be found. So they inquired could not be found. So they inquired could not be found. So they inquired again of the Lord. Is there a man still again of the Lord. Is there a man still again of the Lord. Is there a man still to come? And the Lord said behold he has to come? And the Lord said behold he has to come? And the Lord said behold he has hidden himself among the baggage. Then hidden himself among the baggage. Then hidden himself among the baggage. Then they ran and took him from there. And they ran and took him from there. And they ran and took him from there. And when he stood among the people he was when he stood among the people he was when he stood among the people he was taller than any of the people from his taller than any of the people from his taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. Again we're seeing shoulders upward. Again we're seeing shoulders upward. Again we're seeing that Saul possessed the appearance of that Saul possessed the appearance of that Saul possessed the appearance of confidence but battling internally with confidence but battling internally with confidence but battling internally with insecurity. insecurity. insecurity. >> Wow. And what was he hiding behind? The >> Wow. And what was he hiding behind? The >> Wow. And what was he hiding behind? The baggage, the local supplies. And it was baggage, the local supplies. And it was baggage, the local supplies. And it was something that he felt the most familiar something that he felt the most familiar something that he felt the most familiar with, the most security in. And I think with, the most security in. And I think with, the most security in. And I think we still tend to hide behind the things we still tend to hide behind the things we still tend to hide behind the things that we find most security in. Whether that we find most security in. Whether that we find most security in. Whether if it's our reputation, our money, our if it's our reputation, our money, our if it's our reputation, our money, our our relationships, our career.

our relationships, our career. our relationships, our career. >> And in verse 24, it goes on to say, "And >> And in verse 24, it goes on to say, "And >> And in verse 24, it goes on to say, "And Samuel said to all the people, do you Samuel said to all the people, do you Samuel said to all the people, do you see whom the Lord has chosen? there is see whom the Lord has chosen? there is see whom the Lord has chosen? there is none like him among all the people. none like him among all the people. none like him among all the people. Which I don't know if it's just myself, Which I don't know if it's just myself, Which I don't know if it's just myself, but I feel like Samuel had s had some but I feel like Samuel had s had some but I feel like Samuel had s had some sarcasm in that statement because I sarcasm in that statement because I sarcasm in that statement because I truly believe there was someone better. truly believe there was someone better. truly believe there was someone better. But he goes on to say, "And all the But he goes on to say, "And all the But he goes on to say, "And all the people shouted,"Long live the king." people shouted,"Long live the king." people shouted,"Long live the king." Now before before Saul has done Now before before Saul has done Now before before Saul has done anything, the people are celebrating anything, the people are celebrating anything, the people are celebrating before he has proven anything. There's before he has proven anything. There's before he has proven anything. There's been no leadership, no faithfulness, no been no leadership, no faithfulness, no been no leadership, no faithfulness, no victories. They were celebrating victories. They were celebrating victories. They were celebrating potential. But God cares a whole lot potential. But God cares a whole lot potential. But God cares a whole lot more about character. Yeah. Yeah. more about character. Yeah. Yeah. more about character. Yeah. Yeah. >> How often do we still confuse gifting >> How often do we still confuse gifting >> How often do we still confuse gifting for godliness? for godliness? for godliness? >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> And we often promote people in our lives >> And we often promote people in our lives >> And we often promote people in our lives because they look capable. They look the because they look capable. They look the because they look capable. They look the part, but have they proven to be part, but have they proven to be part, but have they proven to be faithful? faithful? faithful? >> And sometimes we see with God's >> And sometimes we see with God's >> And sometimes we see with God's judgment. judgment. judgment. It's not necessarily refusing our It's not necessarily refusing our It's not necessarily refusing our desires, but sometimes it's allowing us desires, but sometimes it's allowing us desires, but sometimes it's allowing us to have them. Sometimes it's allowing us to have them. Sometimes it's allowing us to have them. Sometimes it's allowing us to experience them to experience them to experience them >> and to hopefully learn from them.

>> and to hopefully learn from them. >> and to hopefully learn from them. In verse 26, it says, "Saul also went In verse 26, it says, "Saul also went In verse 26, it says, "Saul also went home to Gibia, and with him some true home to Gibia, and with him some true home to Gibia, and with him some true and brave men whom God moved to join and brave men whom God moved to join and brave men whom God moved to join him, but the riffraff went off him, but the riffraff went off him, but the riffraff went off muttering," deliverer, don't make me muttering," deliverer, don't make me muttering," deliverer, don't make me laugh. They held him in contempt and laugh. They held him in contempt and laugh. They held him in contempt and refused to congratulate him, but Saul refused to congratulate him, but Saul refused to congratulate him, but Saul paid them no mind. And I want to paid them no mind. And I want to paid them no mind. And I want to encourage someone in the room where you encourage someone in the room where you encourage someone in the room where you feel like you are stepping into God's feel like you are stepping into God's feel like you are stepping into God's purpose, you feel like you are stepping purpose, you feel like you are stepping purpose, you feel like you are stepping into God's calling. Expect opposition into God's calling. Expect opposition into God's calling. Expect opposition when you choose to follow the purpose when you choose to follow the purpose when you choose to follow the purpose that is on your life. Not everyone is that is on your life. Not everyone is that is on your life. Not everyone is going to say congratulations. Not going to say congratulations. Not going to say congratulations. Not everyone is going to pat you on the everyone is going to pat you on the everyone is going to pat you on the back. Not everyone is going to say, back. Not everyone is going to say, back. Not everyone is going to say, "Good job. Add a boy." But you do not "Good job. Add a boy." But you do not "Good job. Add a boy." But you do not depend on the approval of man. You depend on the approval of man. You depend on the approval of man. You depend on the approval of God. depend on the approval of God. depend on the approval of God. [applause and cheering] And often times we look back and even And often times we look back and even looking back in that passage, that looking back in that passage, that looking back in that passage, that detail, where did Saul go after he was detail, where did Saul go after he was detail, where did Saul go after he was publicly installed as king? There was no publicly installed as king? There was no publicly installed as king? There was no palace to go to. It sent him back home. palace to go to. It sent him back home. palace to go to. It sent him back home. And more times than not, when you first And more times than not, when you first And more times than not, when you first step into the calling that God has for step into the calling that God has for step into the calling that God has for you, it doesn't send you to a palace you, it doesn't send you to a palace you, it doesn't send you to a palace right away, it sends you back home for a right away, it sends you back home for a right away, it sends you back home for a season. [clears throat] season. [clears throat] season. [clears throat] >> In chapter 11, we move forward and it is >> In chapter 11, we move forward and it is >> In chapter 11, we move forward and it is arguably Saul's greatest moment as king.

arguably Saul's greatest moment as king. arguably Saul's greatest moment as king. And this chapter is important because it And this chapter is important because it And this chapter is important because it shows us that Saul did not begin as a shows us that Saul did not begin as a shows us that Saul did not begin as a bad king. In fact, he was spirit bad king. In fact, he was spirit bad king. In fact, he was spirit empowered, a spirit empowered leader who empowered, a spirit empowered leader who empowered, a spirit empowered leader who did depend on God. God's people were did depend on God. God's people were did depend on God. God's people were under attack and without hope. Saul under attack and without hope. Saul under attack and without hope. Saul stepped into the calling that God had stepped into the calling that God had stepped into the calling that God had placed on his life, led Israel to placed on his life, led Israel to placed on his life, led Israel to victory, and reminded the people of victory, and reminded the people of victory, and reminded the people of Israel that the victory belonged to the Israel that the victory belonged to the Israel that the victory belonged to the Lord. Lord. Lord. But sadly, this was the first and the But sadly, this was the first and the But sadly, this was the first and the last moment that he would give every last moment that he would give every last moment that he would give every ounce of glory and every ounce of praise ounce of glory and every ounce of praise ounce of glory and every ounce of praise to the one who deserves it, and that's to the one who deserves it, and that's to the one who deserves it, and that's King Jesus. King Jesus. King Jesus. >> And I want to remind us in the room >> And I want to remind us in the room >> And I want to remind us in the room today that every victory that you have today that every victory that you have today that every victory that you have ever seen in your own life, it has ever seen in your own life, it has ever seen in your own life, it has nothing to do with you, but it has nothing to do with you, but it has nothing to do with you, but it has everything to do with God. Amen. everything to do with God. Amen. everything to do with God. Amen. [applause] 1st Samuel 13 and verse three it says 1st Samuel 13 and verse three it says Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Philistines. Who is Jonathan? This is Philistines. Who is Jonathan? This is Philistines. Who is Jonathan? This is King Saul's son that was at Gaba and the King Saul's son that was at Gaba and the King Saul's son that was at Gaba and the Philistines heard of it and Saul blew Philistines heard of it and Saul blew Philistines heard of it and Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land the trumpet throughout all the land the trumpet throughout all the land saying, "Let the Hebrews hear." And all saying, "Let the Hebrews hear." And all saying, "Let the Hebrews hear." And all Israel heard it said that Saul had Israel heard it said that Saul had Israel heard it said that Saul had defeated the garrison of the defeated the garrison of the defeated the garrison of the Philistines. Now who defeated the Philistines. Now who defeated the Philistines. Now who defeated the garrison of the Philistines? His son garrison of the Philistines? His son garrison of the Philistines? His son Jonathan. But who took credit? his own Jonathan. But who took credit? his own Jonathan. But who took credit? his own father, Saul. This is where we begin to father, Saul. This is where we begin to father, Saul. This is where we begin to see Saul's flaws that were not dealt see Saul's flaws that were not dealt see Saul's flaws that were not dealt with officially rise to the surface.

with officially rise to the surface. with officially rise to the surface. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> One of those things being his >> One of those things being his >> One of those things being his insecurity. insecurity. insecurity. And some things about insecurities. And some things about insecurities. And some things about insecurities. Insecurity will always struggle to Insecurity will always struggle to Insecurity will always struggle to celebrate someone else's success. celebrate someone else's success. celebrate someone else's success. >> When your identity is rooted in what you >> When your identity is rooted in what you >> When your identity is rooted in what you do instead of who God says you are, do instead of who God says you are, do instead of who God says you are, someone else's win can feel like your someone else's win can feel like your someone else's win can feel like your loss. loss. loss. >> And an insecure heart doesn't just want >> And an insecure heart doesn't just want >> And an insecure heart doesn't just want to succeed. It's not even satisfied with to succeed. It's not even satisfied with to succeed. It's not even satisfied with that. It wants to be the one who gets that. It wants to be the one who gets that. It wants to be the one who gets all the credit. all the credit. all the credit. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And we see that comparison it often >> And we see that comparison it often >> And we see that comparison it often treats almost like a side eye, a side treats almost like a side eye, a side treats almost like a side eye, a side peripheral of always being aware of peripheral of always being aware of peripheral of always being aware of what's happening to the person right what's happening to the person right what's happening to the person right next to you. And it turns blessing into next to you. And it turns blessing into next to you. And it turns blessing into competition. competition. competition. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> 1st Samuel 13:7, it says, "Saul was >> 1st Samuel 13:7, it says, "Saul was >> 1st Samuel 13:7, it says, "Saul was still at Gilgal." Now, this is a big still at Gilgal." Now, this is a big still at Gilgal." Now, this is a big portion of scripture. Try to follow me. portion of scripture. Try to follow me. portion of scripture. Try to follow me. And all the people followed him And all the people followed him And all the people followed him trembling. He waited seven days, the trembling. He waited seven days, the trembling. He waited seven days, the appointed time by Samuel. But Samuel did appointed time by Samuel. But Samuel did appointed time by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were not come to Gilgal, and the people were not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, scattering from him. So Saul said, scattering from him. So Saul said, "Bring the burnt offering here to me and "Bring the burnt offering here to me and "Bring the burnt offering here to me and the peace offerings." And he offered the the peace offerings." And he offered the the peace offerings." And he offered the burnt offerings. Now, let me remind you, burnt offerings. Now, let me remind you, burnt offerings. Now, let me remind you, Saul was a king, not a priest, and only Saul was a king, not a priest, and only Saul was a king, not a priest, and only priests were able to make sacrifices priests were able to make sacrifices priests were able to make sacrifices during this time.

during this time. during this time. >> Verse 10 says, "As soon as he had >> Verse 10 says, "As soon as he had >> Verse 10 says, "As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, finished offering the burnt offering, finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. Samuel said, to meet him and greet him. Samuel said, to meet him and greet him. Samuel said, "What have you done?" And Saul said, "What have you done?" And Saul said, "What have you done?" And Saul said, 'When I saw that the people were 'When I saw that the people were 'When I saw that the people were scattering from me and that you did not scattering from me and that you did not scattering from me and that you did not come within the days appointed and the come within the days appointed and the come within the days appointed and the Philistines had mustered at Mcmash, I Philistines had mustered at Mcmash, I Philistines had mustered at Mcmash, I said, 'Now the Philistines will come said, 'Now the Philistines will come said, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I've not down against me at Gilgal, and I've not down against me at Gilgal, and I've not sought the favor of the Lord. So I sought the favor of the Lord. So I sought the favor of the Lord. So I forced myself and offered the burnt forced myself and offered the burnt forced myself and offered the burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, "You offering. And Samuel said to Saul, "You offering. And Samuel said to Saul, "You have done foolishly, for you have not have done foolishly, for you have not have done foolishly, for you have not kept the command of the Lord your God, kept the command of the Lord your God, kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then with which he commanded you. For then with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your the Lord would have established your the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever, but now kingdom over Israel forever, but now kingdom over Israel forever, but now your kingdom shall not continue. The your kingdom shall not continue. The your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own Lord has sought out a man after his own Lord has sought out a man after his own heart. And we officially see that Saul heart. And we officially see that Saul heart. And we officially see that Saul was a man after his own heart, not God's was a man after his own heart, not God's was a man after his own heart, not God's heart. heart. heart. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It says, "And the Lord has commanded him >> It says, "And the Lord has commanded him >> It says, "And the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people because you to be prince over his people because you to be prince over his people because you have not kept what the Lord has have not kept what the Lord has have not kept what the Lord has commanded you." What Saul did at first commanded you." What Saul did at first commanded you." What Saul did at first glance, it doesn't look too bad, but glance, it doesn't look too bad, but glance, it doesn't look too bad, but when confronted, he immediately goes when confronted, he immediately goes when confronted, he immediately goes through this list of excuses, saying, through this list of excuses, saying, through this list of excuses, saying, "Samuel, the people were scattering from "Samuel, the people were scattering from "Samuel, the people were scattering from me. Samuel, you didn't come when I me. Samuel, you didn't come when I me. Samuel, you didn't come when I expected you to come. Samuel, the expected you to come. Samuel, the expected you to come. Samuel, the Philistines were gathering all around Philistines were gathering all around Philistines were gathering all around me. Samuel, I felt forced. I felt me. Samuel, I felt forced. I felt me. Samuel, I felt forced. I felt compelled. I felt like I had no choice.

compelled. I felt like I had no choice. compelled. I felt like I had no choice. How many times have we made excuses How many times have we made excuses How many times have we made excuses instead of taking ownership of our instead of taking ownership of our instead of taking ownership of our fault? fault? fault? >> I think the story could have ended >> I think the story could have ended >> I think the story could have ended differently if Saul would have just differently if Saul would have just differently if Saul would have just repented and took ownership, but instead repented and took ownership, but instead repented and took ownership, but instead he chose to defend and preserve. he chose to defend and preserve. he chose to defend and preserve. >> And he never just simply says, "I >> And he never just simply says, "I >> And he never just simply says, "I sinned." Never says that. And another sinned." Never says that. And another sinned." Never says that. And another flaw in his character, it comes to the flaw in his character, it comes to the flaw in his character, it comes to the surface in that area is fear. surface in that area is fear. surface in that area is fear. Fear often times disguises itself as Fear often times disguises itself as Fear often times disguises itself as wisdom where we justify disobedience wisdom where we justify disobedience wisdom where we justify disobedience when we feel pressured. when we feel pressured. when we feel pressured. Saul feared man more than fearing God. Saul feared man more than fearing God. Saul feared man more than fearing God. And every single time we have seen this And every single time we have seen this And every single time we have seen this in the Bible, it always ends badly when in the Bible, it always ends badly when in the Bible, it always ends badly when you fear man more than fearing God. you fear man more than fearing God. you fear man more than fearing God. >> Excuses can never replace obedience, >> Excuses can never replace obedience, >> Excuses can never replace obedience, church. And we even see that delayed and church. And we even see that delayed and church. And we even see that delayed and partial obedience is still disobedience. partial obedience is still disobedience. partial obedience is still disobedience. >> And sometimes what we can do and what we >> And sometimes what we can do and what we >> And sometimes what we can do and what we can fall in is explaining away our can fall in is explaining away our can fall in is explaining away our disobedience rather than just confessing disobedience rather than just confessing disobedience rather than just confessing it. And can I remind you that God is not it. And can I remind you that God is not it. And can I remind you that God is not looking for a perfect people. In fact, looking for a perfect people. In fact, looking for a perfect people. In fact, they don't even exist. But he is they don't even exist. But he is they don't even exist. But he is unapologetically unapologetically unapologetically asking for an obedient heart. Amen.

asking for an obedient heart. Amen. asking for an obedient heart. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> And sometimes >> And sometimes >> And sometimes what we see is that we can lose a whole what we see is that we can lose a whole what we see is that we can lose a whole lot more when we refuse to wait than we lot more when we refuse to wait than we lot more when we refuse to wait than we would have ever lost by simply waiting would have ever lost by simply waiting would have ever lost by simply waiting and listening to the Lord. and listening to the Lord. and listening to the Lord. >> In 1st Samuel 14 in summary, we see >> In 1st Samuel 14 in summary, we see >> In 1st Samuel 14 in summary, we see again Saul and his son Jonathan, they're again Saul and his son Jonathan, they're again Saul and his son Jonathan, they're in another battle. Saul hesitates again. in another battle. Saul hesitates again. in another battle. Saul hesitates again. Jonathan steps out in faith again and is Jonathan steps out in faith again and is Jonathan steps out in faith again and is giving them victory. But Saul makes a giving them victory. But Saul makes a giving them victory. But Saul makes a rash decision and commanding everyone rash decision and commanding everyone rash decision and commanding everyone not to eat until the battle is fully not to eat until the battle is fully not to eat until the battle is fully won. But Jonathan being unaware and won. But Jonathan being unaware and won. But Jonathan being unaware and separated from his father eats honey and separated from his father eats honey and separated from his father eats honey and is strengthened while the people become is strengthened while the people become is strengthened while the people become weak and hungry. When the day ends, the weak and hungry. When the day ends, the weak and hungry. When the day ends, the people are so hungry that they sinned by people are so hungry that they sinned by people are so hungry that they sinned by eating meat with the blood still in it. eating meat with the blood still in it. eating meat with the blood still in it. And I say this all to say is because it And I say this all to say is because it And I say this all to say is because it leads us to 1st Samuel 14:35. It says, leads us to 1st Samuel 14:35. It says, leads us to 1st Samuel 14:35. It says, "And Saul built an altar to the Lord." "And Saul built an altar to the Lord." "And Saul built an altar to the Lord." It was the first altar that he built to It was the first altar that he built to It was the first altar that he built to the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. >> Now, I want you to think about that. >> Now, I want you to think about that. >> Now, I want you to think about that. Saul had already been anointed king, Saul had already been anointed king, Saul had already been anointed king, already won battles, already had been already won battles, already had been already won battles, already had been leading a nation, even unlawfully leading a nation, even unlawfully leading a nation, even unlawfully offering a sacrifice in chapter 13. Yet, offering a sacrifice in chapter 13. Yet, offering a sacrifice in chapter 13. Yet, this is the first altar that he makes to this is the first altar that he makes to this is the first altar that he makes to the Lord. Why would this detail be the Lord. Why would this detail be the Lord. Why would this detail be included?

included? included? It's because it reveals Saul's It's because it reveals Saul's It's because it reveals Saul's priorities. priorities. priorities. >> He had spent years building a kingdom >> He had spent years building a kingdom >> He had spent years building a kingdom before ever building an altar. before ever building an altar. before ever building an altar. >> But notice why he builds it. Not before >> But notice why he builds it. Not before >> But notice why he builds it. Not before the battle for guidance, but after his the battle for guidance, but after his the battle for guidance, but after his own decision created a big problem. own decision created a big problem. own decision created a big problem. He was always quick to make a command, He was always quick to make a command, He was always quick to make a command, always quick to give a vow, but slow to always quick to give a vow, but slow to always quick to give a vow, but slow to seek the living God. He was even quick seek the living God. He was even quick seek the living God. He was even quick to build an army, but slow to build an to build an army, but slow to build an to build an army, but slow to build an altar. altar. altar. >> He was passionate about victory, >> He was passionate about victory, >> He was passionate about victory, passionate about leadership, passionate passionate about leadership, passionate passionate about leadership, passionate about self-image. about self-image. about self-image. But we see that worship and prayer was But we see that worship and prayer was But we see that worship and prayer was not his first instinct. not his first instinct. not his first instinct. Church, the first thing we choose to Church, the first thing we choose to Church, the first thing we choose to build often reveals what matters most. build often reveals what matters most. build often reveals what matters most. >> And people who neglect private worship >> And people who neglect private worship >> And people who neglect private worship eventually end up struggling in public eventually end up struggling in public eventually end up struggling in public obedience. >> And before God ever builds a platform >> And before God ever builds a platform and can I remind you that only God can and can I remind you that only God can and can I remind you that only God can build your platform, you may think that build your platform, you may think that build your platform, you may think that you can get far on your own. It will you can get far on your own. It will you can get far on your own. It will collapse in due time. But the only collapse in due time. But the only collapse in due time. But the only platform that can be built and sustained platform that can be built and sustained platform that can be built and sustained is a platform by the living God. But is a platform by the living God. But is a platform by the living God. But before he builds your platform, he before he builds your platform, he before he builds your platform, he desires an altar.

desires an altar. desires an altar. >> And the problem that we see with his >> And the problem that we see with his >> And the problem that we see with his life, it wasn't just that he disobeyed life, it wasn't just that he disobeyed life, it wasn't just that he disobeyed God. It's that his public life outgrew God. It's that his public life outgrew God. It's that his public life outgrew and outpaced his private devotion. and outpaced his private devotion. and outpaced his private devotion. >> And in 1st Samuel 15:1, >> And in 1st Samuel 15:1, >> And in 1st Samuel 15:1, follow me here. It says, "And Samuel follow me here. It says, "And Samuel follow me here. It says, "And Samuel said to Saul, the Lord has sent me to said to Saul, the Lord has sent me to said to Saul, the Lord has sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel. anoint you king over his people Israel. anoint you king over his people Israel. Now therefore listen to the words of the Now therefore listen to the words of the Now therefore listen to the words of the Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts. I've Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts. I've Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts. I've anointed I've noted what Amalecch did to anointed I've noted what Amalecch did to anointed I've noted what Amalecch did to Israel and opposing them on the way when Israel and opposing them on the way when Israel and opposing them on the way when they came up out of Egypt. Now go and they came up out of Egypt. Now go and they came up out of Egypt. Now go and strike Amalecch and devote to strike Amalecch and devote to strike Amalecch and devote to destruction all. Somebody say all. destruction all. Somebody say all. destruction all. Somebody say all. >> Say all. >> Say all. >> Say all. >> Say all. >> Say all. >> Say all. >> That they have. Do not spare them, but >> That they have. Do not spare them, but >> That they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and kill both man and woman, child and kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey. infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey. infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey. So when I'm reading this, the So when I'm reading this, the So when I'm reading this, the instructions are pretty clear. basically instructions are pretty clear. basically instructions are pretty clear. basically get everything and anybody and kill get everything and anybody and kill get everything and anybody and kill them. Like that's the instructions here. them. Like that's the instructions here. them. Like that's the instructions here. But we see in verse nine, it says, "But But we see in verse nine, it says, "But But we see in verse nine, it says, "But Saul and the people spared Aag and the Saul and the people spared Aag and the Saul and the people spared Aag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of best of the sheep and of the oxen and of best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattest and the lambs and all that the fattest and the lambs and all that the fattest and the lambs and all that was good. It would not utterly destroy was good. It would not utterly destroy was good. It would not utterly destroy them. All that was despised and them. All that was despised and them. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction.

worthless they devoted to destruction. worthless they devoted to destruction. The word of the Lord came to Samuel. I The word of the Lord came to Samuel. I The word of the Lord came to Samuel. I regret that I have made Saul king for he regret that I have made Saul king for he regret that I have made Saul king for he has turned back from following me and has turned back from following me and has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments. has not performed my commandments. has not performed my commandments. Again, we see here that Saul had Again, we see here that Saul had Again, we see here that Saul had selective obedience. selective obedience. selective obedience. >> And a question that we should ask >> And a question that we should ask >> And a question that we should ask ourselves is, am I obeying what God has ourselves is, am I obeying what God has ourselves is, am I obeying what God has said or only what I understand? said or only what I understand? said or only what I understand? >> Because it's easy to obey when you get >> Because it's easy to obey when you get >> Because it's easy to obey when you get the full picture. It's easy to obey when the full picture. It's easy to obey when the full picture. It's easy to obey when it's on your terms. It's easy to obey it's on your terms. It's easy to obey it's on your terms. It's easy to obey when it lines with your preferences. But when it lines with your preferences. But when it lines with your preferences. But can you obey when you don't fully get can you obey when you don't fully get can you obey when you don't fully get it? Can you obey when you don't fully it? Can you obey when you don't fully it? Can you obey when you don't fully understand? Can you obey and just trust understand? Can you obey and just trust understand? Can you obey and just trust God instead of trusting self? God instead of trusting self? God instead of trusting self? >> God desires wholehearted obedience, >> God desires wholehearted obedience, >> God desires wholehearted obedience, church, not just selective obedience. church, not just selective obedience. church, not just selective obedience. >> And in verse 12, it says, "And it was >> And in verse 12, it says, "And it was >> And in verse 12, it says, "And it was told to Samuel, Saul came to Carmel, and told to Samuel, Saul came to Carmel, and told to Samuel, Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself behold, he set up a monument for himself behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down and turned and passed on and went down and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal." Now we see that Saul is not to Gilgal." Now we see that Saul is not to Gilgal." Now we see that Saul is not even grieved with his own sin. In fact, even grieved with his own sin. In fact, even grieved with his own sin. In fact, this is the same guy that used to hide this is the same guy that used to hide this is the same guy that used to hide behind local supplies and local baggage.

behind local supplies and local baggage. behind local supplies and local baggage. And here he is building a monument to And here he is building a monument to And here he is building a monument to himself. himself. himself. And we see the flaw in his character of And we see the flaw in his character of And we see the flaw in his character of pride begin to come to the surface. And pride begin to come to the surface. And pride begin to come to the surface. And can I remind you that pride never can I remind you that pride never can I remind you that pride never appears overnight, but it grows over appears overnight, but it grows over appears overnight, but it grows over time. Yeah. Yeah. time. Yeah. Yeah. time. Yeah. Yeah. >> And in verse 13, it says, "And Samuel >> And in verse 13, it says, "And Samuel >> And in verse 13, it says, "And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, came to Saul, and Saul said to him, came to Saul, and Saul said to him, blessed be to you the Lord, I performed blessed be to you the Lord, I performed blessed be to you the Lord, I performed the commandment of the Lord." And Samuel the commandment of the Lord." And Samuel the commandment of the Lord." And Samuel said, "What then is this bleeding of the said, "What then is this bleeding of the said, "What then is this bleeding of the sheep in my ears and the loing of the sheep in my ears and the loing of the sheep in my ears and the loing of the oxen that I hear?" Saul said, "They have oxen that I hear?" Saul said, "They have oxen that I hear?" Saul said, "They have brought them from the Amalachites, for brought them from the Amalachites, for brought them from the Amalachites, for the people spared the best of the sheep the people spared the best of the sheep the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the Lord and of the oxen to sacrifice to the Lord and of the oxen to sacrifice to the Lord your God." your God." your God." What we see when pride and disobedience What we see when pride and disobedience What we see when pride and disobedience are combined is that it will cause us to are combined is that it will cause us to are combined is that it will cause us to grow deaf and blind to the very grow deaf and blind to the very grow deaf and blind to the very disobedience and sin that is right in disobedience and sin that is right in disobedience and sin that is right in front of us. front of us. front of us. >> And here we see more excuses being made >> And here we see more excuses being made >> And here we see more excuses being made by Saul. Samuel, I did obey the voice of by Saul. Samuel, I did obey the voice of by Saul. Samuel, I did obey the voice of the Lord. Samuel, the people were the the Lord. Samuel, the people were the the Lord. Samuel, the people were the ones that spared them. Samuel, we wanted ones that spared them. Samuel, we wanted ones that spared them. Samuel, we wanted to sacrifice. And we see excuses still to sacrifice. And we see excuses still to sacrifice. And we see excuses still keeping Saul from repentance.

keeping Saul from repentance. keeping Saul from repentance. And a little detail that gives deep And a little detail that gives deep And a little detail that gives deep insight. Did you notice how he says your insight. Did you notice how he says your insight. Did you notice how he says your God, not my God. And this exposes how God, not my God. And this exposes how God, not my God. And this exposes how even separated he was from the Lord and even separated he was from the Lord and even separated he was from the Lord and give us gives us insight how far he was give us gives us insight how far he was give us gives us insight how far he was from the Lord. And Saul is officially from the Lord. And Saul is officially from the Lord. And Saul is officially transitioning to being on the throne of transitioning to being on the throne of transitioning to being on the throne of his own life. And can I encourage his own life. And can I encourage his own life. And can I encourage someone today and remind you that every someone today and remind you that every someone today and remind you that every single time that you choose to sit on single time that you choose to sit on single time that you choose to sit on the throne of your own life, it only the throne of your own life, it only the throne of your own life, it only leads to a gradual fall of destruction. leads to a gradual fall of destruction. leads to a gradual fall of destruction. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> In verse 15, it says, "And the rest we >> In verse 15, it says, "And the rest we >> In verse 15, it says, "And the rest we have devoted to destruction." We later have devoted to destruction." We later have devoted to destruction." We later find out that this is not even true. In find out that this is not even true. In find out that this is not even true. In fact, in in later chapters, David is is fact, in in later chapters, David is is fact, in in later chapters, David is is having to fight leftover Amalachites having to fight leftover Amalachites having to fight leftover Amalachites because Saul did not obey the voice of because Saul did not obey the voice of because Saul did not obey the voice of the Lord. And I feel like this is a word the Lord. And I feel like this is a word the Lord. And I feel like this is a word for someone in the room that when we for someone in the room that when we for someone in the room that when we don't completely obey God, it's the don't completely obey God, it's the don't completely obey God, it's the leftovers that will come back to trouble leftovers that will come back to trouble leftovers that will come back to trouble us if not try to kill us. Wow. us if not try to kill us. Wow. us if not try to kill us. Wow. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And in verse 16, it says, "Then Samuel >> And in verse 16, it says, "Then Samuel >> And in verse 16, it says, "Then Samuel said to Saul, "Stop. I will tell you said to Saul, "Stop. I will tell you said to Saul, "Stop. I will tell you what the Lord said to me this night."

what the Lord said to me this night." what the Lord said to me this night." And he said to him, "Speak." And Samuel And he said to him, "Speak." And Samuel And he said to him, "Speak." And Samuel said, "Though you were little in your said, "Though you were little in your said, "Though you were little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the own eyes, are you not the head of the own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel, and the Lord sent you king over Israel, and the Lord sent you king over Israel, and the Lord sent you on a mission and said, "Go devote to on a mission and said, "Go devote to on a mission and said, "Go devote to destruction the sinners, the destruction the sinners, the destruction the sinners, the Amalachites, and fight against them Amalachites, and fight against them Amalachites, and fight against them until they are consumed. Why then did until they are consumed. Why then did until they are consumed. Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you pounce on the spoil and do it did you pounce on the spoil and do it did you pounce on the spoil and do it was evil in the sight of the Lord? And was evil in the sight of the Lord? And was evil in the sight of the Lord? And Saul said to Samuel, "But I have obeyed Saul said to Samuel, "But I have obeyed Saul said to Samuel, "But I have obeyed the voice of the Lord." But then the voice of the Lord." But then the voice of the Lord." But then directly describes exactly how he directly describes exactly how he directly describes exactly how he disobeyed the Lord. He says, "I've gone disobeyed the Lord. He says, "I've gone disobeyed the Lord. He says, "I've gone on the mission on which the Lord has on the mission on which the Lord has on the mission on which the Lord has sent me. I've brought Aog, the king of sent me. I've brought Aog, the king of sent me. I've brought Aog, the king of Amalecch, and I've devoted the Amalecch, and I've devoted the Amalecch, and I've devoted the Amalachites to destruction, but it was Amalachites to destruction, but it was Amalachites to destruction, but it was the people that took of the spoil, the the people that took of the spoil, the the people that took of the spoil, the sheep, the oxen, the best of the things sheep, the oxen, the best of the things sheep, the oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction to sacrifice to devoted to destruction to sacrifice to devoted to destruction to sacrifice to Lord your God in Gilgal." And Samuel Lord your God in Gilgal." And Samuel Lord your God in Gilgal." And Samuel said, listen here. He says, "Has the said, listen here. He says, "Has the said, listen here. He says, "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings Lord as great delight in burnt offerings Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?" of the Lord?" of the Lord?" >> Behold, to obey is better than >> Behold, to obey is better than >> Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice. sacrifice. sacrifice. To obey is better than sacrifice.

To obey is better than sacrifice. To obey is better than sacrifice. Now, this isn't a rejection of Now, this isn't a rejection of Now, this isn't a rejection of sacrifice. It is a rejection of religion sacrifice. It is a rejection of religion sacrifice. It is a rejection of religion without obedience. without obedience. without obedience. >> And religious observance without >> And religious observance without >> And religious observance without obedience is completely empty before obedience is completely empty before obedience is completely empty before God. Yeah, God. Yeah, God. Yeah, >> the best sacrifice we can offer to God >> the best sacrifice we can offer to God >> the best sacrifice we can offer to God is a repentant and a surrendered heart. is a repentant and a surrendered heart. is a repentant and a surrendered heart. Church, Church, Church, Saul thought that a religious act could Saul thought that a religious act could Saul thought that a religious act could make up for a disobedient heart. make up for a disobedient heart. make up for a disobedient heart. >> And God wasn't impressed and still not >> And God wasn't impressed and still not >> And God wasn't impressed and still not impressed by outward activity if our impressed by outward activity if our impressed by outward activity if our hearts are resisting him because it's hearts are resisting him because it's hearts are resisting him because it's still possible to be in this room. It's still possible to be in this room. It's still possible to be in this room. It's still possible to serve, to give, to still possible to serve, to give, to still possible to serve, to give, to worship, worship, worship, >> but still refuse to obey him in the >> but still refuse to obey him in the >> but still refuse to obey him in the areas where he is asking for surrender. areas where he is asking for surrender. areas where he is asking for surrender. >> Sacrifice can never ever ever ever >> Sacrifice can never ever ever ever >> Sacrifice can never ever ever ever become a substitute for obedience. become a substitute for obedience. become a substitute for obedience. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> In Psalm 51, we see you do not desire a >> In Psalm 51, we see you do not desire a >> In Psalm 51, we see you do not desire a sacrifice or I would offer one. You do sacrifice or I would offer one. You do sacrifice or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will you desire is a broken spirit. You will you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart. not reject a broken and repentant heart. not reject a broken and repentant heart. Oh God, he also wants our bodies Oh God, he also wants our bodies Oh God, he also wants our bodies surrendered to his service for surrendered to his service for surrendered to his service for obedience. Where do we see this? I will obedience. Where do we see this? I will obedience. Where do we see this? I will tell you in Romans 12:1 it says, "Give tell you in Romans 12:1 it says, "Give tell you in Romans 12:1 it says, "Give your bodies to God because of all he has your bodies to God because of all he has your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and done for you. Let them be a living and done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice, the kind he will find holy sacrifice, the kind he will find holy sacrifice, the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to acceptable. This is truly the way to acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him."

worship him." worship him." Church, all conscious disobedience, it's Church, all conscious disobedience, it's Church, all conscious disobedience, it's actually idolatry. actually idolatry. actually idolatry. >> You may wonder how and why. I will tell >> You may wonder how and why. I will tell >> You may wonder how and why. I will tell you it's because it makes self-will into you it's because it makes self-will into you it's because it makes self-will into a God. a God. a God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Whatever I want goes. Whatever I feel >> Whatever I want goes. Whatever I feel >> Whatever I want goes. Whatever I feel like doing, it's going to happen. like doing, it's going to happen. like doing, it's going to happen. Whatever I want, I'm going to get. Whatever I want, I'm going to get. Whatever I want, I'm going to get. And in 1st Samuel 15:23, it says, And in 1st Samuel 15:23, it says, And in 1st Samuel 15:23, it says, "Because you have rejected the word of "Because you have rejected the word of "Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from the Lord, he has also rejected you from the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king." Saul said to Samuel, "I being king." Saul said to Samuel, "I being king." Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned, for I have transgressed the have sinned, for I have transgressed the have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words commandment of the Lord and your words commandment of the Lord and your words because I feared the people and obeyed because I feared the people and obeyed because I feared the people and obeyed their voice." their voice." their voice." Now, Saul still refuses to completely Now, Saul still refuses to completely Now, Saul still refuses to completely take ownership of what he did. Instead, take ownership of what he did. Instead, take ownership of what he did. Instead, casting blame on the people that he led casting blame on the people that he led casting blame on the people that he led as if they made him do it. as if they made him do it. as if they made him do it. >> Real repentance would have said I was >> Real repentance would have said I was >> Real repentance would have said I was wrong. wrong. wrong. >> But he couldn't even say that. >> But he couldn't even say that. >> But he couldn't even say that. And in 1st Samuel 15:25, it says, "Now And in 1st Samuel 15:25, it says, "Now And in 1st Samuel 15:25, it says, "Now therefore, please pardon my sin and therefore, please pardon my sin and therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me that I may bow before the return with me that I may bow before the return with me that I may bow before the Lord God." And Samuel said to Saul, "I Lord God." And Samuel said to Saul, "I Lord God." And Samuel said to Saul, "I will not return with you." Which don't will not return with you." Which don't will not return with you." Which don't you love how gangster Samuel is? He was you love how gangster Samuel is? He was you love how gangster Samuel is? He was like, "Even though you asked for, I'm like, "Even though you asked for, I'm like, "Even though you asked for, I'm not going." And he's like, "For you have not going." And he's like, "For you have not going." And he's like, "For you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the rejected the word of the Lord, and the rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king Lord has rejected you from being king Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel." And as Samuel turned to go over Israel." And as Samuel turned to go over Israel." And as Samuel turned to go away, Saul seized the skirt of his robe, away, Saul seized the skirt of his robe, away, Saul seized the skirt of his robe, and it tore. And Samuel said, "The Lord and it tore. And Samuel said, "The Lord and it tore. And Samuel said, "The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you has torn the kingdom of Israel from you has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day, and has given it to a neighbor this day, and has given it to a neighbor this day, and has given it to a neighbor of yours who is better than you."

of yours who is better than you." of yours who is better than you." Then he said, "I have sinned, yet honor Then he said, "I have sinned, yet honor Then he said, "I have sinned, yet honor me now before the elders of my people." me now before the elders of my people." me now before the elders of my people." Now, don't you think Saul already said a Now, don't you think Saul already said a Now, don't you think Saul already said a lot of bad stuff? When he says this, I lot of bad stuff? When he says this, I lot of bad stuff? When he says this, I just want to slap him in the face and just want to slap him in the face and just want to slap him in the face and say, "Shut up." Because he's already say, "Shut up." Because he's already say, "Shut up." Because he's already neck deep into this thing. But he's neck deep into this thing. But he's neck deep into this thing. But he's still asking for honor even though he still asking for honor even though he still asking for honor even though he has repented. It's almost like a halfway has repented. It's almost like a halfway has repented. It's almost like a halfway repentance. And he continues, it says, repentance. And he continues, it says, repentance. And he continues, it says, "And before Israel, return with me that "And before Israel, return with me that "And before Israel, return with me that I may bow before the Lord your God." So I may bow before the Lord your God." So I may bow before the Lord your God." So Saul finally says, "I have sinned." Once Saul finally says, "I have sinned." Once Saul finally says, "I have sinned." Once he heard what he was going to lose and he heard what he was going to lose and he heard what he was going to lose and immediately asked, "Yet honor me in immediately asked, "Yet honor me in immediately asked, "Yet honor me in front of my people. Honor me in front of front of my people. Honor me in front of front of my people. Honor me in front of the elders." the elders." the elders." His first concern is not even his His first concern is not even his His first concern is not even his relationship with the Lord, but it is relationship with the Lord, but it is relationship with the Lord, but it is public image. And how dangerous of a public image. And how dangerous of a public image. And how dangerous of a place it is to be when we are more place it is to be when we are more place it is to be when we are more concerned with our public image than our concerned with our public image than our concerned with our public image than our very own soul. very own soul. very own soul. >> The farther that Saul gets from the >> The farther that Saul gets from the >> The farther that Saul gets from the Lord, it's almost like he's trying to Lord, it's almost like he's trying to Lord, it's almost like he's trying to appear more religious, but it's all appear more religious, but it's all appear more religious, but it's all empty before God. empty before God. empty before God. In chapter 16, it says, "Now the spirit In chapter 16, it says, "Now the spirit In chapter 16, it says, "Now the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a of the Lord departed from Saul, and a of the Lord departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented harmful spirit from the Lord tormented harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him, and David came to Saul and entered him, and David came to Saul and entered him, and David came to Saul and entered his service, and Saul loved him greatly, his service, and Saul loved him greatly, his service, and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor bearer. And and he became his armor bearer. And and he became his armor bearer. And whenever the harmful spirit from God was whenever the harmful spirit from God was whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the liar and upon Saul, David took the liar and upon Saul, David took the liar and played it with his hand." So Saul was played it with his hand." So Saul was played it with his hand." So Saul was refreshed and became well, and the refreshed and became well, and the refreshed and became well, and the harmful spirit departed from him. We harmful spirit departed from him. We harmful spirit departed from him. We officially see, church, that Saul lost officially see, church, that Saul lost officially see, church, that Saul lost what David now carried, and he was what David now carried, and he was what David now carried, and he was surrounded by the very thing that he surrounded by the very thing that he surrounded by the very thing that he needed. yet still chose not to learn needed. yet still chose not to learn needed. yet still chose not to learn from it, still chose not to restore his

from it, still chose not to restore his from it, still chose not to restore his relationship with God. In fact, his relationship with God. In fact, his relationship with God. In fact, his whole life, Saul was never too far for whole life, Saul was never too far for whole life, Saul was never too far for repentance. He was never too far from repentance. He was never too far from repentance. He was never too far from restoration, but he chose not to repent. restoration, but he chose not to repent. restoration, but he chose not to repent. >> And I wanted to encourage those of you >> And I wanted to encourage those of you >> And I wanted to encourage those of you in the room where you feel like you have in the room where you feel like you have in the room where you feel like you have made too many bad decisions. You feel made too many bad decisions. You feel made too many bad decisions. You feel like you made too many decisions that no like you made too many decisions that no like you made too many decisions that no one knows about. You feel like you're one knows about. You feel like you're one knows about. You feel like you're neck deep in this thing. You feel like neck deep in this thing. You feel like neck deep in this thing. You feel like there's no more time. Can I remind you, there's no more time. Can I remind you, there's no more time. Can I remind you, there is still time to choose Christ. there is still time to choose Christ. there is still time to choose Christ. There is still time to follow God. There There is still time to follow God. There There is still time to follow God. There is still time to give you your whole is still time to give you your whole is still time to give you your whole heart, your whole mind, your whole soul. heart, your whole mind, your whole soul. heart, your whole mind, your whole soul. [applause] [applause] [applause] And David playing the liar, it sure it And David playing the liar, it sure it And David playing the liar, it sure it brought relief to David's symptoms or brought relief to David's symptoms or brought relief to David's symptoms or Saul's symptoms, but he needed true Saul's symptoms, but he needed true Saul's symptoms, but he needed true repentance to actually heal. repentance to actually heal. repentance to actually heal. >> And in chapter 17, this is the famous >> And in chapter 17, this is the famous >> And in chapter 17, this is the famous chapter of David and Goliath. In verse chapter of David and Goliath. In verse chapter of David and Goliath. In verse four it says, "And there came out from four it says, "And there came out from four it says, "And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion the camp of the Philistines a champion the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was named Goliath of Gath, whose height was named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits. He stood and shouted to the six cubits. He stood and shouted to the six cubits. He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, why have you come out ranks of Israel, why have you come out ranks of Israel, why have you come out to Jot for battle? Am I not the to Jot for battle? Am I not the to Jot for battle? Am I not the Philistine? And are you not servants of Philistine? And are you not servants of Philistine? And are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me." When Saul and let him come down to me." When Saul and let him come down to me." When Saul and all Israel heard heard these words of all Israel heard heard these words of all Israel heard heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and the Philistine, they were dismayed and the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

greatly afraid. greatly afraid. So we see that not only the Lord's So we see that not only the Lord's So we see that not only the Lord's presence left Saul, but so did his presence left Saul, but so did his presence left Saul, but so did his courage. courage. courage. >> The man who was chosen to lead Israel is >> The man who was chosen to lead Israel is >> The man who was chosen to lead Israel is now standing on the sidelines while a now standing on the sidelines while a now standing on the sidelines while a young shepherd boy would step into the young shepherd boy would step into the young shepherd boy would step into the very role that Saul was meant to very role that Saul was meant to very role that Saul was meant to fulfill. The king that Israel chose could not The king that Israel chose could not save them. And for 40 days, Goliath is save them. And for 40 days, Goliath is save them. And for 40 days, Goliath is taunting the Israelites. And Saul did taunting the Israelites. And Saul did taunting the Israelites. And Saul did absolutely nothing. His fear is exposed absolutely nothing. His fear is exposed absolutely nothing. His fear is exposed in front of the people that he led. in front of the people that he led. in front of the people that he led. And something about fear is sometimes And something about fear is sometimes And something about fear is sometimes fear doesn't always make you run away. fear doesn't always make you run away. fear doesn't always make you run away. Sometimes it keeps you standing still, Sometimes it keeps you standing still, Sometimes it keeps you standing still, uninvolved, completely separated, uninvolved, completely separated, uninvolved, completely separated, completely paralyzed. completely paralyzed. completely paralyzed. Saul was the king that Israel asked for, Saul was the king that Israel asked for, Saul was the king that Israel asked for, but David was the king that Israel but David was the king that Israel but David was the king that Israel needed in this moment. Saul should have needed in this moment. Saul should have needed in this moment. Saul should have faced Goliath. He should have been the faced Goliath. He should have been the faced Goliath. He should have been the one. In fact, do we remember? He was the one. In fact, do we remember? He was the one. In fact, do we remember? He was the tallest man in Israel, the leader of tallest man in Israel, the leader of tallest man in Israel, the leader of God's people, the one responsible for God's people, the one responsible for God's people, the one responsible for standing in front of the enemy. Yet the standing in front of the enemy. Yet the standing in front of the enemy. Yet the man who looked the part, who looked like man who looked the part, who looked like man who looked the part, who looked like the obvious warrior, was hiding in fear.

the obvious warrior, was hiding in fear. the obvious warrior, was hiding in fear. >> And in verse 32, it says, "And David >> And in verse 32, it says, "And David >> And in verse 32, it says, "And David said to Saul, let no man's heart fail said to Saul, let no man's heart fail said to Saul, let no man's heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and because of him. Your servant will go and because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." And Saul fight with this Philistine." And Saul fight with this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "You are not able to go said to David, "You are not able to go said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with against this Philistine to fight with against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has him, for you are but a youth, and he has him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth." And been a man of war from his youth." And been a man of war from his youth." And David said, "The Lord who delivered me David said, "The Lord who delivered me David said, "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion, from the paw, from the paw of the lion, from the paw, from the paw of the lion, from the paw, the paw of the bear will deliver me from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of the Philistine." And Saul the hand of the Philistine." And Saul the hand of the Philistine." And Saul said to David, "Go and the Lord be with said to David, "Go and the Lord be with said to David, "Go and the Lord be with you." Church, Saul had armor, but no you." Church, Saul had armor, but no you." Church, Saul had armor, but no faith. David had no armor, but he faith. David had no armor, but he faith. David had no armor, but he trusted in the living God. In the other trusted in the living God. In the other trusted in the living God. In the other words, Saul trusted armor. David trusted words, Saul trusted armor. David trusted words, Saul trusted armor. David trusted God. And I feel like just like how Saul God. And I feel like just like how Saul God. And I feel like just like how Saul had relied on armor that had won him had relied on armor that had won him had relied on armor that had won him past victories, it could not win him past victories, it could not win him past victories, it could not win him this victory. And the things that we this victory. And the things that we this victory. And the things that we tend to rely on for every single BATTLE tend to rely on for every single BATTLE tend to rely on for every single BATTLE IN OUR LIVES, SURE, it can win you some. IN OUR LIVES, SURE, it can win you some. IN OUR LIVES, SURE, it can win you some. But you're going to come to a fork in But you're going to come to a fork in But you're going to come to a fork in the road where you're going to have to the road where you're going to have to the road where you're going to have to put your armor aside and ask God to step put your armor aside and ask God to step put your armor aside and ask God to step in and give you the victory. [applause] It proved that you can look the part.

It proved that you can look the part. Sure, you can say that you can do Sure, you can say that you can do Sure, you can say that you can do anything. Sure. But a giant entering anything. Sure. But a giant entering anything. Sure. But a giant entering into the picture reveals what you've into the picture reveals what you've into the picture reveals what you've been trusting in all along. Yeah. been trusting in all along. Yeah. been trusting in all along. Yeah. >> And in 1st Samuel 18, it says, "When the >> And in 1st Samuel 18, it says, "When the >> And in 1st Samuel 18, it says, "When the victorious Israelite army was returning victorious Israelite army was returning victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed the home after David had killed the home after David had killed the Philistines, women from all the towns of Philistines, women from all the towns of Philistines, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul. They Israel came out to meet King Saul. They Israel came out to meet King Saul. They sang and danced for joy with tambourines sang and danced for joy with tambourines sang and danced for joy with tambourines and symbols." This was their song. Saul and symbols." This was their song. Saul and symbols." This was their song. Saul has killed his thousands and David his has killed his thousands and David his has killed his thousands and David his 10,00ands. This made Saul very angry. 10,00ands. This made Saul very angry. 10,00ands. This made Saul very angry. "What's this?" he said. They credit "What's this?" he said. They credit "What's this?" he said. They credit David with 10 thousands and me with only David with 10 thousands and me with only David with 10 thousands and me with only thousands. Next, they'll be making him thousands. Next, they'll be making him thousands. Next, they'll be making him their king. So from that time on, Saul their king. So from that time on, Saul their king. So from that time on, Saul kept a very jealous eye on David. But kept a very jealous eye on David. But kept a very jealous eye on David. But church, are we surprised by the way that church, are we surprised by the way that church, are we surprised by the way that Saul responds? I don't think we are. Saul responds? I don't think we are. Saul responds? I don't think we are. Especially when a man or a woman lives Especially when a man or a woman lives Especially when a man or a woman lives off of the affirmation of man for so off of the affirmation of man for so off of the affirmation of man for so long, it's not a surprise. At the long, it's not a surprise. At the long, it's not a surprise. At the moment, a little bit more praise, a moment, a little bit more praise, a moment, a little bit more praise, a little bit more affirmation goes to little bit more affirmation goes to little bit more affirmation goes to someone else, you completely lose it. someone else, you completely lose it. someone else, you completely lose it. How do you respond when God blesses How do you respond when God blesses How do you respond when God blesses someone else? How do you respond when someone else? How do you respond when someone else? How do you respond when someone gets the job that you applied someone gets the job that you applied someone gets the job that you applied for? How do you respond when someone for? How do you respond when someone for? How do you respond when someone else gets into the school that you were else gets into the school that you were else gets into the school that you were working so hard to get into? How do you working so hard to get into? How do you working so hard to get into? How do you respond when someone else gets the respond when someone else gets the respond when someone else gets the promotion that you feel like you promotion that you feel like you promotion that you feel like you deserved? How do you respond when God deserved? How do you respond when God deserved? How do you respond when God blesses someone else? Because Saul shows blesses someone else? Because Saul shows blesses someone else? Because Saul shows how insecurity can turn celebration into how insecurity can turn celebration into how insecurity can turn celebration into competition.

competition. competition. And he showed how an insecure heart can And he showed how an insecure heart can And he showed how an insecure heart can turn a friend into a threat within turn a friend into a threat within turn a friend into a threat within seconds. seconds. seconds. And Saul chose to dwell on the song that And Saul chose to dwell on the song that And Saul chose to dwell on the song that was sung, played the comparison over and was sung, played the comparison over and was sung, played the comparison over and over, nurtured the resentment, and this over, nurtured the resentment, and this over, nurtured the resentment, and this would ultimately lead to several would ultimately lead to several would ultimately lead to several attempts of trying to take David's life. attempts of trying to take David's life. attempts of trying to take David's life. I want us to ask ourselves, am I I want us to ask ourselves, am I I want us to ask ourselves, am I grateful for what God has given me, or grateful for what God has given me, or grateful for what God has given me, or am I too caught up in seeing what he am I too caught up in seeing what he am I too caught up in seeing what he gave someone else? Because once comparison is entertained, Because once comparison is entertained, church, it opens the door to jealousy. church, it opens the door to jealousy. church, it opens the door to jealousy. and gives jealousy the permission to and gives jealousy the permission to and gives jealousy the permission to take root in our hearts. take root in our hearts. take root in our hearts. And the thing with jealousy is jealousy And the thing with jealousy is jealousy And the thing with jealousy is jealousy is not just wanting what someone else is not just wanting what someone else is not just wanting what someone else has. It's not even satisfied with that. has. It's not even satisfied with that. has. It's not even satisfied with that. It's being unable to enjoy what God has It's being unable to enjoy what God has It's being unable to enjoy what God has given us because someone else has given us because someone else has given us because someone else has something that we do not. something that we do not. something that we do not. But a secure heart, a secure heart But a secure heart, a secure heart But a secure heart, a secure heart celebrates what God does in others. celebrates what God does in others. celebrates what God does in others. In fact, do we remember Saul still had In fact, do we remember Saul still had In fact, do we remember Saul still had the throne? He still wore the crown. He the throne? He still wore the crown. He the throne? He still wore the crown. He still commanded the army. He still had still commanded the army. He still had still commanded the army. He still had God's calling on his life. And it's God's calling on his life. And it's God's calling on his life. And it's interesting to see that it wasn't interesting to see that it wasn't interesting to see that it wasn't Goliath that defeated Saul. It was the Goliath that defeated Saul. It was the Goliath that defeated Saul. It was the applause after Goliath that defeated applause after Goliath that defeated applause after Goliath that defeated him.

him. him. And the tragedy of Saul's life wasn't And the tragedy of Saul's life wasn't And the tragedy of Saul's life wasn't just that he lost everything in one day. just that he lost everything in one day. just that he lost everything in one day. He had a gradual fall. A moment of He had a gradual fall. A moment of He had a gradual fall. A moment of compromise here, a moment of compromise here, a moment of compromise here, a moment of disobedience there. And a man who was disobedience there. And a man who was disobedience there. And a man who was anointed, was chosen to be king of anointed, was chosen to be king of anointed, was chosen to be king of Israel Israel Israel ends his life broken and defeated on the ends his life broken and defeated on the ends his life broken and defeated on the battlefield. battlefield. battlefield. And his life, church, it serves as a And his life, church, it serves as a And his life, church, it serves as a warning that a great beginning does not warning that a great beginning does not warning that a great beginning does not guarantee a faithful end. And in fact, it shows how potential is And in fact, it shows how potential is never enough. never enough. never enough. This room is filled with potential. This room is filled with potential. This room is filled with potential. And it's not enough. I will tell you And it's not enough. I will tell you And it's not enough. I will tell you that straightforward, but it is that straightforward, but it is that straightforward, but it is continual obedience that can finish continual obedience that can finish continual obedience that can finish well. well. well. So, what have we learned from Saul's So, what have we learned from Saul's So, what have we learned from Saul's life? I wrote nine things down. I know life? I wrote nine things down. I know life? I wrote nine things down. I know it's a lot. Maybe take a picture unless it's a lot. Maybe take a picture unless it's a lot. Maybe take a picture unless you [music] can type fast or write fast. you [music] can type fast or write fast. you [music] can type fast or write fast. But point one, don't let insecurity But point one, don't let insecurity But point one, don't let insecurity become your identity.

become your identity. become your identity. Obey God completely, not conveniently. Obey God completely, not conveniently. Obey God completely, not conveniently. Focus on building altars. Leave it to Focus on building altars. Leave it to Focus on building altars. Leave it to God to build your platform. God to build your platform. God to build your platform. The cost of waiting is much cheaper than The cost of waiting is much cheaper than The cost of waiting is much cheaper than the cost of impatience. the cost of impatience. the cost of impatience. Don't confuse religious activity with Don't confuse religious activity with Don't confuse religious activity with intimacy with God. intimacy with God. intimacy with God. Choose surrender over self-preservation. Choose surrender over self-preservation. Choose surrender over self-preservation. Character matters more than stature. Character matters more than stature. Character matters more than stature. Go after God's heart, not your own. And Go after God's heart, not your own. And Go after God's heart, not your own. And pride grows where dependence on God pride grows where dependence on God pride grows where dependence on God fades. fades. fades. Can we clap our hands for the reading of Can we clap our hands for the reading of Can we clap our hands for the reading of God's word this morning? God's word this morning? God's word this morning? [applause and music] With every head bowed and every eye With every head bowed and every eye closed, closed, closed, I believe the Lord is trying to get our I believe the Lord is trying to get our I believe the Lord is trying to get our attention this morning. attention this morning. attention this morning. And I truly believe whether you you are And I truly believe whether you you are And I truly believe whether you you are having you do have an existing having you do have an existing having you do have an existing relationship with God or maybe you've relationship with God or maybe you've relationship with God or maybe you've never met him before. I believe there's never met him before. I believe there's never met him before. I believe there's something for all of us in the room something for all of us in the room something for all of us in the room today that the Lord can give. And I today that the Lord can give. And I today that the Lord can give. And I wonder for those of you that maybe have wonder for those of you that maybe have wonder for those of you that maybe have not had a relationship with God, can not had a relationship with God, can not had a relationship with God, can today be the day that you offer today be the day that you offer today be the day that you offer self-will. You surrender your self-will self-will. You surrender your self-will self-will. You surrender your self-will and give God a surrendered heart.

and give God a surrendered heart. and give God a surrendered heart. No one moving around, every eye closed, No one moving around, every eye closed, No one moving around, every eye closed, giving every single neighbor privacy. giving every single neighbor privacy. giving every single neighbor privacy. My heart is not to embarrass you. I just My heart is not to embarrass you. I just My heart is not to embarrass you. I just simply want to connect you with God. So, simply want to connect you with God. So, simply want to connect you with God. So, I'm just going to ask that you raise I'm just going to ask that you raise I'm just going to ask that you raise your hand on the count of three so I your hand on the count of three so I your hand on the count of three so I know who I'm praying with. Don't delay know who I'm praying with. Don't delay know who I'm praying with. Don't delay this decision for today is the day of this decision for today is the day of this decision for today is the day of salvation. This is your moment. On the salvation. This is your moment. On the salvation. This is your moment. On the count of three. 1 2 3. Raise your hand count of three. 1 2 3. Raise your hand count of three. 1 2 3. Raise your hand nice and tall for me so I know who I'm nice and tall for me so I know who I'm nice and tall for me so I know who I'm praying with. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. praying with. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. praying with. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I see every hand. Come on, Yes. Yes. I see every hand. Come on, Yes. Yes. I see every hand. Come on, church. Let's really clap our hands for church. Let's really clap our hands for church. Let's really clap our hands for everyone that's making that decision. everyone that's making that decision. everyone that's making that decision. [applause and music] Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. I don't want to rush this moment. We're I don't want to rush this moment. We're I don't want to rush this moment. We're going to say this prayer out loud going to say this prayer out loud going to say this prayer out loud together so no one feels left out. Say, together so no one feels left out. Say, together so no one feels left out. Say, "Heavenly Father, "Heavenly Father, "Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me first.

thank you for loving me first. thank you for loving me first. Today I give you my whole life. Today I give you my whole life. Today I give you my whole life. Forgive me from my sin. Forgive me from my sin. Forgive me from my sin. Wash me clean. Wash me clean. Wash me clean. Be my Lord and Savior. Be my Lord and Savior. Be my Lord and Savior. Today I repent and I turn to you Today I repent and I turn to you Today I repent and I turn to you and I ask you. and I ask you. and I ask you. Come into [music] my life. Come into [music] my life. Come into [music] my life. From this day forward, From this day forward, From this day forward, I'm yours. I'm yours. I'm yours. I [music] surrender. I [music] surrender. I [music] surrender. In the mighty name of Jesus, we all In the mighty name of Jesus, we all In the mighty name of Jesus, we all said, said, said, "Amen." And amen. [applause] "Amen." And amen. [applause] "Amen." And amen. [applause] >> Come on, let's give it up one more time >> Come on, let's give it up one more time >> Come on, let's give it up one more time for all those who gave their life to for all those who gave their life to for all those who gave their life to Jesus today. It's the greatest decision Jesus today. It's the greatest decision Jesus today. It's the greatest decision you will ever make. And this is what I you will ever make. And this is what I you will ever make. And this is what I know. When you hit a home run, you don't know. When you hit a home run, you don't know. When you hit a home run, you don't just stay there. When you hit a home just stay there. When you hit a home just stay there. When you hit a home run, you run the bases. And so, if you run, you run the bases. And so, if you run, you run the bases. And so, if you gave your life to Jesus today, what I gave your life to Jesus today, what I gave your life to Jesus today, what I would encourage you to do is take out would encourage you to do is take out would encourage you to do is take out your phone and tap the circle back on your phone and tap the circle back on your phone and tap the circle back on the seat in front of you. Or if you're the seat in front of you. Or if you're the seat in front of you. Or if you're [music] in the front row or the back, [music] in the front row or the back, [music] in the front row or the back, there's going to be a circle you could there's going to be a circle you could there's going to be a circle you could tap on in there as well. But also, today tap on in there as well. But also, today tap on in there as well. But also, today we have step one of our growth track.

we have step one of our growth track. we have step one of our growth track. So, if you want to join our church, join So, if you want to join our church, join So, if you want to join our church, join the church, join Fellowship Church and the church, join Fellowship Church and the church, join Fellowship Church and get involved, [music] meet us over in get involved, [music] meet us over in get involved, [music] meet us over in our growth track room right after our growth track room right after our growth track room right after service. But also this week we have service. But also this week we have service. But also this week we have something special going on. We have our something special going on. We have our something special going on. We have our first Wednesday with Pastor Sammy first Wednesday with Pastor Sammy first Wednesday with Pastor Sammy Rodriguez. If you guys are planning to Rodriguez. If you guys are planning to Rodriguez. If you guys are planning to come this Wednesday, we can give it up come this Wednesday, we can give it up come this Wednesday, we can give it up for that. for that. for that. [applause] Sammy Rodriguez this [applause] Sammy Rodriguez this [applause] Sammy Rodriguez this Wednesday for our first Wednesday Wednesday for our first Wednesday Wednesday for our first Wednesday service. And our church is so generous. service. And our church is so generous. service. And our church is so generous. We serve at a generous church [music] We serve at a generous church [music] We serve at a generous church [music] this last week and we had 18 different this last week and we had 18 different this last week and we had 18 different outreaches. And so if you feel led to outreaches. And so if you feel led to outreaches. And so if you feel led to give today, there's going to be a giving give today, there's going to be a giving give today, there's going to be a giving QR code on the side screens next to me. QR code on the side screens next to me. QR code on the side screens next to me. And we never tell you to give. We simply And we never tell you to give. We simply And we never tell you to give. We simply say pray, ask God, and do what he does. say pray, ask God, and do what he does. say pray, ask God, and do what he does. [music] But with that being said, if you [music] But with that being said, if you [music] But with that being said, if you need additional prayer after service need additional prayer after service need additional prayer after service today, there's gonna be additional today, there's gonna be additional today, there's gonna be additional prayer underneath these side screens prayer underneath these side screens prayer underneath these side screens right over here. And you can go ahead right over here. And you can go ahead right over here. And you can go ahead and stand to your feet and go out and be and stand to your feet and go out and be and stand to your feet and go out and be blessed in the name of the Lord.