How to Finish Well: 1 Samuel 15:10-23

To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the sin of idolatry. (1 Sam 15:22)

1. Don’t sacrifice authenticity for appearances

“To obey is better than sacrifice”

Saul’s tragic flaws

• A spirit of fear
• A religious spirit
• A people-pleasing spirit

The manifestation throughout his life: Ch 9, 10, 13, 15, 17

How to be authentic

• Focus on pleasing God rather than pleasing people
• Be radically obedient to God, even if it means looking foolish to people
• Be confident in who you are in Christ

 

2. Don’t fall into the trap of “hocus pocus” spirituality

  “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the sin of idolatry.”

Hocus Pocus

The power of the Christian life exists in authentic obedience, not in the performance of religious rituals! Saul’s focus on hocus pocus: Ch 13, 14, 15, 28

The things of God are only powerful in the hands of people walking in obedience

• The Ark of the Covenant
• The Urim and Thummim
• Pursue the Gifts of the Holy Spirit AND the Fruit of the Holy Spirit

 

3. Find the courage to ruthlessly go after the enemies in your life. 

“Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.”

• Go after your enemies
• Go after the Philistines— the enemies that have plagued your family for generations that have never been dealt with.
• Go after the Amalekites— the things we don’t want to give up

 

What if I don’t?

1. Your life will fail to reach its full potential

2.Someone else will steal your glory

3.You will deprive others of the blessing that was meant to come through your life

 

We can finish well!

• Because of the Word of God
• Because of the Blood of Jesus
• Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit