In this study, we’ll walk through three pivotal chapters of 1 Samuel: Saul’s victory over the Ammonites, his confirmation as king, Samuel’s farewell address, and Saul’s disobedience. These moments highlight God’s sovereignty, the consequences of misplaced fear, and the importance of wholehearted obedience.
We recommend starting this study by first reading 1 Samuel Chapters 11–13 to familiarize yourself with the events. If you missed earlier parts, catch up HERE.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭: 𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗹’𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
The Ammonite king, Nahash, threatened the people of Jabesh-Gilead, demanding they surrender and submit to humiliation. In desperation, they sought help, and the Spirit of God empowered Saul to lead Israel in a decisive victory. This event cemented Saul’s leadership among the people.
𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀:
𝟭. 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝗸: Saul, though initially timid, was transformed when God’s Spirit came upon him (11:6).
𝟮. 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝗱’𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: Saul rallied the tribes, showing that God’s people are strongest when united.
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
• When facing overwhelming odds, how can we trust God to equip us for His purpose?
• What are ways we can promote unity in our families, churches, or communities?
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟮: 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗲𝗹’𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀
As Saul’s kingship began, Samuel gave a heartfelt speech, recounting God’s faithfulness and warning against rebellion. He reminded Israel that choosing a king was their decision, but God’s covenant remained unchanged: their obedience would bring blessings, while disobedience would lead to consequences.
𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀:
𝟭. 𝗚𝗼𝗱’𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻: Despite Israel’s mistakes, God did not abandon them.
𝟮. 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: Samuel assured the people that if they obeyed God, He would guide and bless them (12:20-22).
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟮 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
• How has God’s faithfulness been evident in your life, even in your mistakes?
• Why is repentance an essential part of maintaining a strong relationship with God?
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟯: 𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗹’𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
Saul faced a critical moment when the Philistines gathered to fight Israel. Fearful and impatient, Saul took matters into his own hands and offered a sacrifice, a role reserved for Samuel. This act of disobedience cost him the favor of God and the establishment of his dynasty.
𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀:
𝟭. 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Saul’s lack of trust in God’s timing caused him to sin (13:8-13).
𝟮. 𝗢𝗯𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: Samuel’s rebuke underscores that faithfulness to God’s commands is more important than rituals (13:13-14).
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟯 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:
• In what areas of your life do you need to wait on God instead of rushing ahead?
• How can you prioritize obedience to God over outward displays of devotion?
𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝘆'𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝟭𝟭-𝟭𝟯
• 𝗚𝗼𝗱’𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Like Saul in his early days, we can accomplish much when we rely on God’s strength.
• 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘃𝘀. 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝗿: Whether in the face of enemies or personal struggles, trust in God is always the best response.
• 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Saul’s story reminds us of the importance of submitting to God’s authority.
