INTRODUCTION: The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ begins an overview study of the book of James. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 6:30pm each Wednesday night for the next few weeks.
Faith is ACTION based on the information. James 2:14-24 “justified by works and not by faith only.”
Faith is INSISTENT on standing firm. Hebrews 11:24-25
“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;”
Faith is Believing and TRUSTING in the results from keeping God’s word. Colossians 2:12. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”
Faith is HOPE that the Lord will reward those that keep His word.
Hebrews 11:1, 6 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Faith is listed among the 9 spiritual gifts early saints could receive during the writing of the New Testament (1Cor 12:8-9; 13:2; Matt 17:20).
These several senses above all combine to mean FAITH. Where there is no word of God there can be no faith in God. This is an unquestioned teaching of God’s word. (See also John 20:30-31; Rom 10:17: Eph 3:1-4) If therefore, God says nothing concerning a given course, there can be no faith. Since we are to walk by faith, it follows that in any matter whatsoever in which we are not directed by the word of God, we are neither walking by faith nor pleasing God.
To walk by FAITH is to act upon God’s revealed word, the faith, and not by opinion. If people are seekers of God, they will seek His will before acting, rather than acting and hoping God will sanctify the actions.
One man said it this way about a particular religious action he had taken. “I don’t know if it’s right or wrong. I just do my best and ask God for mercy.” If you don’t know if it’s right, then DON’T DO IT. There’s a principle that speaks directly to this; “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom 14:23).
Let’s state it another way. God accepts no gratuitous service in matters to be rendered exclusively to Him. Man possesses an undeniable right to exercise his own judgment in the management of his personal affairs, as long as he does not violate any principles of moral correctness or righteousness. Man is guided in his personal life by God’s moral law and is given liberty to make individual choices under generic authority live, prosper and enjoy (1Thess 4:1-12; 1Tim 6:17; 3John 2).
However, In the service to be rendered exclusively to God, He has legislated. He has ordained the worship to be rendered to Him, and human wisdom must neither add to, take from, nor in any way modify what he has prescribed, otherwise those who do so are walking by their own judgment, and not by faith. Let’s review a few examples…
Water Baptism has been commanded by Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:35-36; 22:16; 1Pet 3:21). Who are we to alter it or even hint that one can be saved without it? Note the urgency of Baptism in the book of Acts. “And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway” (Acts 16:33).
Adoration in vocal song (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). Who are we to do what God has commanded not by introducing instrumental music? “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
The Lord’s Supper is given to be observed by the assembled local church (Matt 26:26-30; Luke 22:15-20; Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1Cor 11:17-34). Who are we to move it to a digital venue, or a cruise ship vacation, or to any other place of convenience where there is no local church assembled? The idea that any group of Christians is a church is false. (see Matt 18:16, a distinction is made between a 2-3 individuals and the church)
We are commanded to Keep the faith “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2Tim 4:7), and to Keep God’s commands (1John 5:3). Who are we to tell anyone that they may be saved without obedience to the faith, or that they can never fall from grace? “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Heb 12:15).
“By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name” (Rom 1:5).
We must walk by FAITH, not by the sight of our own opinions.
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)
One cannot be walking by faith in Christ while offering strange worship God commanded us not. How do we know what God wants? We can answer that question if we will learn how God communicates. He gives DIRECT commands & statements, He gives EXAMPLES, and He IMPLIES things from which we may infer. He also expects us to respect when He is SILENT on a matter.
Last week we looked at the first 2 ways to discover what God wants,
Direct commands & statements.
Approved Examples.
Today we will look at 2 more,
Implications & Necessary Inferences.
Silence, when God gives no command.
Since we’re not to ADD nor TAKE AWAY from His word, we need to understand how He communicates.
One of the ways we communicate is by implying something and we infer from it. Here’s a simple example. When our parents gave us $20 to go to the store to buy bread and milk, it is necessarily inferred that they want the change brought back and we’re not to spend the rest of the money on candy & video games. A lesson my older brother learned quickly.
We all communicate this way. God does too. In Acts 10, Peter saw a vision Acts 10:12, “Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.” The Lord told him to rise, kill, and eat.
After Peter’s refusal because they were unclean, the Lord said, “What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” Peter would eventually understand the implication, that God had included gentiles as candidates for the gospel. Peter made a necessary inference based on what the Lord had implied through the vision, the events that followed, and His command to preach the gospel to every nation. (Read Acts 10-11; Mark 16:15-16).
Another example of necessary inference is in Acts 8:35-36. “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” All that we read is that Philip preached Jesus, and the Eunuch concludes baptism is commanded. We Necessarily Infer that baptism is included in the preaching of Jesus.
Without a command from God, we do not make any inferences about what God wants.
IV) God commands us not (no command). Silence is not permissive.
This is an answer to the objection, “it doesn’t say not to.” In regard to service rendered to God, human wisdom must not do what God has FORBIDDEN, OMIT what He’s commanded, nor add EXTRA which He has not commanded. To do otherwise is to walk by our own judgment, and not by faith.
Here are several examples which show that where there is no command there is no permission. GOD GAVE NO COMMAND.
Lev 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
Deut 17:3 And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;
Deut 18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
Jer 7:22 For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices:
Jer 29:23 Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours’ wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD.
Jer 32:35 And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.
Acts 15:24 Because we have knowledge that some who went from us have been troubling you with their words, putting your souls in doubt; to whom we gave no such order; (BBE). KJV. we gave no such commandment:
In two other instances we find the same lesson.
2Sam 7:1-7. David’s desire to build a temple. God asks him where He ever asked for it. 2Sa 7:7 In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spake I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye not me an house of cedar?
Heb 7:11-14 In explaining the Priesthood of Christ, the writer points out that God never spoke anything about Priests from Judah.
Heb 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
When you say, “God never said not to.” I reply, “God doesn’t need to tell you not to do something when He’s told you specifically what He wants. Where did He ever give the command for it?” If it’s a good enough explanation for God, it’s a good principle for us to use today.
Men are not divided over what the Bible says but what it doesn’t say. We must respect His Silence.
God has not at any time authorized gratuitous service be rendered to Him. This means that God requires worship toward Him to be in accordance with His instructions.
From the very beginning we see this principle. In Genesis four, Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice by faith, and Cain did not. “By Faith” is first speaking about divine instruction, followed by our trust in His acceptance when we follow those instructions. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom 10:17).
One cannot be walking by faith in Christ while offering strange worship God commanded us not. How do we know what God wants? We can answer that question if we will learn how God communicates. He gives DIRECT commands & statements, He gives EXAMPLES, and He IMPLIES things from which we may infer. He also expects us to respect when He is SILENT on a matter.
I) God communicates through Direct commands & statements.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus gives a direct command to his disciples in the Great Commission. He says, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15). These are clear instructions from God on how his followers are to spread the message of salvation.
The Direct commands of God come in 2 forms:
1) SPECIFIC. God tells us exactly what He wants. We cannot add to, nor take away from the specific command. A specific command eliminates all other possibilities.
2) GENERIC. God gives a command but doesn’t tell us how. He leaves those details for us to implement.
The how of a generic command is called an expedient. We need to find the most efficient & effective means to fulfill the command. We cannot bind an expedient on others as being the only way. We have liberty.
II) God communicates using Approved Examples. There are many examples in the bible, but not every one of them is binding, nor authorized. Some examples are incidental like meeting in an upper room (Acts 1:13).
What makes an example an APPROVED EXAMPLE? When the example is in compliance with a Direct command of God. Jesus said “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:15-16). In the Acts one we see exactly that. They preached the Gospel to everyone on Pentecost and baptized for remission of sins.
Another example is found in Acts 8. “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” (Acts 8:35-38). Here we see Philip Going, Preaching, and Baptizing as was commanded by Jesus in the great commission. Philip is one of many APPROVED EXAMPLES.
Without a command an example is just an example. It is not to be bound on others. Examples are only APPROVED (or Apostolic) when there is a command from God. How can we sift the binding from non-binding examples? Here are 4 questions to ask.
Is there Uniformity in all examples of same event? Baptism was all by immersion, but circumstances around event were different.
Is there Unity in Harmony? The Example must harmonize with God’s commands. Without a command there is not an approved example.
Is there Universal application? It must apply and be able for all. Grapes (fruit of the vine) grow everywhere. Water is everywhere man is. Truth is Universal to all mankind.
Is the example Unnecessary or relevant to the command? The disciples met in an upper room.
People are constantly attempting to worship God according to their own desires (Col 2:23). They have introduced Mechanical Music, plays, interpretive dance, and in one place Roller Skating Praise.
Here are 4 types of False worship.
Vain. Mark 7; Matt 15:9.
Against His will. 1Cor 11:17-34; 1Sam 15:22-23
Ignorant. Acts 17:23
Narcissistic Self-Willed worship. Col 2:20-23
These should serve as warnings about doing what God FORBIDS, OMISSION of what God commands, or adding EXTRA to the commands of God that He has not commanded.
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you”
(Deut 4:2; 12:32; Pr 30:6; Ec 12:13; Re 22:18-19).
7 topics every couple should talk about before getting MARRIED.
MONEY. Prov 22:7; Eph 4:28.
Money is the #1 reason given for divorce.
AUTHORITY in the home & in life. Eph 5:23; 1Tim 2:12-15
Child rearing. Eph 6:1-4;
Deu 6:7,20; Prov 13:24
1Cor 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
RELIGION. Eph 4:4; 1:22-23; 1Cor 1:10
1Cor 7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
2Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
RELATIONS & RELATIONSHIPS.
Intimacy 1Cor 7:1-4.
Heb 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Friends. 1Cor 5:6; Gal 5:9.
Jas 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
IN-LAWS. Mat 19:5-6.
Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
EXPECTATIONS of each other. Goals. Rev 21:1-8; Phil 3:14.
Most sorrows come from UNSPOKEN, UNREALIZED, or UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.
DISTRACTIONS.Directions. Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ on Franklin and Juniper in Borger Texas.
For several years it has been my custom to carry my bible into the public and to read privately, but openly. Many folks will comment, or be complimentary. Many more will walk on by. A few will stop to talk about their faith.
This article is a blending of several of those conversations. These two examples are representative of almost all of them. Most of these folks have the identical objections to the Bible. The objections are so common that I’ve actually made a list of the top 10 most common ones along with scriptural answers.
I have not raised my voice, become angry (Jas 1:20), and have avoided any rudeness on my part. I wish it could be said of the other part. Some have been very pleasant and have resulted in a few conversions.
Person A: You don’t have to be baptized to be saved? You just need to ask Jesus into your heart.
Person B: So, you believe this version of Mark 16:16? “He that believeth and is (NOT) baptized shall be saved.”
Person A: My grandma was a wonderful woman. She never went to church, never had religion, but she was so kind to all.
Person B: So, you believe this version of Mark 16:16? “He that believeth (NOT) and is (NOT) baptized shall be saved.” Are you suggesting a works-based salvation?
Person A: I have a friend whose baby was baptized (sprinkled).
Person B: So, they believe this version of Mark 16:16? “He that believeth (NOT) and is baptized (sprinkled) shall be saved.” Babies are incapable of faith, so they’re safe according to Jesus (Mark 10:13-15).
Person A: I have heard that there’s only heaven and not eternal hell.
Person B: So, you believe this version of Mark 16:16? “He that believeth and is baptized shall (NOT) be saved.” Jesus said, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” (Matt 25:46). Jesus uses the same word (aiōnion) to describe both. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” It’s so simple, let’s just do what Jesus said.
Person A: you’re going to hell if you believe baptism saves you.
Person B: “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” (1Pet 3:21)
Person A: what about the thief on the cross? Ha! Gotcha.
Person B: The thief received his inheritance before the testator died. (Think about how WILLS work). Now that the Testator (Jesus) has died (and rose again to heaven), we are bound to follow His will. “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. [17] For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” (Heb 9:16-17)
Person A: (screaming) YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE BAPTIZED TO BE SAVED!!!!!
Person B: I see that you’re upset. I’ll not talk to you about it anymore. (Matt 15:14)
Person A: Satan quoted scripture too.
Person B: have a nice day.
“That’s just your opinion”
(Based on an actual conversation)
Person B is handing out religious tracks at the fair.
Person A: (using person B’s personal pocket Bible they used to show scripture) the Bible says; “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:16)
Person B: That’s just your opinion.
Person A: wait, what? I just read the scripture directly.
Person B: That’s just your interpretation.
Person A: I didn’t interpret nor did I comment. I just quoted the passage. We could read the whole chapter (Bible) and it wouldn’t change it.
Person B: You’re just a legalist.
Person A: How’s that? I’m reading the words of Jesus. Are you saying Jesus is a legalist too?
Person B: We’re saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Person A: Are you interested in reading the only passage in all of the Bible that says “by faith alone?”
Person B: (closes their pocket New Testament & places it in back pocket) “nope.”
Person A: I’m sorry to have bothered you. Have a nice day.
Person B: ☹
Agape,
Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper in Borger Texas.
After reading this passage, Let’s Imagine this conversation…
PersonA: Walking into the assembly carrying a lamb, a man asks, “can I bring a lamb to worship and sacrifice it to the Lord? David did it.”
PersonB: No. That is part of the OT system. Jesus is the Lamb of God and it’s His blood that takes away sin (Heb 10:1-12). “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
PersonA: Walking into the assembly carrying a burning lamp of incense, a man asks, “can I burn incense of rams in the worship today? David did it.”
PersonB: No, that is not authorized in the New Testament. Jesus is the sweet-smelling savor. “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” (Eph 5:2).
PersonA: Walking into the assembly carrying a guitar, or some other mechanical instrument, a man asks, “can I bring this into the assembly to worship using my God given talent to play an instrument? David did it.”
PersonB: YES! David did, so we can too! Come on in!!
Do you see the ridiculousness of the above conversation? Let’s imagine an alternative ending to this conversation.
PersonA: Walking into the assembly carrying a guitar, or some other mechanical instrument, a man asks, “can I bring this into the assembly to worship using my God given talent to play an instrument? David did it.”
Person B: Hold on a moment. Just because David did something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s authorized for us in the New Testament. As I’ve shown at other times, we need to look at the teachings and guidelines given in the New Testament for worship practices. Regarding music in the worship, we are given specific instructions.
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph 5:19).
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col 3:16). Note the specifics of the command which eliminates all other items. Sing, Speak, Teaching, Admonishing, Melody & Grace in your hearts; instruments can do none of that.
Person A: But if David did it, shouldn’t it be acceptable for us to do the same? After all, he was a man after God’s own heart.
Person B: While David was a significant figure in the Old Testament and had commands for worship in his age, the New Testament provides specific instructions and teachings for believers. It’s important to follow those guidelines rather than solely relying on David’s actions.
Person A: I see your point. So, if the New Testament hasn’t commanded bringing a lamb, burning incense, nor instruments, God has not authorized those practices in our worship. But there’s no command not to have it.
Person B: That’s correct, and we don’t need one. We should seek to worship in spirit and truth according to the teachings given in the New Testament. When God specifies what He wants, it cancels all other possibilities. We have no need of a passage to condemn it. The specific command automatically eliminates any additions.
Person A: That makes sense. We should prioritize aligning our worship practices with the teachings of the New Testament rather than simply imitating the actions of individuals from the Old Testament.
Person B: Exactly. It’s essential to have a solid foundation in the New Testament and understand the principles it teaches to ensure our worship is pleasing to God and in line with His will. “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Gal 1:10).
Person A: I appreciate your insight. I’ll take the time to study the New Testament further and seek a thus saith the Lord to ensure our worship practices are in accordance with God’s Word.
Person B: That’s a wise approach. Let’s strive to worship in a way that honors God and reflects the truths revealed in the New Testament. Jesus says, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” And Paul wrote by the command of the Lord, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col 3:17).
“But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.” (1Sam 13:14)
After King Saul’s first mistake, the tearing of the kingdom away from him had begun.
We need to learn the lessons from Saul’s mistakes so that we will avoid having the kingdom of Christ torn from us.
“And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen”
(Rev 1:6; cf. 1Pet 2:9).
While Saul started out strong, the 4 mistakes in this article describe why the kingdom was torn from him so dramatically. Saul made other errors after these, but these are the reasons given by Samuel for the kingdom being given to David.
SACRIFICING without AUTHORITY: “And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him” (1Sam 13:8-10).
One of the key mistakes of King Saul, as seen in 1 Samuel 13, was his impatience and failure to wait for the prophet Samuel before offering a burnt sacrifice. Saul allowed fear and pressure from his army to push him into taking matters into his own hands, disregarding the authority of God’s chosen servant. This act revealed Saul’s lack of trust in God’s timing and his failure to follow divine instructions.
ARROGANCE and PRESUMPTION: “And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the LORD: I have performed the commandment of the LORD. And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed” (1Sam 15:13-15).
In 1 Samuel 15, we witness another critical mistake of Saul: his arrogance and presumption in disobeying God’s explicit command. God commanded Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and everything that belonged to them. However, Saul decided to spare King Agag and some of the best livestock. Saul’s presumptuous act displayed his prideful attitude, thinking that his own judgment and desires were superior to God’s commandments.
UNWILLINGNESS to Accept Responsibility: “And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever” (1Sam 13:11-13).
Saul’s inability to take responsibility for his actions was evident in his response when confronted by Samuel. Instead of acknowledging his mistake and seeking repentance, Saul shifted blame onto others, making excuses for his disobedience. He attempted to justify his actions rather than humbly admitting his wrongdoing. This lack of accountability demonstrated a failure in Saul’s character as a leader.
LACK OF OBEDIENCE and Submission: “And Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and have gone the way which the LORD sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king” (1Sam 15:20-23).
Overall, Saul’s mistakes can be summarized by his consistent failure to obey and submit to God’s authority. Whether it was sacrificing without Samuel’s presence, sparing King Agag, or not fully carrying out God’s command, Saul demonstrated a pattern of rebellion and disobedience. His lack of reverence for God’s instructions ultimately led to his downfall and the loss of his kingship.
In summary, Saul’s mistakes were:
Sacrificing without Authority,
Arrogance and Presumption,
Unwillingness to Accept Responsibility, and
Lack of Obedience and Submission.
These lessons from Saul’s life serve as a reminder for us to humbly follow God’s commands, trust in His timing, and accept responsibility for our actions as we strive to be obedient servants.
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 