A Summary of Saul I Samuel 10: 9-11
Introduction: Of all the characters in the Bible, I like Saul the least. It’s not because he is the worst person in the Bible, or the meanest, it’s because he reminds me most of myself! I can see myself making the same stupid mistakes that he made – and I hate that! Saul’s life can be pretty well described with two words, “fear” and “insincerity.” As we look at his life, you will see that in spite of the awesome experiences Saul had with the Spirit of God, he never pursued a relationship with God. So instead of receiving a Spirit of love and power and a sound mind, he was filled with fear – which lead to his destruction. I. Saul’s Donkeys (I Sam 9:9) A. The Israel of Saul’s day was very similar to America today: The society was secular, however, most people still associated themselves with God. There were so many voices claiming to speak for God, that the Truth was often clouded and confused. God had become nothing more than a means to an end for most people. II.
B. Saul was very wealthy (9:1) and these donkeys he was looking for would have been a considerable portion of that wealth. The most popular SUV of the day. All terrain, pack, ride, plow. C. A fourth of a shekel for my donkeys. This reflects Saul’s attitude of insincerity from the beginning. - Seer - Quit pro quo - Notice Saul was not saved (changed) until chapter 10:9 Its easy to follow a man of God when he has good news.
Saul’s Demeanor (I Sam 10:21-22) A. Saul was a fraidy cat! Throughout his recorded life in the scripture, he was fearful. 10:22 1 Sam 15:24 24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 1 Sam 17:11
11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid. 1 Sam 18:12 12 And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul. 1 Sam 18:29 29 And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David's enemy continually. 1 Sam 28:15 15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. B. Fear has kept more people from accomplishing the purposes of God than the Devil ever has! C. Fear of: (notice all of these are linked to pride.) Humiliation Rejection People
III.
Saul’s Demise A. The Stumbling (disobedience) 1. 13:9 –anxiousness 2. 14:24 – overcompensation 3. 15:14 – fear of people 4. 3 strikes and Saul loses the Kingdom (his ministry) B. The Slaughter (22:18) 1. By killing the priests, Saul was showing that he no longer wanted God in his life. 2. Saul loses his salvation C. The Spirit of Samuel (28:11) 1. The witch of En-dor: fraud 2. God can use anything 3. Blasphemy 4. Saul loses his soul D. The Suicide (31:4) 1. The end of his life was once again determined by his own fear. 2. Saul loses his life
Conclusion: 1. Do you have a sincere relationship with God, or has God just become a means to an end to you?
2. Is fear keeping you from accomplishing the purposes God has planned for your life?