​Sermon Outline: Lessons from the Life of King Saul

Main Memory Text: 1 Samuel 15:22-23
Speaker: Pastor Giancarlo de Miranda
 

I. Introduction

A. Opening Thought:

• Many people start strong in faith but later drift away (Hebrews 2:1).

• Saul’s life warns us of the danger of rebellion and stubbornness.

B. Key Verse:

• "To obey is better than sacrifice… rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft." (1 Sam. 15:22-23)

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II. Saul’s Early Life: A Humble Beginning

A. Chosen by God (1 Samuel 9:21)

• Saul was humble, from the smallest tribe (Benjamin).

• God gave him a new heart (1 Sam. 10:9) and the Holy Spirit (1 Sam. 10:10).

• Conversion experience: He was genuinely changed (PP 142).

B. Early Leadership

• Rescued Israel from Ammonites (1 Sam. 11).

• Showed mercy to his enemies (1 Sam. 11:13).

• Relied on God’s strength, not his own.

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III. Saul’s Downfall: Pride & Rebellion

A. First Major Mistake: Disobedience at Gilgal (1 Samuel 13)

• Saul offered sacrifices without waiting for Samuel.

• Justified his actions ("I felt compelled").

• Result: God rejected his dynasty (1 Sam. 13:13-14).

B. Second Mistake: Rash Oath & Pride (1 Samuel 14)

• Made a foolish vow (no food until victory).

• Nearly killed his son Jonathan.

• Lesson: Pride led to poor decisions.

C. Final Rebellion: Sparing Agag & the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15)

• God commanded total destruction, but Saul spared the best.

• Blamed the people (shifted responsibility).

• Samuel’s Rebuke:

  • "Rebellion is as witchcraft." (1 Sam. 15:23).

  • Stubbornness = idolatry (self over God).

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IV. Saul’s Tragic End (1 Samuel 31)

A. Despair & Witchcraft

• Consulted the witch of Endor (1 Sam. 28).

• Final rejection: Cut off from God (1 Sam. 28:16-19).

B. Suicide & Shame

• Died in battle; Philistines mocked God through his defeat.

• Warning: Persistent rebellion leads to destruction.

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V. Lessons for Us Today

A. No "Once Saved, Always Saved"

• Saul started converted but fell away (Hebrews 6:4-6).

• We must endure to the end (Matthew 24:13).

B. The Danger of Unchecked Habits

• Early wrong tendencies resurfaced (PP 622).

• Hereditary & cultivated sins must be battled daily (MH 173).

C. The Remedy: Humility & Obedience

• Saul’s downfall began when he stopped being "little in his own eyes" (1 Sam. 15:17).

• Key: Stay dependent on God’s grace (Proverbs 3:5-6).

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VI. Appeal & Closing

A. Self-Examination:

• Are we justifying disobedience like Saul?

• Are we stubbornly holding onto sin?

B. Call to Surrender:

• "Whiter Than Snow" (Hymn of repentance).

• Prayer: "Lord, keep me humble and obedient."

Final Thought:

• "If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive." (1 John 1:9).

Amen.

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Key Quotes from Sermon:

• "Men cannot for years pervert their powers and then expect to change easily." (PP 622).

• "Rebellion is as witchcraft—it rejects God’s authority." (1 Sam. 15:23).

• "Under God’s grace, every good quality grows stronger." (RH 1887).

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Application: Daily dependence on God defeats rebellion.

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