Choosing God Over Substitutes: A Call to Obedience
Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate Mother’s Day and to witness God’s faithfulness as He continues to open new doors for our church family. We welcomed Zee Hall as the new campus pastor for Fairview Heights, along with his wife Mary, whose stories of service, sacrifice, and God’s providence remind us that the Lord prepares us for moments we could never anticipate. We also celebrated the addition of Shannon Tyler to our staff, and we rejoiced in the generosity and unity of our church as we move forward with the Fairview Heights campus and a new television ministry opportunity.
Turning to 1 Samuel 8–15, we reflected on the life of Saul and the people of Israel, who settled for spiritual substitutes instead of God’s best. The Israelites demanded a king to be like other nations, choosing man over God. This desire for substitutes is not just an ancient problem; it’s a temptation we all face. We often look to people, positions, or possessions to fill the place only God can occupy. Saul’s story is a warning: outward qualifications and initial humility are not enough if we substitute God’s leadership for human solutions.
We also saw how Saul substituted excuses for progress. When confronted with his disobedience, Saul blamed others and his circumstances, rather than taking responsibility. Excuses may sound reasonable, but they keep us from true growth and obedience. God desires our hearts, not our rationalizations.
Finally, we examined the danger of substituting sacrifice for obedience. Saul offered sacrifices, but his heart was not surrendered. God is not impressed by outward acts or religious rituals if they are not rooted in genuine obedience. Half-hearted or partial obedience is still disobedience. The call is clear: to obey is better than sacrifice. God is not looking for perfection, but for hearts that are willing to trust and obey Him fully.
As we move forward as a church, may we resist the temptation to settle for substitutes—whether in our personal lives, our families, or our ministry. Let us seek God’s best, walk in obedience, and trust that He alone is our true King.
Key Takeaways
- Substituting Man for God Leads to Disappointment
When Israel demanded a king, they were not just rejecting Samuel—they were rejecting God as their true King. We often fall into the same trap, looking to leaders, relationships, or institutions to provide what only God can. No matter how impressive or qualified someone appears, no substitute can fulfill the role that belongs to God alone. Our hearts are restless until they rest in Him. [49:18]
- Every Person Is Responsible for Their Own Spiritual Journey
Even the most faithful parents and leaders can have children or followers who stray. God Himself, the perfect Father, had children who rebelled. Each person must choose for themselves whom they will serve, and our hope is not in our own perfection but in God’s grace and faithfulness. This truth brings comfort to those who grieve over prodigals and challenges us to keep praying and trusting God’s sovereignty. [48:01]
- Excuses Are the Enemy of Spiritual Progress
Saul’s downfall began when he justified his disobedience with excuses—blaming others, circumstances, and even spiritual-sounding reasons. Excuses may protect our pride, but they prevent us from experiencing God’s best. True growth comes when we own our failures, repent, and move forward in obedience, trusting God to redeem our mistakes. [01:02:40]
- Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice
God values obedience over outward acts of religion or sacrifice. Saul’s partial obedience was, in reality, disobedience. We can be tempted to substitute religious activity, generosity, or service for a surrendered heart, but God desires our wholehearted trust and obedience. Outward rituals cannot cover inward rebellion; only surrender can. [01:06:08]
- Beware of Spiritual Substitutes—Only Christ Satisfies
Every “king” we enthrone in our lives—whether success, relationships, money, or status—will ultimately enslave us and disappoint us. Only Jesus, the true King, can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. When we seek substitutes, God may allow us to experience their emptiness so we will turn back to Him. Let us not settle for lesser things, but pursue the greater joy of knowing and obeying Christ. [01:07:46]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Mother’s Day Greetings & Special Recognitions
[01:30] - Announcing New Fairview Heights Campus Pastor
[03:00] - Introducing Administrative Assistant for Portsmouth
[04:30] - New Television Ministry Opportunity
[07:00] - Entering 1 Samuel: The Story of Saul
[08:00] - Israel’s Demand for a King
[10:00] - Encouragement for Parents of Prodigals
[12:00] - Substituting Man for God
[15:00] - Saul’s Humble Beginnings
[18:00] - The Dangers of Spiritual Substitutes
[22:00] - Excuses vs. Progress in Saul’s Life
[25:00] - Sacrifice vs. Obedience
[28:00] - The Cost of Rebellion
[31:00] - The Call to Obedience and Surrender
[33:00] - Invitation to Respond and Closing Prayer
[35:00] - Big Give Update and Testimonies
[38:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- 1 Samuel 8:1–22 (Israel asks for a king)
- 1 Samuel 13:8–14 (Saul’s disobedience and excuses)
- 1 Samuel 15:10–23 (Saul rejects God’s command; “to obey is better than sacrifice”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In 1 Samuel 8, what reasons did the Israelites give for wanting a king, and how did Samuel respond to their request?
2. According to 1 Samuel 13:8–14, what did Saul do when Samuel was late, and how did Saul explain his actions?
3. In 1 Samuel 15:13–21, what did Saul claim about his obedience, and what evidence did Samuel point to that showed otherwise?
4. The sermon mentioned that Saul started out humble but changed over time. What are some signs of this change in Saul’s attitude? ([52:57])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was Israel’s desire for a king considered a rejection of God’s leadership, and how does this reflect a deeper spiritual issue? ([49:18])
2. What does Saul’s pattern of making excuses reveal about his heart and his relationship with God? ([01:02:40])
3. The phrase “to obey is better than sacrifice” is central in 1 Samuel 15. What does this mean in the context of Saul’s actions, and why is partial obedience still disobedience? ([01:06:08])
4. The sermon said that every person is responsible for their own spiritual journey, even if they have godly parents or leaders. How does this truth bring both comfort and challenge? ([48:01])
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### Application Questions
1. The Israelites wanted a king to be like other nations. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to settle for substitutes instead of God’s best? What are some “kings” you might be tempted to enthrone? ([49:18])
2. Saul blamed others and his circumstances for his disobedience. When you are confronted with your own mistakes, do you tend to make excuses or take responsibility? Can you think of a recent example? ([01:02:40])
3. The sermon said, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Are there ways you might be substituting religious activity, generosity, or service for true obedience and surrender in your life? ([01:06:08])
4. If you are a parent or leader, how do you handle the pain or disappointment when those you care for make poor spiritual choices? How can you keep praying and trusting God’s sovereignty, as Samuel did? ([48:01])
5. The message warned that every “king” we put in God’s place will eventually disappoint us. Have you experienced this in your own life? What did you learn from that experience? ([01:07:46])
6. The sermon encouraged the church to move forward in unity and generosity. What is one step you can take this week to support your church family or serve in a new way? ([01:14:16])
7. God is not looking for perfection, but for hearts willing to trust and obey. What is one area where you sense God calling you to deeper obedience right now? How can your group pray for you in this? ([01:10:17])
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Devotional
Day 1: Substituting Man for God Leads to Disappointment
The people of Israel demanded a king to be like other nations, choosing to trust in human leadership rather than in God’s faithful provision and guidance. This desire for a substitute revealed a deeper longing for security and significance, but no human leader—no matter how impressive—can fill the place that only God is meant to occupy in our lives. When we look to people, positions, or possessions to be our “king,” we inevitably find ourselves disappointed, because only God can truly satisfy and lead us rightly. Let us be careful not to settle for spiritual substitutes, but to let God remain on the throne of our hearts. [45:52]
1 Samuel 8:4-7 (ESV)
Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.”
Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to look to people or things for security or fulfillment instead of trusting God as your true King?
Day 2: Excuses Hinder Spiritual Progress
Saul’s downfall began when he started making excuses for his disobedience, blaming others and circumstances instead of taking responsibility for his actions. Excuses may sound reasonable, but they keep us from moving forward in faith and obedience. God desires honesty and humility, not spiritual-sounding justifications for our lack of trust or action. Progress in our walk with God requires us to lay aside excuses and step forward in obedience, even when it’s difficult or when we feel inadequate. [01:02:40]
1 Samuel 13:10-14 (ESV)
As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the Lord.’ So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”
Reflection: What is one excuse you’ve been making that is holding you back from obeying God fully today?
Day 3: Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice
God values obedience over outward acts of sacrifice or religious ritual. Saul tried to justify his partial obedience by offering sacrifices, but God made it clear that half-hearted or selective obedience is still disobedience. True worship is found in surrendering our will to God and following His commands, even when it costs us something or goes against our preferences. Outward acts cannot cover inward rebellion; God desires a heart that is fully yielded to Him. [01:06:08]
1 Samuel 15:22-23 (ESV)
And Samuel said, “Has 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 listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”
Reflection: Is there an area where you are offering God “sacrifice” but withholding obedience? What step of obedience is God calling you to take today?
Day 4: Faithfulness in Small Things Leads to Greater Purpose
Saul’s journey began with a simple act of faithfulness—searching for lost donkeys—and God used that ordinary task to lead him into his calling as king. We often underestimate how God can use our daily responsibilities and small acts of obedience to open doors and shape our future. When we are faithful in the little things, God can entrust us with greater opportunities and purpose. Don’t despise the small beginnings or mundane tasks; God is at work in them. [52:57]
Luke 16:10 (ESV)
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”
Reflection: What small task or responsibility can you approach with renewed faithfulness today, trusting that God can use it for His greater purpose?
Day 5: Don’t Settle for Spiritual Substitutes—Seek a Relationship with God
Israel’s longing for a king was ultimately a longing for something only God could provide—a true leader, protector, and source of peace. When we chase after substitutes—whether it’s success, relationships, money, or religion itself—we find only temporary satisfaction and eventual emptiness. God invites us into a real relationship with Him, not just outward religion or ritual. Only Jesus, the King of kings, can fill the deepest needs of our hearts and give us lasting peace and purpose. [01:07:46]
John 10:10 (ESV)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Reflection: What “substitute kings” are you tempted to pursue for fulfillment, and how can you intentionally seek a deeper relationship with Jesus today?
Quotes
God's not looking for perfection, but he is looking for obedience. And I'm asking you right now, would you just cry out to him and say, God, I need you in my life. Forgive me for going my own way, doing my own thing, for rebelling against you. I believe, Jesus, you lived a perfect life I can't live. And I believe you died on the cross to pay for all. I believe you died on the cross to pay for all. of my sins, that you rose on the third day, and I ask you to be the Lord of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit. Give me assurance that when I die, heaven will be my home, and that I'm going to spend eternity with you. Help me to get up every day and obey you and do your will for your glory. [01:10:13] (42 seconds)
There'll never be peace on earth until the prince of peace comes. There'll never be peace in your life until the prince of peace is lord of your life. Listen, they longed for a king. They thought their answer was going to be found in Saul. But what they were really longing for is the king of kings and the lord of lords. And that's what you're longing for today. [01:07:52] (22 seconds)
Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifice as much as in obeying the Lord? Look, to obey is better than sacrifice. And again, I could preach a whole sermon on that. Have you ever noticed the Bible says obedience comes first? Where your treasure is, that's where your heart's gonna be. To obey is better than sacrifice. [01:05:43] (21 seconds)
Every king you become a slave to. So money says to you, find me, I'll make you happy. Marriage, hey, you get married, you're gonna be happy. Success will make you happy. And every king says this, if you disappoint me, I'll make you miserable. Money says, if you don't get me, you're gonna be poor. Marriage says, if you don't get me, you're gonna grow all single. On and on, I could go. Listen, Jesus is the one who's the lover of our soul. [01:08:14] (28 seconds)
Don't substitute religion for a relationship with the one who made you. There's more to this life than this life. So don't substitute. Listen, lesser things of earth for the greater things of eternity. Saul's story is a warning to all of us today that substitutes look good temporarily, but they don't look good in the long run. Nothing can substitute the place of God in your life. [01:09:41] (30 seconds)
You can make progress or you can make excuses, but you can't make both. You can't do both. And Adam made the first excuse. And Genesis 3, 12, he told God, the woman that you gave me, he blamed God and Eve. You're gonna read in just a moment, Saul will say to Samuel, I have carried out the Lord's command, but his words did not match reality. Spiritual talk means very little without obedience. [01:03:27] (26 seconds)
Half -hearted, halfway obedience is 100 % disobedience. When it says rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, it's because Satan told God, I'm going to do it my way. I'm going to do what I want to do. And we're guilty of doing the same thing when we rebel and don't obey God. Sin is not wicked just because of what you do, but because of the authority that you reject. [01:06:48] (29 seconds)
God gave them what they asked for. They substituted a king for God. Why did God let them have it? Sometimes he lets us learn the hard way. Listen, how many things have you thought you wanted, but when you got it, you realize it really wasn't what you're looking for. Be careful what you ask for, God may let you have it. [01:08:50] (26 seconds)
No human, no matter how good they are, outwardly can do for you what God can do for you. No pastor, no politician, no business leader, no boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife, not even your children. Don't make the mistake. Of substituting man in the place of God. [01:01:26] (18 seconds)
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