Complete Obedience: The Heart of True Repentance
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into 1 Samuel 15, a chapter that challenges us to confront the nature of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. We began by reflecting on the story of Saul and his failure to fully obey God's command to destroy the Amalekites. This disobedience led to God's rejection of Saul as king, a poignant reminder that partial obedience is still disobedience. We explored the historical context of the Amalekites, their enmity with Israel, and God's promise to blot them out due to their persistent opposition to His people.
We discussed the severity of God's command to annihilate the Amalekites, which can be unsettling. However, this command underscores God's commitment to eradicating sin and evil completely, much like how we desire a surgeon to remove every trace of cancer. This analogy helps us understand that God's actions, though harsh, are rooted in His desire for complete purity and holiness.
Saul's disobedience was not just a failure to follow orders but a deeper issue of pride and self-interest. He spared King Agag and the best livestock, possibly for personal gain or political advantage, revealing his heart's true intentions. This act of disobedience led to God's regret in making Saul king and Samuel's profound grief and anger.
We also examined the nature of true repentance. Saul's confessions were more about saving face and maintaining honor before the people rather than genuine sorrow for his sin against God. This contrasts with the kind of repentance God desires—one that is heartfelt and leads to true transformation.
Ultimately, the chapter points us to the gospel, reminding us that Jesus took upon Himself the judgment we deserve. His perfect obedience and sacrifice offer us acceptance and approval from God. This profound truth should motivate us to pursue genuine obedience, not out of fear, but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Complete Obedience is Essential: Partial obedience is still disobedience. Saul's failure to fully carry out God's command led to his rejection as king. This teaches us that God desires our full and wholehearted obedience, not just selective compliance. True obedience reflects our trust and submission to God's authority. [25:23]
2. God's Judgment and Mercy: The command to annihilate the Amalekites is a stark reminder of God's commitment to justice and holiness. While it may seem severe, it underscores the seriousness of sin and God's promise to eradicate evil completely. This mirrors our need for complete deliverance from sin through Christ. [34:45]
3. The Nature of True Repentance: Saul's confessions were more about maintaining his honor than genuine repentance. True repentance involves a heartfelt acknowledgment of our sin and a sincere desire to turn away from it. It is not about saving face but about restoring our relationship with God. [53:01]
4. God's Sovereignty and Our Submission: God, as our Creator, has the right to command and direct our lives. Our discomfort with His commands often stems from our fallen nature and desire to control. Recognizing His sovereignty helps us submit to His will, trusting that His plans are for our ultimate good. [39:18]
5. The Gospel's Transformative Power: Jesus' obedience and sacrifice on the cross took the judgment we deserve, offering us acceptance and approval from God. This profound truth should motivate us to live in obedience, not out of fear, but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done. His obedience inspires and empowers our own. [01:09:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:47] - Introduction to 1 Samuel 15
[27:04] - Prayer and Acknowledgments
[28:38] - Historical Context of the Amalekites
[30:52] - God's Command to Saul
[34:45] - The Severity of God's Judgment
[37:32] - Analogy of Cancer and Sin
[39:18] - God's Sovereignty Over Creation
[42:04] - Saul's Disobedience and Its Consequences
[45:29] - God's Regret and Samuel's Anger
[48:22] - Saul's Monument and False Repentance
[50:39] - The Importance of True Obedience
[53:01] - Saul's Blame Shifting
[57:14] - Halfhearted Obedience is Disobedience
[01:00:38] - The Call to Trust and Obey
[01:01:30] - Obedience Over Sacrifice
[01:03:31] - The Goodness of God's Commands
[01:04:20] - God's Rejection of Saul
[01:06:48] - The Coming Judgment
[01:09:20] - The Gospel's Power and Promise
[01:10:47] - Saul's Confession and Rejection
[01:14:05] - Saul's Concern for Honor
[01:16:43] - The Importance of Genuine Repentance
[01:20:30] - Personal Confession and Transformation
[01:22:54] - God's Plans and Our Obedience
[01:23:33] - Closing Prayer and Communion
[01:30:51] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1 Samuel 15:22-23 (CSB)
> "Then Samuel said: Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? Look: to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and defiance is like wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king."
### Observation Questions
1. What specific command did God give to Saul regarding the Amalekites, and how did Saul fail to fully obey it? ([43:34])
2. How did Saul justify his disobedience when confronted by Samuel? ([53:01])
3. What was Samuel's response to Saul's claim that he had obeyed the Lord? ([57:14])
4. How does the text describe God's reaction to Saul's disobedience? ([45:29])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Samuel emphasize that "to obey is better than sacrifice"? What does this reveal about God's priorities? ([01:00:38])
2. How does Saul's concern for his honor before the people contrast with the nature of true repentance? ([01:13:17])
3. What does the analogy of cancer used in the sermon illustrate about God's command to annihilate the Amalekites? ([37:32])
4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between God's sovereignty and our submission to His will? ([39:18])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you partially obeyed God's command. How did that impact your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to ensure complete obedience in the future? ([49:33])
2. In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride and self-interest, similar to Saul? How can you address these issues to align more closely with God's will? ([43:34])
3. How can you cultivate a heart of genuine repentance rather than just seeking to save face or maintain honor? ([01:13:17])
4. What are some practical ways you can submit to God's sovereignty in your daily life, especially when His commands are difficult to understand or follow? ([39:18])
5. How does understanding Jesus' perfect obedience and sacrifice motivate you to pursue genuine obedience out of love and gratitude? ([01:09:20])
6. Think of a specific sin or habit that you need to completely eradicate from your life. What steps will you take this week to address it, much like a surgeon removing every trace of cancer? ([37:32])
7. How can you support others in your small group to pursue true repentance and obedience to God? What role can accountability play in this process? ([01:20:30])
Devotional
Day 1: Complete Obedience Reflects Our Trust in God
Complete obedience to God is essential, as partial obedience is still disobedience. Saul's failure to fully carry out God's command to destroy the Amalekites led to his rejection as king. This teaches us that God desires our full and wholehearted obedience, not just selective compliance. True obedience reflects our trust and submission to God's authority. Saul's actions reveal that partial obedience stems from a heart that is not fully surrendered to God. When we choose to obey God completely, we demonstrate our trust in His wisdom and sovereignty. [25:23]
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: In what areas of your life are you practicing partial obedience? How can you take steps today to fully obey God's commands and trust in His authority?
Day 2: God's Judgment and Mercy
The command to annihilate the Amalekites is a stark reminder of God's commitment to justice and holiness. While it may seem severe, it underscores the seriousness of sin and God's promise to eradicate evil completely. This mirrors our need for complete deliverance from sin through Christ. Just as a surgeon removes every trace of cancer to ensure complete healing, God seeks to remove all sin from our lives to bring about true holiness. Understanding God's judgment helps us appreciate His mercy and the lengths He goes to purify us. [34:45]
Deuteronomy 25:17-19 (ESV): "Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary, and cut off your tail, those who were lagging behind you, and he did not fear God. Therefore when the Lord your God has given you rest from all your enemies around you, in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven; you shall not forget."
Reflection: How does understanding the severity of God's judgment on sin change your perspective on His mercy? What steps can you take to align your life with God's call to holiness?
Day 3: The Nature of True Repentance
Saul's confessions were more about maintaining his honor than genuine repentance. True repentance involves a heartfelt acknowledgment of our sin and a sincere desire to turn away from it. It is not about saving face but about restoring our relationship with God. Saul's actions show that superficial repentance does not lead to true transformation. Genuine repentance requires humility and a deep sorrow for having sinned against God. It is through this kind of repentance that we experience God's forgiveness and renewal. [53:01]
Psalm 51:16-17 (ESV): "For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you confessed your sins to God. Was it out of genuine sorrow or a desire to maintain your image? How can you cultivate a heart of true repentance today?
Day 4: God's Sovereignty and Our Submission
God, as our Creator, has the right to command and direct our lives. Our discomfort with His commands often stems from our fallen nature and desire to control. Recognizing His sovereignty helps us submit to His will, trusting that His plans are for our ultimate good. When we acknowledge God's authority, we can find peace in knowing that He is in control and His ways are higher than ours. Submission to God is an act of faith, believing that His commands are for our benefit and His glory. [39:18]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: What areas of your life do you struggle to submit to God's authority? How can you trust in His sovereignty and surrender those areas to Him today?
Day 5: The Gospel's Transformative Power
Jesus' obedience and sacrifice on the cross took the judgment we deserve, offering us acceptance and approval from God. This profound truth should motivate us to live in obedience, not out of fear, but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done. His obedience inspires and empowers our own. The gospel reminds us that we are not striving for acceptance but living from a place of already being accepted by God. This transforms our approach to obedience, making it a joyful response to His love rather than a burdensome duty. [01:09:20]
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: How does the truth of Jesus' sacrifice and obedience impact your daily life? In what ways can you live out your gratitude for His transformative power today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Don't you want to know that God, when he destroys his enemies, he completely destroys his enemies? Don't you like to know that when God makes a promise, he completely keeps his promise? We like that part, right? He said he was going to completely blot him out them out. This is the command. What about the enemies of sin? What about the enemies of death? What about the enemy of hell? What about eternal punishment? What about separation from God? What about injustice? Do we want to completely have those things blotted out and destroyed and annihilated or we would we like for there to be a little leftover?" [34:45] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He doesn't need anything from us. Everything we have is from him. He needs nothing from us. See an infant. See an infant. Does the parent need anything from that infant? What is that infant going to provide? Nothing. He doesn't need our service or our money. He doesn't need us to defend him and all of his causes that we make up. He doesn't want us and our religious, you know, posturing and our pretending. He doesn't need us to wear a good, nice church face all the time. He wants our obedience because it's the best." [01:01:30] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He wants us to obey because he loves us, because he's a good dad. He's a good dad who wants the best things for his kids, man. He's got such good plans for us. We don't know best. Get over that, man. You and I don't know best. so hard. He's a good father. And 1 Samuel is all about he is a good and perfect and loving king. He is the king of kings. He's the right king. He's the best king. He's the king we were designed to have, to serve, to love, to submit to, to honor. He's the king." [01:03:31] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The gospel is. So good and it's so central to everything and it's so important and it's so beautiful and it's everything that we have. It's what we should base our whole life around because judgment guys, I know this sounds old school, but this is the truth and we all know it. I think deep down judgment day is coming. Every one of us, 100% of us is going to. To. We will not be here anymore. Where do we go? Something happens. Everything we've ever done. We will stand before God and we will give an account." [01:06:48] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus took all that on himself on that day on that the best news, man, because he loves us. He said, I'll be judged. It's all right. I'll be judged. So you don't have to feel that judgment anymore. I took it. received your judgment. You deserve, though I didn't deserve it, I took it for you because I love you. I'll be rejected. So you don't have to think about rejection. You don't have to worry about that at all. be forsaken. I'll be forsaken by my father. Why have you forsaken me? I'll be forsaken. So you get to be accepted. You get to be approved of. Well done, my son. My son. My daughter. What a savior." [01:08:25] (77 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The issue we have is that God gets to decide what he does with his creation. That's what gets us. God made us, right? He owns us and he gets to decide what to do with us. That's why this bothers us. And why does it bother us? Because of the fall. But it doesn't make any logical rational sense. He decides where you're born into this world. He decides where you're born when you're born into this world. He decides what we're gonna look like, how we're gifted, how we're wired, what our voice is gonna sound like. He made us. We did none of this." [39:18] (81 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Halfhearted obedience is not obedience. He doesn't want that. There is no such thing. As halfhearted repentance, there is no such thing as halfhearted obedience. This is not me loving and submitting to my God when I halfheartedly halfway obey. I usually do this because I'm worried about consequences or because I just want God for his goodies. I want his blessings. I want him to hear my prayer and give me what I want. I want his plunder." [57:14] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I know. I know. You've been asking me to obey now with this new thing, with this new besetting sin that I have. But I don't want to do that yet. I'm not ready yet. Marriage, I know you want me to give up that thing. I know you want me to work on my anger, on my lust, on my laziness, on my apathy, on my drinking, on my gluttony. You've been telling me this. I know how you're calling me to obey right now in this moment. Maybe it's nothing like dramatic or overt. It's just he wants us to trust him in a season, this season, where it's really hard and it's really painful and it's really lonely and it's really dark and you just really don't understand. And he's like, just trust me, man. Just hold on. I'm good." [59:27] (110 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I have to tell you the truth. Because I love him. And I know how good it is to repent. If I don't tell you the truth. I am robbing you this day. Of an opportunity. To repent. And experience this life. And I don't want to do that. Because I love him. And because I love you." [01:21:17] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God has things to do. God has things to get done. And he wants us to be a part. He's inviting us to be a part. He has plans. He has purposes. He has things to accomplish. And whether we choose to obey. Or not. He's still going to get it done. I feel like we miss out. We miss out. Because we don't want to give up this stuff. So let's not do that. Let's obey. To obey is better than sacrifice. Let's obey. Let's hear the sound. Let's hear the words of the Lord. And then enjoy getting to be a part. Of the story that he's writing. That he's telling. That's unfolding." [01:23:33] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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