Lessons from Saul: Seeking God Over Answers
Summary
Today’s teaching explored the final chapters of Saul’s life, drawing out profound lessons from his tragic end and contrasting his story with that of David and, ultimately, Jesus. Saul’s journey is a sobering reminder of how a life that begins with promise can unravel through a series of compromises, misplaced priorities, and a failure to truly seek God. When Saul faced crisis, he sought answers from God, but his heart was not truly after God Himself. Instead, he turned to forbidden means, consulting a medium, revealing how far he had drifted from the Lord. This episode is a warning about the dangers of seeking God’s will or the future more than seeking God Himself, and about the spiritual peril of dabbling in the occult or any substitute for God’s voice.
The narrative also highlighted the ripple effects of our choices. Saul’s disobedience didn’t just cost him his own life; it led to the death of his sons and the defeat of his people. Sin always has consequences that reach beyond ourselves. Yet, in the midst of Saul’s failure, the faithfulness of others shines—like the men of Jabesh Gilead, who risked their lives to honor Saul in death, showing the enduring power of gratitude and loyalty.
A powerful contrast was drawn between Saul and David. While Saul sought shortcuts and substitutes, David, even in seasons of God’s silence, chose to trust in God’s unfailing love and wait on Him. David’s story reminds us that even when we don’t hear from God, we are called to hold fast to what we know of His character and faithfulness.
Ultimately, all these stories point to Jesus. Saul’s death on Mount Gilboa, marked by defeat and darkness, is set against Jesus’ death on Mount Golgotha, which appeared to be defeat but was, in fact, the victory that brings new life. Jesus took upon Himself the darkness and separation that our sin deserves, so that we might never be forsaken. In Him, everything lost through sin is restored. The call is clear: seek the Lord while He may be found, come to Him on His terms, and trust in the grace that makes all things new.
Key Takeaways
- Seeking God vs. Seeking Answers
There is a crucial difference between wanting to know God’s will and truly wanting to know God. Saul’s downfall was rooted in his desire for answers rather than relationship; when God was silent, he turned to forbidden sources. We must guard our hearts against making an idol out of guidance or the future, remembering that intimacy with God is the true treasure, not just information about what’s next. [53:01]
- The Ripple Effect of Disobedience
Sin never stays contained; its consequences often spill over into the lives of those around us. Saul’s disobedience led not only to his own destruction but also to the loss of his sons and the suffering of his people. Our choices, for good or ill, create ripples that impact families, communities, and generations—reminding us to walk in humility and obedience. [01:10:35]
- God’s Silence and Our Response
Even the most faithful believers will experience seasons when God seems silent. David’s example teaches us to hold on to what we know of God’s character, to trust in His unfailing love, and to praise Him in the midst of uncertainty. When answers are withheld, it is an invitation to deeper trust, not to seek shortcuts or substitutes. [01:11:59]
- The Danger of Spiritual Substitutes
Saul’s turn to a medium is a stark warning against seeking spiritual experiences or answers outside of God’s prescribed ways. The Bible is clear—dabbling in the occult or any form of spiritualism apart from God is not only forbidden but spiritually dangerous. When we are desperate, we must run to God, not to the enemy, for only He holds the future and our hope. [48:35]
- Jesus Redeems What Was Lost
Where Saul’s death marked the end of an era of failure, Jesus’ death and resurrection ushered in a new covenant of grace and restoration. Everything lost through sin—fellowship, purpose, hope—Jesus has recovered for us. In Him, we are made new, and the darkness of defeat is transformed into the light of victory. [01:15:12]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[42:08] - God’s Surprising Opportunities
[44:03] - The Motleys God Chooses
[45:35] - Grace for the Dysfunctional
[46:23] - Ruth, David, and Family Ties
[48:35] - Saul’s Descent: Seeking a Medium
[49:29] - The Irony of Saul’s Religion
[53:01] - Seeking God vs. Seeking Answers
[01:10:35] - The Ripple Effect of Disobedience
[01:11:59] - The Folly of Saul and the Silence of God
[01:13:03] - Fighting the Wrong Enemy
[01:13:57] - Mentoring the Next Generation
[01:15:12] - Saul’s Death and Jesus’ Victory
[01:21:31] - Responding to God’s Call and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Saul’s End, David’s Trust, and Jesus’ Victory
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### Bible Reading
- 1 Samuel 28:3-25 (Saul and the medium at Endor)
- 1 Samuel 31:1-13 (The death of Saul)
- Psalm 13:1-6 (David’s response to God’s silence)
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### Observation Questions
1. When Saul was afraid and God did not answer him, what three ways does the text say God usually spoke in the Old Testament? ([46:23])
2. What did Saul do when he couldn’t get an answer from God, and how did his servants respond? ([48:35])
3. What was the reaction of the men of Jabesh Gilead after Saul’s death, and why did they act that way? ([31:11])
4. In Psalm 13, how does David express his feelings when God seems silent? What does he choose to do in the end?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Saul’s decision to consult a medium reveal about his relationship with God and his priorities? ([49:29])
2. The sermon said there’s a difference between seeking God’s will and seeking God Himself. What does that difference look like in Saul’s story? ([53:01])
3. How does the ripple effect of Saul’s disobedience show up in the lives of his sons and his people? ([01:10:35])
4. When David experienced God’s silence, how did his response differ from Saul’s, and what does that teach us about faith? ([01:11:59])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon warned about making an idol out of guidance or the future. Are there areas in your life where you are more focused on getting answers from God than actually seeking God Himself? What would it look like to shift your focus? ([53:01])
2. Saul’s choices didn’t just affect him—they affected his family and his nation. Can you think of a time when your choices, good or bad, had a ripple effect on others? How does that impact the way you think about your decisions now? ([01:10:35])
3. When God seems silent or distant, what is your usual response? Do you tend to wait on Him, or do you look for shortcuts or substitutes? How can you practice trusting God’s character even when you don’t have answers? ([01:11:59])
4. The sermon gave a strong warning about dabbling in the occult or seeking spiritual experiences outside of God’s ways. Are there any “spiritual substitutes” in your life—things you turn to for comfort, control, or answers instead of God? What steps can you take to reject those and run to God instead? ([48:35])
5. The men of Jabesh Gilead showed gratitude and loyalty to Saul even after his failures. Who in your life has helped you or made a difference in your journey? How can you show gratitude or honor them this week? ([31:11])
6. The contrast between Saul’s death and Jesus’ death was highlighted—one ended in defeat, the other in victory and new life. How does knowing that Jesus redeems what was lost through sin give you hope for areas of your life that feel broken or defeated? ([01:15:12])
7. The call was to “seek the Lord while He may be found.” Is there an area where you sense God calling you back to Himself? What would it look like to respond to Him today, on His terms? ([01:21:31])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help you seek Him above all, trust Him in silence, and walk in obedience and gratitude.
Devotional
Day 1: God Chooses the Unlikely and Extends Grace to All
God delights in using those whom the world considers misfits, outcasts, or unworthy. The story of David’s followers—those desperate, in debt, and discontent—reminds us that God’s family is made up of people with broken backgrounds and messy stories. No one earns their way to God by being good enough; it is only by His grace that we are welcomed. Even in Jesus’ genealogy, we see people with scandalous pasts, showing that God’s grace is greater than our failures and that He can redeem any story for His glory. [45:35]
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (ESV):
"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you feel like a misfit or unworthy? How might God want to use your story and your weaknesses for His glory today?
Day 2: Seeking God Himself, Not Just His Will
There is a crucial difference between seeking to know God’s will and truly seeking God Himself. Saul’s downfall was that he wanted answers about the future more than he wanted a relationship with God. When God was silent, Saul turned to a medium, showing that his heart was set on control rather than trust. God calls us to seek Him above all else, trusting that as long as we have Him, we have all we need for the future. Obedience to what God has already spoken is more important than chasing after new revelations. [53:01]
1 Samuel 28:6-7, 16-18 (ESV):
"And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets. Then Saul said to his servants, 'Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.' ... And Samuel said, 'Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy? The Lord has done to you as he spoke by me, for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day.'"
Reflection: Are you more interested in knowing God’s plans for your life, or in knowing God Himself? What would it look like for you to seek God’s presence above all else today?
Day 3: The Dangers of Spiritual Compromise and the Occult
God’s Word is clear: dabbling in the occult, seeking mediums, or trying to contact the dead is not only forbidden but spiritually dangerous. Saul’s choice to consult a medium led to his downfall and separation from God. The Bible warns that there are real spiritual forces at work, and only the Holy Spirit should be sought for guidance. If you have ever opened the door to the occult, you can reject every unholy spirit and curse in Jesus’ name, knowing that Christ has broken every chain and curse at the cross. [56:40]
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (ESV):
"There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you."
Reflection: Have you ever sought guidance or comfort from sources other than God? If so, will you take a moment today to renounce those things and invite the Holy Spirit to fill every part of your life?
Day 4: The Ripple Effect of Our Choices
Our actions and choices have consequences that reach far beyond ourselves. Saul’s disobedience and spiritual compromise not only led to his own downfall but also brought tragedy to his family and nation. Sin always has a ripple effect, impacting those around us, sometimes in ways we cannot foresee. But the story also shows the power of gratitude and honoring those who have helped us, as the men of Jabesh Gilead risked their lives to honor Saul in his death. [01:11:59]
1 Samuel 31:6-13 (ESV):
"Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together. And when the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley and those beyond the Jordan saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they abandoned their cities and fled, and the Philistines came and lived in them. The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. So they cut off his head and stripped off his armor and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines, to carry the good news to the house of their idols and to the people. ... But when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and went all night and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. And they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh and fasted seven days."
Reflection: Is there a decision you are making today that could impact others for good or for harm? How can you choose obedience and gratitude, knowing your choices have a ripple effect?
Day 5: Jesus’ Death Brings Victory and a New Beginning
The death of Saul marked the end of an era of failure, but the death and resurrection of Jesus ushered in a new covenant of grace and victory. Where Saul died in defeat and darkness, Jesus died in victory, taking upon Himself the separation and curse of sin so that we could be reconciled to God. Because of Jesus, we are made new, forgiven, and have hope beyond death. No matter how far you have wandered, you can come back to God today, trusting in the finished work of Christ who has recovered everything the enemy tried to steal. [01:15:12]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV):
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to experience the newness and victory that Jesus offers? Will you trust Him today to make all things new and bring you back into fellowship with God?
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