Living with Purpose: Lessons from King Saul's Legacy

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing Foolishness and the Danger of Wasted Opportunities

Saul’s life is a sobering reminder that it is possible to reach the end of our days and look back with deep regret, realizing we have acted foolishly and missed the opportunities God placed before us. Saul himself confessed, “I have acted like a fool and have been terribly wrong,” acknowledging the wasted years spent in jealousy, comparison, and disobedience. Each of us is given one life, and while God’s grace is always available, we cannot reclaim lost time or undo the impact of our choices. Let us be vigilant not to squander the precious days we have, but instead seek God’s wisdom and guidance so that we may live with purpose and finish well, free from the sorrow of a wasted life. [28:45]

1 Samuel 26:21 (ESV)
Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have acted foolishly, and have made a great mistake.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you sense you are wasting time or missing God-given opportunities? What is one step you can take today to act with wisdom instead of regret?

Day 2: The Trap of Comparison and Jealousy

Saul’s downfall began when he allowed comparison and jealousy to take root in his heart, especially as he saw David’s success and the praise David received. Instead of celebrating God’s blessings and victories, Saul became consumed with envy, which led him to make destructive choices that hurt himself, his family, and his nation. Comparison robs us of joy and blinds us to the unique calling and blessings God has given us. When we focus on what others have, we miss the chance to be a blessing where we are and to those God has placed in our lives. Let us choose gratitude over comparison, trusting that God’s plan for us is good and that He has equipped us for the work He wants us to do. [38:50]

1 Samuel 18:7-9 (ESV)
And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” And Saul eyed David from that day on.

Reflection: Who or what do you find yourself comparing your life to most often? How can you intentionally practice gratitude for your own blessings today?

Day 3: Living a Life Worth Grieving and Celebrating

The way we live determines how we will be remembered and grieved when we are gone. Saul’s death was met with the bare minimum of mourning, while others like Moses were deeply grieved and honored because of the positive impact they had on those around them. Grief can be a good thing when it is the result of a life well-lived, full of love and blessing to others. Jesus Himself wept at the grave of His friend, showing us that mourning is meaningful when it reflects the value of a life that touched others for good. Let us strive to live in such a way that our lives are truly worth celebrating, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and service. [54:27]

John 11:35 (ESV)
Jesus wept.

Reflection: If your life ended today, what would others grieve and celebrate about you? What is one way you can intentionally bless someone in your circle this week?

Day 4: Grieving with Hope, Not Despair

For those who belong to Christ, grief is not the end, nor is it without hope. The apostle Paul reminds us that we do not grieve as those who have no hope, because we believe in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life with Jesus. This hope transforms the way we face loss and death, giving us courage to live with purpose and anticipation of what is to come. Our inheritance as children of God is secure, and we can encourage one another with the assurance that this life is not all there is. Let us live each day with hope, knowing that our future is held in God’s hands and that we will be with Him forever. [57:30]

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (ESV)
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Reflection: How does the hope of resurrection and eternity with Christ shape your perspective on loss and daily living? What is one way you can encourage someone else with this hope today?

Day 5: Embracing God’s Purpose and Doing Good

God has created each of us with a unique purpose and has prepared good works for us to do during our time on earth. Instead of being sidetracked by jealousy or comparison, we are called to focus on fulfilling the mission God has given us, using our gifts and opportunities to serve others and advance His kingdom. Like Paul, we can look forward to the end of our lives with confidence, knowing we have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Let us seek God’s direction daily, asking Him to show us the “good stuff” He has prepared for us, and commit ourselves to living out His calling with joy and faithfulness. [01:02:30]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Reflection: What is one specific “good work” you sense God has prepared for you to do this week? How will you take a step of obedience to walk in it today?

Sermon Summary

Today, we reflected on the sobering reality that every life will come to an end, and the way we live now shapes not only our legacy but also the impact we leave on those around us. Using the life and death of King Saul as a cautionary example, we explored how a life consumed by jealousy, comparison, and missed opportunities can lead to regret and a legacy that is not worth celebrating. Saul, though chosen by God and given every resource to be a blessing to his nation and family, allowed his heart to be overtaken by envy and insecurity, especially in his relationship with David. Instead of embracing his unique calling and the blessings God had given him, Saul wasted years trying to tear down another, ultimately hurting himself, his family, and his people.

We saw that Saul’s story is not just a historical account but a warning for us. The temptation to compare ourselves to others, to let jealousy fester, and to focus on what we lack rather than what God has entrusted to us is as real today as it was in Saul’s time. Social media and our culture of comparison only amplify this struggle. Yet, God calls us to a different way—to recognize the unique opportunities and “good works” He has prepared for each of us, and to live with gratitude and purpose.

We also considered the difference between a life that is grieved with honor and one that is not. Saul’s death was met with the bare minimum of mourning, a reflection of a life that failed to bless others. In contrast, lives that are lived in faithfulness, service, and love are celebrated and deeply missed. Even our grief can be good when it is the result of a life well-lived, one that has left a positive mark on others.

Ultimately, we are called to live with hope, not jealousy or comparison. Our hope is anchored in Christ, who has secured for us an eternal inheritance. We are God’s handiwork, created for good works, and our greatest joy and fulfillment come from walking in His will, using our time and opportunities to do the good He has prepared for us. Let us not waste our lives, but instead, live in such a way that our legacy is one of blessing, hope, and purpose.

Key Takeaways

1. The Danger of Comparison and Jealousy Saul’s downfall began when he allowed comparison and jealousy to take root in his heart, especially as he measured himself against David. This mindset robbed him of joy, poisoned his relationships, and led him to waste the unique opportunities God had given him. Comparison is a thief of contentment and a barrier to fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. Instead, we are called to embrace gratitude for our own journey and trust God’s wisdom in placing us where we are. [37:01]
2. Wasted Opportunities Cannot Be Reclaimed Saul’s life is a sobering reminder that we only get one shot at this life, and the choices we make matter. He repeatedly missed chances to bless his family, his nation, and even his own legacy because he was fixated on his own insecurities. While God’s grace covers our failures, we cannot go back and redo the past; we must be intentional now to use our time and influence for good. [35:18]
3. The Legacy of a Life Well-Lived The way we live determines how we are remembered and grieved. Saul’s death was met with minimal mourning, reflecting a life that failed to bless others, while faithful leaders like Moses were deeply honored and missed. Our goal should be to live in such a way that our absence is felt because of the love and positive impact we have had, not because of regret or relief. [54:27]
4. Grief as a Reflection of Love and Impact Grieving is not inherently negative; it can be a sign of deep love and meaningful relationships. Jesus Himself wept at the grave of a friend, showing us that mourning can be good when it arises from a life that has touched others. We should strive to live so that our passing brings about a grief rooted in gratitude and love, not in unresolved pain or missed opportunities. [54:27]
5. Living with Hope and Purpose Our lives are meant to be lived with hope, anchored in the promises of Christ and the assurance of our eternal inheritance. We are God’s handiwork, created for good works that He has prepared in advance for us. When we focus on fulfilling God’s purpose rather than chasing after what others have, we find true joy, peace, and a legacy that endures beyond this life. [61:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:24] - Reflections on Epitaphs and the Reality of Death
[26:01] - Introducing Saul: A Fool’s Death
[28:12] - Saul’s Confession: “I Have Acted Like a Fool”
[29:24] - The Certainty of Death and the Call to Wisdom
[32:15] - Saul’s Tragic End
[34:36] - Regrets and the Irreversibility of Wasted Years
[37:01] - The Trap of Comparison and Jealousy
[40:22] - The Futility of Tearing Others Down
[41:19] - Missed Opportunities to Bless Others
[54:27] - The Difference Between Good and Bad Grief
[61:00] - Living with Hope, Not Comparison
[65:23] - Responding to God’s Call and Invitation
[73:39] - Community Announcements and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Samuel 26:21 — Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. Because you considered my life precious today, I will not try to harm you again. Surely I have acted like a fool and have been terribly wrong.”

- 1 Samuel 31:1-13
(The account of Saul’s death and the aftermath.)

- Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Observation Questions

What did Saul confess to David in 1 Samuel 26:21, and what does this reveal about his awareness of his own actions?
According to 1 Samuel 31, what were the circumstances of Saul’s death, and how did the people respond to it?
In Ephesians 2:10, what does Paul say about our purpose as God’s handiwork?
What was the difference in the way people grieved for Saul compared to how they grieved for Moses?

Interpretation Questions

Why did Saul’s jealousy and comparison with David lead to so many missed opportunities in his life and leadership?
What does the way Saul was mourned after his death say about the kind of legacy he left behind?
How does Ephesians 2:10 challenge the idea that our value comes from comparing ourselves to others?
What does the sermon suggest is the difference between “good grief” and “bad grief,” and how does this relate to the impact of a person’s life?

Application Questions

The sermon warns about the dangers of comparison and jealousy, especially in our culture of social media. Are there specific ways you find yourself comparing your life to others? How does this affect your contentment and relationships?
Saul missed opportunities to bless his family and nation because he was focused on his own insecurities. Can you think of a recent situation where insecurity or comparison kept you from encouraging or helping someone? What could you do differently next time?
The message says, “Wasted opportunities cannot be reclaimed.” Is there an area of your life where you feel you’ve wasted time or missed a chance to do good? What step could you take this week to be more intentional with your time and influence?
The way we live determines how we are remembered and grieved. If your life ended today, what would people grieve about you? Would it be a grief rooted in love and gratitude, or something else? What changes would you want to make to leave a legacy worth celebrating?
Ephesians 2:10 says God has prepared good works for us to do. What is one “good work” you sense God is calling you to focus on right now? How can the group support you in this?
The sermon encourages us to live with hope, not jealousy or comparison. What does it look like for you to anchor your hope in Christ rather than in what others have or achieve?
The pastor shared that even Jesus wept at the grave of a friend (John 11:35). How does this shape your understanding of grief and the kind of impact you want your life to have on others?

Sermon Clips

We get one shot at life here on this earth. One shot is all we get. We don't know how long that's going to be, but we get one shot at it. So doesn't it make sense to try to make those choices that we won't later on look back on and say, boy, I regret that. I sure wish I hadn't said that or done that. Now, all of us are going to have some of that, but we could limit that, couldn't we? With God's help, with the wisdom of God's Word, with the guidance of Scripture and the Holy Spirit, we could do a better job in our decision -making so that we don't look back and see so many times where we've wasted life in the wrong way because life is precious. [00:35:01] (43 seconds)

We should be so grateful that we know Him and that we have experienced the new life that He gives in Christ. We should be so appreciative of our lives and we're so ridden with jealousy and comparison that we don't enjoy any days of our lives very much. [00:39:20] (22 seconds)

Your life is never elevated by tearing somebody else's life down. Ever. It never works that way. You don't get better because you've tried to make somebody else appear worse. It doesn't work that way. [00:40:07] (18 seconds)

There's not a person hearing the message today whose life is totally absent of struggle and trouble. Not a single person here has a life where there is no struggle, there is no challenge, there is no heartache, there is no loss. There's not a person here whose life is like that. You know why? Because we are living like we said last week in a sin fallen, sin cursed world that is broken and all of us have some of that because of sin and the consequences of sin. I'll say it again, this ain't heaven yet. [00:41:48] (37 seconds)

If you let yourself stay consumed by comparison, you're going to miss your opportunity to be the blessing to your family you ought to be, to be the blessing to your spouse that you ought to be, to be the blessing to your church that you ought to be, to be the blessing in your community, to be the blessing at your workplace that you ought to be, you're going to miss that opportunity if you let yourself be consumed by jealousy and comparison all the time. [00:46:40] (30 seconds)

Every one of us as Christ followers have people that we have influence over. Every one of us has family or friends or co -workers that we interact with that God has put into our lives and we're going to waste those opportunities if we don't get this right and understand God's call on us is not to live in comparison and let jealousy rule but instead to want to build up and advance the kingdom of God. [00:50:13] (29 seconds)

Isn't it sad when you attend the service and there doesn't seem to be any celebration of that life? Wouldn't it be sad to think your life would end like that? That would be foolish with the opportunities you have and I have with the life God has given us to make a positive difference in this world. Don't you want to live a life worth celebrating? [00:55:30] (31 seconds)

We can live a life where the preacher doesn't have to be tempted to lie to make it sound like they had a life worth celebrating when they speak at your funeral. But only you can choose that for yourself and the only way you can choose that is to stop playing this comparison game and this jealousy game and start embracing the life God did give you and wants you to embrace and use for the good of the kingdom. [00:57:49] (30 seconds)

Don't make that mistake with what God has handed you, with the opportunities in life God gives you, with the blessings in life that he's put right in front of you. Don't let comparison and jealousy keep you from living the life of hope that God wants you to live. [01:01:29] (21 seconds)

You're not afraid for God, Jesus, to come back when you know you're in the middle of God's will for how you need to be living your life. You don't have to be afraid of the second coming. You can anticipate it with great joy that when he comes, he's going to find you doing exactly what he prepared in advance for you to be doing with your life. There's no greater joy and living a life of hope than to know you're walking in the will of your creator. [01:04:08] (30 seconds)

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