Explore the Bible

Carry Out God-Given Instructions

1 Samuel 13:5,7b-13b; 15:7-11,22-23

Lesson Overview

We often assume we can please the Lord with token obedience, and that our ideas about doing His will are just as good as His. In this lesson, we will be reminded that God wants not just our actions, not just our nods, but our hearts.

Don’t Let Fear Prompt Disobedience

1 Samuel 13:5,7b-13b

Our beliefs about God determine our actions. He wants us to walk with Him daily, not just call on Him in emergencies. Stressful, chaotic situations can cloud our judgment, leading us to make foolish decisions or take actions that defy God’s clear commands.

What fearful situations do you face that tempt you to disobey God and take matters into your own hands? What might be the consequences of doing that? Is it worth the risk?

How do we sometimes take on responsibilities that are not ours in order to get what we want? How can you show you trust God in the life role He has assigned to you?

What will you do to develop the habit of seeking God’s direction daily, and not only in times of crisis?

Resist Temptations to Redefine Obedience

1 Samuel 15:7-11

Too often we believe we can select the portions of God’s instructions we like. We act as if God should appreciate the little that we do. We must be careful to avoid both revising God’s instructions to fit our desires and obeying only the commands we prefer.

Can you think of others in the Bible who failed to follow through in obedience to God? Do you identify with their struggles? What can you learn from their mistakes?

When do you tend to do only part of what you know God wants, and pat yourself on the back for it? If you were honest with God, what would you say? What would you do?

How has partial obedience affected your own spiritual growth or discipleship? What will you do to give God your whole-hearted devotion and obedience?

Never Put Ritual in Place of Obedience

1 Samuel 15:22-23

We can express sincere devotion to God through religious rituals, but we must not use them to give God insincere going-through-the-motions obedience in place of heart-felt submission. We are to please the Lord by boldly and fully carrying out His commands.

Are you overtaxed in your commitments to the church? Are they taking away from your real devotion to God? How could you de-clutter your life of useless rituals and seek true communion with the Lord?

Is there any instruction from the Lord that you are only partially obeying? What must you do to obey the Lord boldly and fully in a situation in which you are struggling?

Are you deceiving yourself by rationalizing some rebellious, defiant behavior that you know, deep inside, is sin, plain and simple? Will you continue or will you repent?

Conclusion

Saul’s punishment was a necessary response to his disobedience. God requires that we carry out His instructions without second-guessing Him or assuming that our ways are better. We don’t have to fear our enemies if we trust God’s ways. Our whole-hearted and bold obedience is far more valuable to the Lord than anything else we can offer Him.