Sermon Questions - January 17, 2016

To Obey is Better than Sacrifice

1 Samuel 15:1-35

January 17, 2016

Study Questions

1. Read 1 Samuel 15:1-3. Why did Samuel begin his statement by mentioning that he had anointed Saul as king? What specifically did the Lord command king Saul to do?

2. Why did the Lord command Saul to completely wipe out the Amalekites? Using a study Bible or an online tool like www.blueletterbible.com, look up other places where the names “Amalek,” “Amalekite,” and Amalekites” appear, paying special attention to Exodus 17. How are we to understand the justice and mercy of God in light of this story?

3. Read 1 Samuel 15:4-9. Was Saul successful in the battle? Why did he spare king Agag? Why did he and the people spare some of the animals? Which ones did they spare?

4. Read 1 Samuel 15:10-33. The word “regret” in verse 11 more literally means “to feel sorry or to grieve.” With this in mind, what is the Lord revealing about his heart toward Saul? What specific reason does he give for this?

5. How did Samuel react to the Lord’s word and why? When he began to look for Saul, what did he learn Saul had done?

6. What were Saul’s first words to Samuel? What is the heart of Samuel’s words to Saul in the dialogue that follows? What do we learn about Saul’s heart and motives along the way?

7. Why did Saul seize and tear Samuel’s robe and how did Samuel respond? What persuaded Samuel to go with Saul?

8. Read 1 Samuel 15:34-35. Why did Samuel and Saul separate until death? How did Samuel feel about this? How does this relate to the Lord’s feelings about Saul? (The Hebrew word for “regret” is the same here as earlier in the passage.)

9. At what specific points in your life do you find it tempting to set aside the clear words of the Lord in favor of your own desires? Do you use religious reasoning to cover your tracks?

10. Read Ephesians 2:1-10. What has God done to work the spirit of obedience into our lives? How will you respond today to his gracious acts on your behalf?

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