When We Take Matters Into Our Own Hands
Sermon Notes
SAUL’S UNLAWFUL SACRIFICE
Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands
KEY PASSAGE
1 Samuel 13:8-9 ESV… He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering.
IF YOU WANT THE JOB DONE RIGHT… DO IT YOURSELF
We have all been in situations where we decided to take matters into our own hands.
Abraham took matters into his own hands and the results were less than ideal… Gen. 16
SAUL IS MADE KING… THEN TESTED
Samuel (the last judge) anoints Saul as Israel’s 1st earthly king… 1 Sam. 10:1
Saul immediately rescues his people from the Ammonites… 1 Sam 11:1-2
Saul is tested by having to wait upon Samuel… 1 Sam. 13:8-14
Saul failed the test and took matters into his own hands… 1 Sam. 13:12
DOMINO #1…SAUL HAD A TERRIFYING OBSTACLE IN FRONT OF HIM
The Philistines were a formidable opponent… 1 Sam. 13:3-5
Contrast Saul and Jesus’ response when facing terrifying circumstances… Lk. 22:40-42
DOMINO #2… SAUL HAD PEOPLE ABANDONING HIM
The people were scattering from Saul… 1 Sam. 13:10-12
Contrast Saul and Jesus’ response when being abandoned… Lk. 22:40-42
DOMINO #3… SAUL FELT TIME RUNNING OUT ON HIM
Saul grew impatient when things didn’t unfold when he wanted them to…1 Sam. 13:10-12
Contrast Saul and Jesus’ response to God’s timing… Lk. 22:40-42; Ps. 27:14
DOMINO #4… SAUL PRESUMED TO KNOW WHAT WAS IN STORE FOR HIM
Saul started making assumptions! He had the “worst case scenario” running through his mind!
Contrast Saul’s attitude with Christ’s teaching… Mt. 6:34
SAUL TOOK MATTERS INTO HIS OWN HANDS
Saul adopted the “A man’s gotta do, what a man’s gotta do” attitude.
Saul was well aware of how powerful God’s deliverance can be… Ex. 14:13
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
When are you most tempted to take matters into your own hands?
Is there an area of your life where you need to renew your trust in the LORD?