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HELEN SANDERS
7-26-2022
THE TWO SINS THAT BROUGHT SAUL’S DOWNFALL
Saul was greatly loved by Samuel. He was the first king of Israel. He stood taller than any man and was a great warrior. Saul was given instructions from Samuel to kill all the Amalekites. He was to destroy all that they had, including man, woman, child, and their animals. The king of the Amalekites was Agag. Saul did not do what he was commanded to do by God. He kept the best animals and did not kill the king.
God spoke to Samuel and told him that Saul had “turned back from following me and hath not performed my commandments…” (I Samuel 15:11.) Samuel confronted Saul, and Saul made excuses, blaming the people for his sin.
In I Samuel 15:22-23 it says, “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifice as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”
Rebellion and stubbornness were Saul’s downfall. He was going to do things his way instead of God’s way. Rebellion is looked upon as witchcraft in God’s eyes. Stubbornness is looked upon as idolatry in God’s eyes also.
We may rebel against God’s Word and want to do things our own way, contrary to what God says to do. In God’s eyes that rebellion is looked at as witchcraft. Witchcraft? Yes, that is what the Word says. We need to examine our hearts to make sure we are not in rebellion. When we take sides against God’s word, it is witchcraft.
Then there is that stubborn spirit, determined to be as they always were. God can convict that person of sin, but they often are stubborn and play the blame game, like King Saul did. It cost him his crown. When we blame others, God sees it as iniquity (sin), and we are actually worshipping ourselves instead of seeing ourselves in light of our sin. That is idolatry if there ever was. When we choose to go our way instead of God’s way, the end results are always grim.
If you have that stubborn, rebellious spirit within you, confess it as sin. Do not delay! It may cost you your life like it did Saul. Do not put it off or blame others for your condition. It isn’t worth it. It will only make your life miserable. Rebellion and stubbornness have no place in a Christian’s life.
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