1. Standing Tall Falling Hard Samuel and Saul

2. Review

3. I. I.Plot Points God is seeking people willing to trust and obey Him whatever the circumstances. Although fathers may be faithful, this does not guarantee their children will be faithful. God’s people are called to covenant faithfulness, not conformity to the cultures around them. A leader’s personality and charisma are not as important as humble obedience.

4. II. II.Overview Samuel is born People had no desire to hear God First experiment with kingship started well and ended in shambles Hannah poured out her heart to God Samuel willingly responded to God’s direction

5. III. III.Upper Story/Lower Story

11. III. III.The Last Judge 1 Samuel 1-4 Last verse in Judges Judges 21:25 (ESV) In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Samuel was raised under the tutelage of Eli-Direct descendent of Aaron

12. IV. IV.The first King 1 Samuel 8-10 Against Samuel’s wishes and warnings, Samuel’s warning about a king Take sons and make them serve in the army Take daughter’s as perfumers, cooks and bakers T ake fields, vineyard and olive groves and redistribute them Tax your income Freely take servants, cattle, and donkeys for his own use and as taxes. You will become slaves to the King.

13. V. V.Saul in Battle 1 Samuel 11-13, 15 Many battles Battle with Amalekites Samuel’s confrontation of Saul Saul—I have obeyed and God gave victory You have not obeyed 1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV) And Samuel said, “Has the L ORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the L ORD ? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.

14. VI. VI.Result of disobedience Lost God’s blessing Lost the kingdom to another Great depression the rest of his life

15. Application We are representatives of God. Don’t distort, be authentic Let’s not be Eli, Hophni, Phinehas or Saul. Let’s not give in to the phoniness or conformity to the world. Trade all phoniness for authenticity Not conform to the world, but be transformed by God. We will not DISTORT Christ but portray a pure picture of Him that shows acceptance, love, grace and the offer of life that is truly life.