3. 1 Samuel the story so far.... As Samuel grows old the people want him to anoint a king God leads Samuel to Saul Saul tries to go his own way and wants God to help him David is chosen to be the next king because he has the right heart David defeats Goliath Saul becomes jealous of David

4. 1 Samuel 15 22 But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.” Obedience essential

5. 1 Samuel 15 22 But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.” Obedience essential Saul rejected as king

6. 1 Samuel 15 26 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!” Salvation may not be lost but calling can be The unravelling of Saul’s leadership

7. 1 Samuel 15 26 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!” Salvation may not be lost but calling can be The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience

8. 1 Samuel 15 26 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!” Salvation may not be lost but calling can be The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart

9. 1 Samuel 15 26 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!” Salvation may not be lost but calling can be The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart Fear not relationship The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart Fear not relationship

10. 1 Samuel 15 26 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!” Salvation may not be lost but calling can be The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart Fear not relationship - Manipulative leadership The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart Fear not relationship - Manipulative leadership

11. 1 Samuel 15 26 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!” Salvation may not be lost but calling can be The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart Fear not relationship - Manipulative leadership Presumption & unlearned lessons The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart Fear not relationship - Manipulative leadership Presumption & unlearned lessons

12. 1 Samuel 15 26 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!” Salvation may not be lost but calling can be The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart Fear not relationship - Manipulative leadership Presumption & unlearned lessons Unable to see own sin The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart Fear not relationship - Manipulative leadership Presumption & unlearned lessons Unable to see own sin

13. 1 Samuel 15 26 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!” Salvation may not be lost but calling can be The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart Fear not relationship - Manipulative leadership Presumption & unlearned lessons Unable to see own sin Foolish rash threats - Loses respect of men The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart Fear not relationship - Manipulative leadership Presumption & unlearned lessons Unable to see own sin Foolish rash threats - Loses respect of men

14. 1 Samuel 15 26 But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you as king over Israel!” Salvation may not be lost but calling can be The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart Fear not relationship - Manipulative leadership Presumption & unlearned lessons Unable to see own sin Foolish rash threats - Loses respect of men DISOBEYS GOD - proud - ignores own sin The unravelling of Saul’s leadership Seeking favour on own plans = disobedience Self centred not in tune with God’s heart Fear not relationship - Manipulative leadership Presumption & unlearned lessons Unable to see own sin Foolish rash threats - Loses respect of men DISOBEYS GOD - proud - ignores own sin

15. Saul in conflict with an evil spirit 1 Samuel 16: 14

16. 1 Samuel 25 1 Now Samuel died

17. 1 Samuel 25 1 Now Samuel died

18. 1 Samuel 25 1 Now Samuel died

19. 1 Samuel 26 21 Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. Because you considered my life precious today, I will not try to harm you again. Surely I have acted like a fool and have been terribly wrong.”

20. 1 Samuel 27 1 But David thought to himself, “One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” David withdraws

21. 1 Samuel 27 1 But David thought to himself, “One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” David withdraws (Behaves badly) 1 Samuel 27 12 Achish trusted David and said to himself, “He has become so obnoxious to his people, the Israelites, that he will be my servant for life.”

22. 1 Samuel 28 1 In those days the Philistines gathered their forces to fight against Israel. Achish and the Philistines prepare to attack Saul

23. 1 Samuel 28 3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his own town of Ramah. Saul had expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land. Reminder - Samuel dead

24. 1 Samuel 28 3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his own town of Ramah. Saul had expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land. Reminder - Samuel dead All ways of seeking supernatural guidance except through God banned

25. 1 Samuel 28 4 The Philistines assembled and came and set up camp at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and set up camp at Gilboa. 5 When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. Saul afraid

26. 1 Samuel 28 6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. Saul afraid - seeks God

27. 1 Samuel 28 6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. Saul afraid - seeks God But God does not answer Why does God not answer? Saul had ignored God too often

28. 1 Samuel 28 6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. Saul afraid - seeks God But God does not answer Why does God not answer? Saul had ignored God too often God cannot be used just when we want

29. 1 Samuel 28 6 He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. Saul afraid - seeks God But God does not answer Why does God not answer? Saul had ignored God too often God cannot be used just when we want God did not want to offer false reassurance or induce dread

30. 1 Samuel 28 7 Saul then said to his attendants, “ Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.” “There is one in Endor,” they said. Instead of accepting God’s silence Saul seeks guidance outside of God

31. Deuteronomy 18 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. 1 Samuel 28 8 So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. “ Consult a spirit for me,” he said, “and bring up for me the one I name.” Saul seeks consultation with a spirit Known to be wrong

32. Leviticus 19 31 “‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God 1 Samuel 28 8 So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. “Consult a spirit for me,” he said, “and bring up for me the one I name.” Saul seeks consultation with a spirit Known to be wrong

33. Leviticus 19 31 “‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God Why is contacting the dead/using a medium wrong? 1. Dead, sleep and are not contactable 1 Thessalonians 4 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest, who have no hope

34. Leviticus 19 31 “‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God Why is contacting the dead/using a medium wrong? 1. Dead, sleep and are not contactable John 6 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

35. Leviticus 19 31 “‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God Why is contacting the dead/using a medium wrong? 2. Seek Guidance from God and no other spirit 1. Dead, sleep and are not contactable

36. Leviticus 19 31 “‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God Why is contacting the dead/using a medium wrong? 2. Seek Guidance from God and no other spirit 1. Dead, sleep and are not contactable 3. Spirits deceive - bringing false hope “Life after death not through Jesus”

37. Leviticus 19 31 “‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God Why is contacting the dead/using a medium wrong? 2. Seek Guidance from God and no other spirit 1. Dead, sleep and are not contactable 3. Spirits deceive - bringing false hope 4. Spirits bring fatalistic fear

38. 1 Samuel 28 8 So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. “ Consult a spirit for me,” he said, “and bring up for me the one I name.” Saul seeks consultation with a spirit

39. 9 But the woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?” 1 Samuel 28 8 So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. “Consult a spirit for me,” he said, “and bring up for me the one I name.” Saul seeks consultation with a spirit Woman protests

40. 1 Samuel 28 10 Saul swore to her by the LORD, “As surely as the LORD lives, you will not be punished for this.” 11 Then the woman asked, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” Saul promises no reprisal

41. 1 Samuel 28 11 Then the woman asked, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” “ Bring up Samuel,” he said. Saul seeks Samuel Returning to the past Seeking comfort from the departed Hoping to resolve unresolved issues

42. 1 Samuel 28 12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!” 13 The king said to her, “Don’t be afraid. What do you see?” The woman said, “I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.” Saul seeks Samuel Frightens the woman

43. 1 Samuel 28 14 “What does he look like?” he asked. “An old man wearing a robe is coming up,” she said. Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. Saul seeks Samuel Saul believes it is Samuel Who is it? Samuel or spirit impersonating Samuel?

44. 1 Samuel 28 15 Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am in great distress,” Saul said. Saul seeks Samuel spirit of Samuel questions Saul

45. 1 Samuel 28 15 Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am in great distress,” Saul said. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.” Saul seeks Samuel

46. 1 Samuel 28 16 Samuel said, “Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has departed from you and become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbours—to David. 18 Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. 19 The LORD will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.” spirit of Samuel brings condemnation and judgement

47. 1 Samuel 28 16 Samuel said, “Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has departed from you and become your enemy? 17 The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbours—to David. 18 Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. 19 The LORD will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.” spirit of Samuel brings condemnation and judgement

48. 1 Samuel 28 20 Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, filled with fear because of Samuel’s words. His strength was gone, for he had eaten nothing all that day and all that night. spirit of Samuel brings condemnation and judgement

49. Our response Do not seek guidance outside of God

50. Our response Do not seek guidance outside of God If God is silent - remain faithful

51. Our response Do not seek guidance outside of God If God is silent - remain faithful Repent of sin Receive God’s forgiveness Acts 3 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord

52. Our response Do not seek guidance outside of God If God is silent - remain faithful Repent of sin Receive God’s forgiveness 1 John 1 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness

53. Our response Do not seek guidance outside of God If God is silent - remain faithful Repent of sin Receive God’s forgiveness Be free from fearful predictions

54. Our response Do not seek guidance outside of God If God is silent - remain faithful Repent of sin Be wary of losing role Not Salvation