Message Notes

PRE-CAMP SPECIAL
Saturday, 4 March 2023
Text: 1 Samuel 26
Title: “Indeed, I have played the fool”

A STUDY OF THE LIFE OF KING SAUL

A. Commencement

1. He had every advantage

a) Good parentage

The son of Kish, a mighty man of valour 1 Samuel 9:1

b) Good personal features

i) A choice and handsome man 1 Samuel 9:2a

ii) Advantaged height 1 Samuel 9:2b

2. Samuel the prophet-judge to guide him

a) The prophet-judge was sent to him 1 Samuel 9:27

b) Samuel befriended Saul and instructed him 1 Samuel 10

3. A Special spiritual experience

a) The Spirit of the LORD came upon him 1 Samuel 10:6, 10

b) He was like one of the prophets of God 1 Samuel 10:10-12

4. Saul would become

a) The commander over God’s people 1 Samuel 9:16a

b) He would be the king who saved Israel
from the Philistines 1 Samuel 9:16b

B. CHANGES

1. Good Changes

a) A position of great authority and power as the ruler of Israel

b) He had everything he needed to become a good ruler of Israel

2. Poor leadership skills as a leader

a) He failed to make Israel strong and prosperous

b) There were many enemies that threatened Israel

i) Ammon

ii) Edom

iii) Zobah

iv) Philistia

v) Amalek 1 Samuel 14:47-48

3. The threat of the Philistines

a) Saul had no answer to the threat of the Philistines

b) Saul was capable of being rash and disobedient as a ruler

i) He made an unlawful sacrifice 1 Samuel 13:1-13

ii) He was rebuked for not keeping
God’s commandment 1 Samuel 13:13-14

4. The threat of the Amalekites

a) God’s command to Saul to destroy Amalek 1 Samuel 15:3

b) Again, Saul failed to obey 1 Samuel 15:8-9

5. An assessment of King Saul by the LORD Himself

a) “He has turned back from following Me” 1 Samuel 15:11a

b) “He has not performed My commandments” 1 Samuel 15:11b

6. Samuel’s rebuke of King Saul

a) “Why then did you not obey the voice
of the LORD?” 1 Samuel 15:19a

b) “Why… do evil in the sight of the LORD” 1 Samuel 15:19b

7. Saul’s excuses

a) “I have obeyed the voice of the LORD” 1 Samuel 15:20

b) He blamed the people 1 Samuel 15:21

8. An important verdict from the LORD

22 So Samuel said:
“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
He also has rejected you from being king.”

1 Samuel 15:22-23

a) Saul was guilty of rebellion

b) He was also rebuked for being stubborn

c) He had rejected the word of the LORD

d) God had rejected him from being the king of Israel

C. CONTINUING DETERIORATION

1. Saul became fearful and jealous of David’s popularity 1 Samuel 18:15

2. He became an enemy of David 1 Samuel 18:29

a) He sought to kill David 1 Samuel 24-26

b) Twice, David spared his life 1 Samuel 24, 26

D. CONFESSION OF SAUL

Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David.
For I will harm you no more, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Indeed I have played the fool and erred exceedingly.”

1 Samuel 26:21

1. “I have sinned”

2. “I have played the fool”

3. “And erred exceedingly”

E. CONCLUSION

1. Saul and his sons were in a battle against the Philistines

2. Saul committed suicide 1 Samuel 31:4

3. His sons died in battle 1 Samuel 31:6, 8

F. CHALLENGES FOR US TODAY

1. Commencing well

a) Faith in the Lord

b) Serving God

2. Changes in life

a) Success in life

b) Losing touch with God

c) Spiritual dryness

3. Challenges

a) To commence well

b) To continue to do well and keeping close to God

c) To conclude well

“To live is Christ and to die is gain”

Philippians 1:21