1 Samuel 15
By Rev. Tom Shoger
In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul gave the prophet Samuel a list of excuses for his failure to obey a clear command of God. Samuel got straight to the heart of the matter in verse 22 when he said, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…” In essence, Samuel said Saul’s actions proved Saul’s heart was not right with God. You probably understand this truth that obedience proves the true status of one’s heart.
But how are you at applying it in your daily living? For example, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18). From this position of authority, Jesus issued a command to His disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). In other words, if by God’s grace you are a true believer in Jesus Christ, you are to replicate yourself by sharing the gospel of Christ with those you come into contact with on a daily basis. You are to pray for opportunities to be able to share the gospel. You are to pray for courage to be bold in sharing this life saving good news.
But the question is: Are you actively doing so? Do you actively share the good news of Jesus Christ with your family, neighbors, and acquaintances? Or, are you like Saul, giving a list of excuses instead? Think back and honestly answer this question: When was the last time I shared the gospel with someone? If you don’t know, then you are disobeying God’s clear command. Obedience proves your heart’s condition.
The Lord takes “great delight” in obedience that flows from a heart transformed by the gospel of grace. Pray for grace to freely obey His command to share the gospel.
By Rev. Tom Shoger
In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul gave the prophet Samuel a list of excuses for his failure to obey a clear command of God. Samuel got straight to the heart of the matter in verse 22 when he said, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…” In essence, Samuel said Saul’s actions proved Saul’s heart was not right with God. You probably understand this truth that obedience proves the true status of one’s heart.
But how are you at applying it in your daily living? For example, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18). From this position of authority, Jesus issued a command to His disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). In other words, if by God’s grace you are a true believer in Jesus Christ, you are to replicate yourself by sharing the gospel of Christ with those you come into contact with on a daily basis. You are to pray for opportunities to be able to share the gospel. You are to pray for courage to be bold in sharing this life saving good news.
But the question is: Are you actively doing so? Do you actively share the good news of Jesus Christ with your family, neighbors, and acquaintances? Or, are you like Saul, giving a list of excuses instead? Think back and honestly answer this question: When was the last time I shared the gospel with someone? If you don’t know, then you are disobeying God’s clear command. Obedience proves your heart’s condition.
The Lord takes “great delight” in obedience that flows from a heart transformed by the gospel of grace. Pray for grace to freely obey His command to share the gospel.