1 Samuel 11-15

• See Saul's trust in the Lord before he gets anointed king of Israel. He believes no one will get hurt as God delivers salvation (Chapter 11)

• Samuel gives thanks to the Lord for all the things He has done (12:7-13)

If you will fear the LORD and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God, it will be well.

-- 1Samuel 12:14

• Saul does not act within God's commands (13:9-14)

• It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few. (14:6) Is this the right attitude? God working for you rather than them working for God? Especially when Jonathan does not tell Saul.
• "Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul." (v7)
• Seems very self-centred.
• The Lord was still with Him though? (v15)
• Is Israel's plea not to kill Jonathan actually sinning against God? (v45)

• Saul disappoints God for not obeying (15:1-11)
• Built monument (v12) and didn't knew he did wrong (v13)
• Is Saul trying to find excuses to think he can decide or improve on God's commands through seizing stuff for God's offering (v20)

And 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 listen than the fat of rams.

-- 1Samuel 15:22

• God wants obedience, not acts like going to church pray or sing hymns when your heart is not there.
• Saul reveals his rebelling heart in v24, a reversal from his smart excuse in v20
• Denying God from the driver seat: He is separated in ruling God's people (v26)