WHO IS YOUR KING?

I Samuel 12:13-25

January 15, 2006

Pastor William Underwood

God never intended for Israel to have a king rule over them. He planned a Theocracy for them but they wanted a monarchy. They wanted to be like the other nations around them. They wanted it bad enough to disobey God. This same desire in the life of an individual will produce the same results. Please consider this problem with me.

I - The people's CHOICE - Vs. 13
A- DISREGARD for God's will.
1-Until now God had been their accepted Leader.
2-History proved God's superior care and protection.
3-Individuals do the same thing today.
B- DISOBEDIENCE to God's Word - (rebellion)
1-Samuel had warned them and he was even reluctant to approach God about a king.
2-They rejected God's love and refused His plan.
3-Galatians 6:7 "God cannot be mocked."
4-Ezekiel 18:20 "The soul that sins is the one that will die"
5-I Samuel 15:23 "Rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft."
C- DETERMINATION to be like "others"
1-We must not pattern after others even though they seem to prosper.
2-Christians are compromising with sin to be like others.

II - The Prophet's CONDEMNATION
A- The MESSAGE - vv. 14-15
1-It was a reminder of their sin.- vs. 14
2-It was a prediction for their future - vs. 15
B- The MIRACLE - vv. 17-18
1-Usually it did not rain from the end of April till October
2-The miracle made them realize that God is still in control.
C- The MEANING
1-It confirmed Samuel's integrity as God's prophet.
2-It indicated that God is still supreme.

III - The troubled CONSCIENCES - vs. 19
A- Their REQUEST
1-"Pray for us! We do not want to die!"
2-They were afraid to face God.
B- Their RECOGNITION
1-Their conscience was very much alive.
2-They confessed - "We have sinned"
a-They were trapped and could not deny it.
b-Confession without repentance is worthless.
C- Their REFUSAL
1-They were not sincere - just afraid.
a-Their religion was only outward and shallow.
b-As soon as the sun shines again they forgot their sin.
2-They confessed but refused to repent.
a-It did not change their plans.
b-They did not pray for themselves - they asked Samuel to pray for them
c-They did not ask Samuel to repent for them - they were only afraid to die.

IV - The Prophet's CONCERN
A- His WILLINGNESS
1- To pray - vs. 23a
a-He felt it was his responsibility.
b-His prayer did not change their minds.
2- To instruct - vs. 23b
a-His message was very clear.
b-Their indifference was condemned in God's Word.
B- His WARNING - vv. 24-25
1-Disobedience will produce destruction.
2-Judgment is certain.

"Now here is the king you have chosen." Is Jesus Christ the supreme ruler of your life? OR have you chosen the "Prince of this world'? God loves you and He wants to control your life and bless you. But He cannot do it without your permission.