EPISODE 0029 | Three Kings - Lessons From Saul
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0029
God granted Israel’s request for an earthly king with Saul, a man who seemed to fit all the outward qualifications. Though he led a powerful deliverance, his reign also revealed the dangers of being a leader after man's own heart. In today’s episode, Pastor Stephen explores the life of Saul, offering valuable lessons on leadership—how to both fail and succeed.
If Saul was here today, he might give us insight on how to handle leadership more effectively.
How to fail as a leader
1. Obey some of God’s Commands
God expects total obedience, not partial obedience with excuses. When God ordered Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites, including their livestock, Saul spared their king and some of the choice animals. Saul then lied to Samuel, saying the livestock would be used for a sacrifice.
2. Resent anyone who disagree with you
Saul repeatedly ignore Godly counsel, eventually resenting those who questioned or disagreed with him. He began to surround himself with only those who would agree with him.
3. Blame Others
Saul not only failed God, he failed the people he was leading by deflecting the blame to them.
4. Live for the applause of people
Saul became jealous of David because the people were celebrating what he had done, instead of rejoicing the fact that their mission was a success. When we care more about people’s opinion of us than God’s favor, we are in trouble.
How to succeed as a leader
1. Obey all of God’s commandments
We can be sure that every good and faithful act of obedience we take as leaders (and every step we lead others to take as they follow us) will be seen and rewarded by him.
2. Celebrate Diversity
We can intentionally surround ourselves with people courageous enough to question or oppose us when we are wrong. We can welcome others’ new ideas, diverse viewpoints, and unique perspectives as invitations to sharpen one another like iron
Proverbs 11:14: Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisors.
3. Take responsibility
Be receptive to feedback and correction and own your mistakes! The bible tells us that the wise seek correction, correction is not rejection!
Proverbs 10:17 People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.
4. Live for the applause of God
It is often said that “The people’s capacity to achieve is determined by their leader’s ability to empower.” Saul did not empower David as God’s chosen successor. This hurt Israel, David, and Saul himself. We can’t allow insecurity and jealousy to hurt our work in the Kingdom.
Saul's jealousy of David blinded Saul to what God had already given him. When we compare ourselves with others, we become resentful. We want what they have instead of using what God has equipped us with for our own specific mission.
RESOURCES:
Honest To God • 365-Days Of Personal Devotion™ By Stephen Martin
Honest To God is a 365-Day Personal Devotional designed to help you grow closer to God each day through intentional personal devotion that prioritizes worship, Bible study, prayer, and community By following this simple but powerful template, you will grow closer to God and His plan for your life.
