THE DANGER OF PARTIAL OBEDIENCE TO GOD
NOVEMBER 14, 2024
TEXT: 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 hearken than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
Today, we shall be looking at the dangers and repercussions associated with partial obedience to God’s commandments. In the passage from which our text is taken, there is a tragic story of a man who started out well with God but unfortunately lost his heritage and inheritance due to nothing other than disobedience.
Saul was instructed by God to go and destroy the Amalekites as a token of vengeance for attacking the Israelites when they came out of Egypt. Unfortunately, Saul felt he was wiser than God and decided to carry out the instructions in his own way. He preserved some of the animals for personal use under the guise that he wanted to offer them as sacrifices unto the LORD. Worse still, he preserved the life of Agag, the Amalekite king. This act of Saul greatly infuriated the LORD, who instantly sent His prophet Samuel to deliver the news of divine rejection to Saul.
Saul tried to make excuses for his disobedience, as most people typically do. He claimed he wanted to offer the animals as sacrifices unto God. Hearing this, one would unconsciously believe that Saul really had God’s interest at heart, not knowing that he was simply after his own selfish desires. However, he was sharply reprimanded by the prophet, who likened his sin to idolatry and witchcraft.
Full obedience to God’s command cannot be overemphasized. God always desires 100% commitment from you, if you desire to give Him anything. He does not like lukewarmness in carrying out His bidding. You either obey fully, or your partial obedience is tantamount to full disobedience in God’s sight.
WHY SHOULD WE STRIVE TO OBEY GOD COMPLETELY?
✅ Full obedience demonstrates our utmost respect for God’s sovereignty. It shows that we have full confidence in God, not leaning on our own understanding, but trusting that He will direct us in the way we should go. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
✅ It demonstrates our love for God. If we indeed love God, it wouldn’t be difficult to adhere to His laid-down rules. (John 14:15)
✅ It demonstrates our faith and unwavering commitment to God. (Hebrews 11:6)
✅ It glorifies God’s name. (Matthew 5:16)
TO BE CONTINUED ON SUNDAY
SEARCHLIGHT: Never rely on your human wisdom to handle God’s commands. Follow His specifications and laid-down rules to the letter.
PRAYERS: O God, help me not to rebel against Your commands, like King Saul, in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE READING: Amos 8 & 9, Obadiah, Mark 14
PST. MICHAEL OMOLE
