Group Check-in

1. What was the best part of your week?
2. What was the most difficult part of your week?

What’s 1 Samuel 15 About?

1 Samuel 15 is one of the most sobering chapters in the book. God gives Saul a clear command: to completely destroy the Amalekites and everything they have. This was not a random order—it was a judgment for their centuries-old cruelty toward Israel. But Saul partially obeys. He spares King Agag and keeps the best of the livestock, claiming he intended to offer them as a sacrifice.

When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he did obey. But Samuel’s famous words cut through the excuse: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” God isn’t impressed by religious gestures when the heart is disobedient. Saul’s partial obedience is really disobedience, and it reveals a deeper issue—he fears people more than he fears God.

As a result, God rejects Saul as king. This isn’t just about one mistake—it’s a pattern. Saul refuses to take responsibility. He shifts blame. He’s more concerned with appearances than repentance. Even when he admits fault, it’s so Samuel will honor him in front of the people.

This chapter shows us how serious obedience is to God. He’s not looking for partial devotion or halfway hearts. He’s looking for people who will listen, trust, and follow fully.

It’s also a reminder that true repentance isn’t about saving face—it’s about surrendering our will. Saul lost the throne not because God was harsh, but because Saul’s heart had grown hard. God is gracious, but He’s also holy. When we hear His voice, may we respond not with delay or excuses, but with a heart that says, ‘Yes, Lord.’

Key Verse

“To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” — 1 Samuel 15:22

SOAP for the Week

Passage: 1 Samuel 15:10–23

Ice-Breakers

1. Have you ever tried to cover up a mistake with a good excuse?
2. What’s something you’ve done ‘your own way’ that didn’t go as planned?
3. What do you think is harder: doing what’s right or admitting when you haven’t?

Group Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think Saul chose to partially obey instead of follow God’s full command?
2. What’s the danger in obeying ‘most of the way’?
3. How do Saul’s excuses and image management show up in our lives today?
4. What’s the difference between regret and repentance in this story?
5. Why is God more concerned with our heart posture than our outward sacrifices?
6. What’s one area in your life where you need to stop justifying and start obeying?

Practical Takeaway

God desires full obedience, not just religious performance. What we offer doesn’t replace what He asked for—He wants our heart, not our excuses.

Prayer

God, forgive us for the times we’ve obeyed halfway or justified disobedience. We want to honor You fully. Help us to trust Your commands, surrender our pride, and walk in complete obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.