May 11, 2025

Torn Robes and Rejected Kings

Passage: 1 Samuel 15:1–35

Sermon Title: Torn Robes and Rejected Kings
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 15


1. Key Scriptures:

  • 1 Samuel 15:1–35

  • Exodus 17:8–16

  • Deuteronomy 25:17–19

  • Psalm 51:16–17

  • Hosea 6:6

  • Micah 6:6–8

  • Romans 5:19

  • Hebrews 5:8

  • Philippians 2:8

  • Matthew 7:21–23

  • John 14:15

  • Revelation 19:11–16

  • Jude 24–25 (benediction)


2. Sermon Flow & Takeaways:

I. The Command of the Lord (1 Samuel 15:1–3)
God calls Saul to execute His long-awaited judgment on Amalek. The command is clear: total obedience, not selective morality.

  • Justice delayed is not justice denied—God keeps His promises, both in mercy and in judgment.

  • God doesn’t ask for understanding before obedience—He asks for trust.

II. The Partial Obedience of Saul (1 Samuel 15:4–9)
Saul spares King Agag and the best of the livestock, keeping what is desirable while destroying what is worthless.

  • Partial obedience is not obedience. It’s rebellion dressed as religion.

  • You can’t obey God on your own terms and still call it faith.

III. God’s Grief and Samuel’s Confrontation (1 Samuel 15:10–23)
God grieves Saul’s disobedience. Samuel confronts him, exposing his excuses and revealing that obedience is better than sacrifice.

  • God is not impressed by religious performance—He desires a surrendered heart.

  • Rebellion isn’t just bad behavior; it’s cosmic treason.

  • You can build altars and still lose the kingdom if your heart is far from God.

IV. The Tearing of the Kingdom (1 Samuel 15:24–31)
Saul confesses—but it’s shallow. He fears losing face more than he fears God. The kingdom is torn from him as a symbol of God’s rejection.

  • You can confess sin and still cling to pride. Real repentance lets go of reputation.

  • God will not share His glory with a man who builds monuments to himself.

V. The Death of Agag and the Sorrow of Samuel (1 Samuel 15:32–35)
Samuel finishes what Saul would not: executing Agag. Then he departs from Saul and mourns. God’s judgment is final, yet it grieves His servants.

  • Sin leaves what sentimentality spares.

  • It is better to grieve with God than to reign without Him.


3. Primary Sources (cited):

  • Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible

  • Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel (New American Commentary)

  • Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

  • Eugene H. Merrill, The Bible Knowledge Commentary

  • Various Reformed and Puritan reflections via exposition


4. Additional Resources:

  • “Obedience Over Sacrifice” – Article by Kevin DeYoung

  • “Why God’s Justice Is Good News” – Podcast by Alistair Begg

  • “Grace for Partial Obeyers” – Devotional by Paul Tripp

  • “The Danger of Selective Faith” – Sermon clip by John Piper