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:
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1 Samuel 15:1–35
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Exodus 17:8–16
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Deuteronomy 25:17–19
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Psalm 51:16–17
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Hosea 6:6
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Micah 6:6–8
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Romans 5:19
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Hebrews 5:8
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Philippians 2:8
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Matthew 7:21–23
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John 14:15
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Revelation 19:11–16
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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.
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Justice delayed is not justice denied—God keeps His promises, both in mercy and in judgment.
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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.
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Partial obedience is not obedience. It’s rebellion dressed as religion.
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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.
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God is not impressed by religious performance—He desires a surrendered heart.
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Rebellion isn’t just bad behavior; it’s cosmic treason.
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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.
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You can confess sin and still cling to pride. Real repentance lets go of reputation.
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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.
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Sin leaves what sentimentality spares.
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It is better to grieve with God than to reign without Him.
3. Primary Sources (cited):
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Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel (New American Commentary)
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Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
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Eugene H. Merrill, The Bible Knowledge Commentary
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Various Reformed and Puritan reflections via exposition
4. Additional Resources:
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“Obedience Over Sacrifice” – Article by Kevin DeYoung
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“Why God’s Justice Is Good News” – Podcast by Alistair Begg
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“Grace for Partial Obeyers” – Devotional by Paul Tripp
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“The Danger of Selective Faith” – Sermon clip by John Piper