DEPENDING ON OURSELVES WILL ALWAYS LEAD TO FAILURE. 

SCRIPTURE | 1 Samuel 13:6-14 

CENTRAL TRUTH 

Saul’s actions were rooted in fear and rebellion rather than honoring the Lord. Anything done in rebellion to God’s commands is considered sin—even actions that appear to be good on the outside. We can do all of the right things and still do them with sin in our hearts. 

KEY QUESTION 

WHY WAS SAUL’S SACRIFICE CONSIDERED DISOBEDIENCE? WHAT DOES THIS SHOW YOU ABOUT DOING GOOD THINGS FOR THE WRONG REASONS? 

KEEP IN MIND 

Students may wonder if some acts of disobedience are worse than others. For example, is letting profanity slip just as bad as stealing or cheating? First, even asking this question reveals something about our hearts: We tend to categorize sin. We compare one sin with another, ranking them in an effort to justify them. The reality is that all sin holds the same consequence: death (Rom. 6:23). Just one sin—even one we may consider minor—is enough to warrant our death and our need for salvation because all sin separates us from God. In this sense all disobedience to God is on equal ground. So, why do some sins feel worse than others? Because the effects and consequences in our daily lives may differ. 

APPLICATION 

HOW COULD YOUR OWN IMPATIENCE AND RUSHING AHEAD OF GOD AFFECT THOSE AROUND YOU? 

THE WIN 

FOR THE STUDENT: Culture often teaches our students that their decisions are theirs alone; it celebrates doing what makes them feel good, regardless of how their actions affect others. Students can realize that their decisions either help lead people toward Jesus or away from Him. 

FOR THE LEADER: Whether we like it or not, our decisions create ripple effects in the lives of our friends, family members, and the students we lead. In fact, our decision to disobey the Lord could even influence human history—an impact we may never see! This is a sobering reminder that what we do and say matters.