OUR OBEDIENCE TO GOD MUST BE COMPLETE. 

SCRIPTURE | 1 Samuel 15:1-3,7-9,10-15,22-23 

CENTRAL TRUTH 

God never asked for pieces of us; He commands our total surrender. And He doesn’t ask us for anything Jesus hasn’t already modeled. When we give God only what we view as worthless or what we don’t want, we show Him that He is worthless and unwanted in our lives. 

KEY QUESTION 

WHY DO WE HOLD ON TO THINGS GOD HAS COMMANDED US TO DESTROY? 

KEEP IN MIND 

Like Saul, students often only partially give things over to the Lord. In a sense, they try to live in two worlds—one where God refines them to become more like Jesus and one where they become more like the world. Their hearts are torn between sin and God’s desires for them. Like us, they keep some of their idols because of pride, fear, or lack of faith. But the things God commands us to destroy are the very things that will one day perish. We can remind students to trust that His ways for us are better than the sin and idols we’re protecting. 

APPLICATION 

IN WHAT AREAS OF YOUR LIFE ARE YOU JUSTIFYING DISOBEDIENCE? HOW CAN YOU SEEK ACCOUNTABILITY? 

THE WIN 

FOR THE STUDENT: Instead of justifying their sin, students can be thankful when the Holy Spirit points it out. He may convict them internally, or He may use someone else to hold them accountable. We can remind them to be grateful if they have someone doing this in love! It’s God’s kindness drawing them to repentance. If they don’t have this, students can seek out a trusted and godly person to lovingly tell them when they’re slipping. 

FOR THE LEADER: Even as leaders, we still need accountability; it isn’t just for our students. This week, consider who is holding you accountable. If you don’t have anyone to do this for you, pray about seeking someone to fill that void. Be open to godly advice and accountability and recognize it as God’s kindness to you.