1. The Philistine threat (1-7)

Saul was king. He faced insurmountable odds, for the Philistine oppressors had the latest state-of-the-art military equipment and their army was as numerous as the sands of the sea. Saul was a man of great human ability; he had God's help and the support of all the people. He seemed to be humble, but this crisis revealed the human pride which led to his downfall. Saul's son, Jonathan, attacked a Philistine outpost, and the powerful Philistines assembled to fight Israel. The Israelites trembled in fear and Saul's untrained, ill-equipped army began to fall apart.

2. Saul's impatience (8-15)

Time was of the essence. Saul thought he had to attack or his army would run away. Samuel had told him to wait, but Saul couldn't wait. He offered the before-the-battle sacrifice himself. His impatience came from pride, and a lack of respect for the Lord's servant. Impatience is unbelief. God must look further for a man after his own heart.

Application: Lord, teach me to wait on you.
One Word: Trust God and wait on his time