1. God gives Saul a mission (1-9)

The Amalekites had taken advantage of God's people when they were most vulnerable (Dt 25:17-19). God called Saul to be his instrument of judgment to punish them. He wanted to test Saul and train him for leadership. Saul started well, but when the time came to carry out God's hard commands, he interpreted them in his own way; he listened to his soldiers and compromised.

2. To obey is better than sacrifice (10-35)

The Lord was grieved that he had made Saul king. While Samuel cried out all night to the Lord, Saul went to Carmel to erect a monument to himself. When Samuel confronted Saul (17,18), Saul was full of excuses. He did not repent. He said he wanted to offer a sacrifice to God. But God does not want such sacrifices; he wants obedience. Disobedience is rebellion and comes from arrogance (22,23).

Application: Lord, remove pride and rebelliousness from my heart and teach me to obey you absolutely.
One Word: To obey is better than sacrifice