The Consequences of Disobedience | 1 Samuel 15:22

Are you striving for obedience or just saying you are?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 15. I've titled this chapter "The Consequences of Disobedience."

In Chapter 15, Samuel returns, but I must caution you: This is a chapter filled with disappointment. It concludes with God expressing regret over appointing Saul as king and Samuel vowing never to speak to King Saul again!

In light of this, here is the key verse of this chapter where Samuel says to King Saul:

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams." — 1 Samuel 15:22

This is easily one of Samuel's greatest quotes. He points out that you can either obey God or abuse God's sacrificial system. Followers had the right to make a sacrifice for their known sins, but this never gave them the right to be purposefully disobedient and abuse the system.

Throughout the Bible, believers are never given the right to abuse God's forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love. As Paul said in Romans 6:2, "Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!" God wants us to experience the complete faith and total joy of living a life of obedience by way of the Spirit. But we have to choose to listen and live in this life by obeying God and resisting sin.

If you have been unengaged in some elements of biblical faith or too lethargic in making an effort against sin, I want to encourage you not to abuse the sacrifice of Jesus. Engage and give an effort in obedience today. Experience the full joy and effort of living a life of faith.

#TrueObedience, #FaithOverRitual, #LivingFaithfully

Ask This:
In what areas of your life might you be substituting rituals or words for genuine obedience to God? How can you shift from merely talking about faith to actively living it out?
Reflect on a recent situation where you struggled with disobedience. How can you apply the principle of “obedience is better than sacrifice” to make a different choice next time?
Do This:
Struggle against disobedience and live in faith.

Pray This:
Lord, help me to move beyond mere words and rituals and truly embrace a life of obedience to You. Strengthen my resolve to align my actions with Your will and experience the full joy of living faithfully. Amen.

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