Lesson 7: Obedience 85
accomplishing his purposes, but we can be sure that his ways are
right and in our best interest.- Direct the class to read 1 Samuel 15:4–7 and to evaluate Saul’s
efforts to do what God had commanded. Allow a moment for
members to read. Then ask, What is your opinion of Saul at this
point in the story? Why? Discuss the answers. - Instruct the class to read verses 8–9 to discover the extent of Saul’s
obedience. Spend a few minutes discussing why Saul did not com-
pletely destroy the Amalekites as God had commanded. - Read aloud verses 10–12. Point out that the only other time the Bible
describes God as “grieved” or “regretting” was when he looked at
the rebellious people before the f lood recorded in Genesis 6. Refer
to the sidebar “Naham” in the Study Guide as you discuss God’s
regret. Ask, What did Samuel find when he went looking for Saul?
(see verse 12). - Before class, make two copies of 1 Samuel 15:13–23. On one high-
light the words spoken by Samuel (verses 14, 16a, 17–19, 22–23).
On the other highlight the words spoken by Saul (verses 13, 15,
16b, 20–21). Enlist two members to read the dialog between Samuel
and Saul (omitting the “Saul said” and “Samuel said” statements.)
Ask the narrators to read their parts as if Samuel and Saul were in
conversation. Encourage them to read their parts with feeling and
emotion. (A copy of this text is available in “Teaching Resource
Items” for this study at http://www.baptistwaypress.org)) - After the dramatic dialog, discuss the different views that Saul and
Samuel had toward what had happened. Ask, Why did they have
different views of the situation? Allow time for response. Suggest
that some who disobey God’s word today may not feel like they
have done anything wrong either. - Direct members to read verses 24–35 and to look for Saul’s response
to Samuel’s pronouncement. Ask, Was Saul’s repentance genuine or
driven by his desire to remain in power? Discuss. Ask, Is our repen-
tance always genuine?