1 Samuel 10:1-27 – God’s Will and Our Way

Jon Beck

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, December 28. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

1 Samuel 10:1-27

INTRO

  • Israel wanted a king for security—not submission (1 Sam. 8).
  • God providentially brought Saul to Samuel (1 Sam. 9).
  • Chapter 10 confirms Saul publicly and exposes Israel’s heart.

The Calling: Set Apart by God – vv. 1–8

  • Saul is anointed—God appoints and sets apart (v. 1).
  • God confirms His Word with specific signs (vv. 2–5).
  • God empowers by His Spirit for the task (v. 6).
  • The first test: trust, obey, and wait (vv. 7–8).

The Equipping: Empowered by God – vv. 9–16

  • God gives Saul “another heart” for service (v. 9).
  • God’s Word proves true—every sign comes to pass (vv. 9–13).
  • Saul keeps silent with his uncle—hesitation and caution surface (vv. 14–16).

The Revealing: Tested Before God’s People – vv. 17–27

  • Mizpah: a place of repentance and renewal (v. 17; 1 Sam. 7:5–13).
  • Samuel confronts Israel: “You have rejected your God” (vv. 18–19).
  • Lots display God’s sovereignty (vv. 20–24; Prov. 16:33).
  • Saul hides among the baggage—fear shows up early (v. 22).
  • The people respond with both loyalty and resistance (vv. 26–27).

The What Now

  • Rest in God’s sovereignty—He appoints, confirms, and accomplishes His purposes.
  • Don’t mistake the physical for the spiritual—God measures by His Word, not appearance.
  • Obedience is the key: trust, obey, and wait.

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