1 Samuel 16

SAMUEL (1-9) to SAUL (9-15) to DAVID (16-END)

Samuel was near the end of his life and ministry at this point, but he still had lessons to learn. If you’re still here, there’s a reason. If you’re still here, you’ve not yet arrived.

LESSON #1 LEARN TO MOVE ON
~ God had rejected Saul as King
~ Samuel had a hard time separating his personal investment and his professional obligations
~ It is hard, when God wants something done in a different way or through a different person, it’s hard to move on because of personal attachments, investments
~ How long will you mourn? When will you be on your way?

LESSON #2 LEARN TO TRUST GOD
~ It seems somewhat strange that Samuel still needed to learn this lesson…but perhaps the older we doubt how much God can do through us. We have that verse about not looking down on someone b/c of their youth, the opposite is true also
~ His fear says a lot about Saul’s character and his prior repentance
~ Another example of wisdom where some would count it a lie
~ Samuel was scared of Saul. The people were scared of Samuel

LESSON #3 LEARN NOT TO MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES
~ He’s selecting a new King for the second time
~ He’s only done this once, so he tries to do it the same way
~ Only problem: It didn’t work too well the first time
~ Don’t judge a book by the cover

****13-14
1. Evidence of Holy Spirit in Old Testament
2. God is the ultimate cause, there are only two choices: light/darkness

LESSON #4 LEARN TO LET GO
~ Samuel then went to Ramah
~ We skim over that line, but think about it: He left everything unfinished. He left it all up to God
~ How will God bring this about?
~ When witnessing, don’t keep talking once the door of opportunity is closed
~ God will find a way