The Story | Has Your Leader Failed? | Chapter 10
Blurred gray and white background.
November 10, 2024
The Story | Has Your Leader Failed? | Chapter 10

Beginnings: How God Got Things Started, A Chosen People.

The first human king of Israel was a flop. Saul had loads of promise, but he never learned to keep his eyes on God. God was a duty to Saul, not a friend, which meant Saul was always thinking of himself, what people thought of him, and what he needed to look good.


Expert fire inspectors can tell what started a fire even after it has been put out. They do the forensic work to prevent future fires. As we sort through the ashes of Saul’s life, stay alert to God’s cautions about your life and leadership. 

 

Listen to an audio version of the message

 

Songs for this week: Spotify

Chapter 10: 1 Samuel 13:5-15

  1. Who would be three leaders that you admire most? Explain your choices.
  2. Why would God revoke the kingdom from Saul just for offering some sacrifices?
  3. Why is being afraid of what other people think so crippling for humans and so dangerous for Christians?
  4. Is there an area in your life—such as forgiveness, money, or relationships—where you may not be fully obeying God and feel you’re exempt from obeying Him?
  5. What does your ‘kingdom’ feel like these days? Ask those closest to you about the qualities they see at the core of how you live and lead.
  6. Jesus came announcing the Kingdom of God. Describe the Kingdom of God that Jesus brings. What matters most in that Kingdom? What matters least? Does this align with your life? 
Share with a friend

Recent Sermons

October 25, 2026
Isaiah 25:1-9 - Isaiah’s images announce God’s hope in an anxious time: God loves us, is trustworthy, and will right every wrong and renew the world, including us.
October 18, 2026
Isaiah 5:1-2-Isaiah’s vivid images of a world-changing event on a rock invite us to dream of a new way to settle disagreements and disputes.
October 11, 2026
Isaiah 1:15-20-Join us for "Unshakeable," a new sermon series exploring the epic images God gave His people in Isaiah. We begin with a call to repentance.
October 4, 2026
1 Samuel 24:1-22 - David chose inconvenience and risk when he could have chosen an easier life. Jesus calls us to do the same—to “Go!” even when it costs us, because sometimes our inconvenience helps someone else find Life.
September 27, 2026
2 Samuel 24:18-25-After his second colossal failure, David refused to cheap out on his sacrifice. See how God used his obedience to end a plague and build the Temple.
September 20, 2026
1 Samuel 23:14-18-Using the life of David, we’re taking four weeks to look at four essential practices that Christians have devoted themselves to for two thousand years: Gather, Grow, Give and Go. These practices are what Jesus has always called his church to do. This week we’re talking about growing … together.
All Sermons