OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE

OBEDIENCE IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 15:1-23

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 28:1-2, Proverbs 21:3, John 14:15, Isaiah 1:19-20, Hebrews 10:5-9

INTRODUCTION:
God places a high premium on obedience. In His kingdom, obedience is not optional—it is the evidence of trust, love, and spiritual maturity. Saul, though chosen by divine mandate, failed the test of total obedience when he compromised God’s clear instruction concerning the Amalekites. His excuse of religious sacrifice could not substitute for complete submission.

Many believers today still fall into the trap of thinking that service, offerings, or public display of spirituality can cover for disobedience in private. But God is not looking for performance—He is seeking obedience from the heart. Saul’s downfall was not merely a political error; it was a spiritual failure rooted in pride and self-deception.

This Bible study will expose the dangers of incomplete obedience, the importance of following divine instructions without deviation, and the consequences of spiritual rebellion. True worship begins with obedience.

1. GOD EXPECTS COMPLETE OBEDIENCE, NOT SELECTIVE COMPLIANCE
When God speaks, He means every word.

a) God’s instruction to Saul was specific and absolute (1 Samuel 15:1-3)
He was told to utterly destroy Amalek and leave nothing alive.

b) Saul obeyed partially by sparing Agag and the best livestock (1 Samuel 15:9)
Selective obedience is disobedience in God’s eyes.

c) Obedience reveals the depth of our trust in God
Partial fulfilment of divine commands exposes spiritual immaturity.

d) God does not adjust His standard to accommodate our preferences
He demands exact and faithful adherence to His word.

Biblical Example: Lot’s wife disobeyed a single instruction by looking back, and she became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).

2. DISOBEDIENCE IS DISGUISED WHEN JUSTIFIED BY RELIGIOUS REASONS
Sacrifices cannot excuse rebellion.

a) Saul claimed the animals were spared for sacrifice to God (1 Samuel 15:15)
Disobedience wrapped in religious language is still rebellion.

b) Samuel exposed the false justification and confronted Saul (1 Samuel 15:16-19)
God sees through all excuses and demands accountability.

c) God desires obedience more than ritual (1 Samuel 15:22)
To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

d) Obedience is the true measure of worship
No religious act can replace the heart that yields to God’s will.

Biblical Example: The Pharisees tithed meticulously but neglected justice and mercy, which Jesus rebuked (Matthew 23:23).

3. PRIDE AND SELF-GLORIFICATION HINDER TRUE OBEDIENCE
When self becomes the focus, obedience becomes corrupted.

a) Saul set up a monument for himself after disobeying (1 Samuel 15:12)
He was more concerned about his honour than God’s glory.

b) Pride makes leaders justify wrong and shift blame (1 Samuel 15:20-21)
Instead of repentance, Saul gave excuses and blamed the people.

c) Pride in leadership leads to spiritual blindness
Self-promotion always precedes divine demotion.

d) True obedience requires humility and surrender
A proud heart cannot fully obey God.

Biblical Example: King Uzziah became proud after success, entered the temple unlawfully, and was struck with leprosy (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

4. REBELLION IS EQUIVALENT TO WITCHCRAFT IN GOD’S EYES
God sees disobedience as spiritual treason.

a) Samuel compared rebellion to witchcraft and stubbornness to idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23)
These are strong spiritual charges that reveal the gravity of disobedience.

b) Rebellion invites demonic influence and spiritual confusion
When we resist God's authority, we open the door to deception.

c) Stubbornness closes the heart to correction
When a leader becomes unteachable, destruction is near.

d) Obedience aligns us with divine order; rebellion disconnects us from it
There is no neutral ground—you're either aligned or in defiance.

Biblical Example: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against Moses and were swallowed by the earth (Numbers 16:1-35).

5. DISOBEDIENCE LEADS TO DIVINE REJECTION AND LOSS OF DESTINY
God removes His covering from those who consistently defy Him.

a) God rejected Saul from being king over Israel (1 Samuel 15:26-28)
What began as a small act of defiance ended in the loss of kingship.

b) The kingdom was torn from Saul and given to another (1 Samuel 15:28)
Disobedience disqualifies, no matter how anointed or gifted a person may be.

c) Saul begged for honour before the people, not forgiveness before God (1 Samuel 15:30)
This shows his concern for appearance over repentance.

d) God values character over charisma
Sustainability in leadership comes through obedience, not just gifting.

Biblical Example: Eli’s sons defiled their office and God raised Samuel in their place (1 Samuel 2:27-36).

CONCLUSION:
Obedience is the foundation of spiritual authority and divine favour. God does not accept substitutes for obedience—sacrifice, talent, position, or charisma cannot replace a heart yielded to Him. Saul’s story is a timeless warning that incomplete obedience is full disobedience in God’s sight.

If we desire to walk in God’s blessing, we must choose total obedience. God is looking for leaders and believers who will say, "Yes, Lord" without hesitation. To obey is better than sacrifice—and to listen, better than offering.