Sermon Title: Sometimes You Get What You Ask For

The Book of Samuel describes the transition from the judges' rule to the monarchy in Israel, continuing the account of conflicts with the Philistines begun in the Book of Judges. Samuel serves as the last judge and initiates kingship by anointing Saul and David (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:1, 13). During the Judges' era, Israel functions without central authority, unified by its covenant. The kingdom marks God's new way of leading through His chosen king, emphasizing God's selection of righteous leaders. Samuel is chosen by God for his faithfulness, unlike Eli's sons, who were rejected for their wrongdoing (1 Samuel 2:12-36 NASB).

I. BEING REJECTED IS NOT ALWAYS ABOUT YOU.

1 Samuel 8:1–8 “Now it came about, when Samuel was old, that he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba. His sons, however, did not walk in his ways but turned aside after dishonest gain, and they took bribes and perverted justice. Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah; and they said to him, “Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the matter was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being King over them. Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day—in that they have abandoned…”

A. Samuel is one of the most outstanding leaders a church, a nation, or organization would want, but he got rejected.

B. When you get rejected it is not always about you, but it is about the person or group that rejected you. It is about their own internal issues, but they blame you for why they are rejecting you. But they blame you for why they are rejecting you. It could be because you are too short, too big, live in the wrong zip code or you or you had the wrong color of skin.

C. Application: Are you frustrated because God has not granted you an important request? It may only be a matter of timing. Alternatively, it could be a demonstration of His goodness. We are not always the best judges of what we need. Only God knows that!

II. GOD UNDERSTANDS REJECTION BETTER THAN YOU DO.

1 Samuel 8:7–8 NASB 2020

And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being King over them. Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day—in that they have abandoned Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you as well.

A. God’s understands rejection better than anyone. So that means you can go to Him with your rejections and get comfort. God consoles Samuel. And He lets him know he understands Samuel rejection.

B. God is saying after ALL I’ve done for my people they still go after OTHER GODs. That is a serious indictment against His own people. We as Christians sometimes do the same things as well. God is always about obedience.

C. This message can help Christians understand that while God permits us to make our own choices, it is crucial to seek His guidance to avoid negative outcomes. It encourages believers to reflect on their own choices and recognize the importance of aligning decisions with God's will in their lives.

III. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR.

I Samuel 8:5 “5 They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”

A. Sometimes you get what you ask for so know what you are asking for before you ask for it because it maybe something you may regret.

B. They had a good leader in front of them, Samuel; but they wanted another King.

C. And God will allow you to make your own choice in how you live your life but it comes with a warning. Why? Isaiah 55:8-9 “8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

D. Application: This message can help Christians understand that while God permits us to make our own choices, it is crucial to seek His guidance to avoid negative outcomes. It encourages believers to reflect on their own choices and recognize the importance of aligning decisions with God's will in their lives.

E. Teaching: The sermon teaches that God respects our choices, even when they lead away from His perfect will. It highlights the significance of understanding both our freedom to choose and the responsibility that comes with it, urging listeners to consider the long-term impact of their decisions.

IV. SUMMARY.

It may seem like the tribal leaders were only acting responsibly. Yet there is a more disturbing motive. The problems were real but their solution betrayed a lack of confidence in God. They were motivated by an unhealthy desire to follow the pattern of “all the other nations”. God’s purpose lay in a different direction. He calls for Israel to be “set apart” from the nations (Lev. 20:26). For Israel, the Lord alone was to be their ruler and provider.

Even more sobering was the Lord’s decision to grant Israel’s request (v. 9). This was not like informed consent when the doctor proposes a treatment with risks and advises the patient of the possible consequences. God’s response was a mixture of prophecy and warning. Israel demands a king like all the other nations and that is exactly what they would get. Israel’s first king would prove to be a disaster, as would many who would follow after him.

Are you frustrated because God has not granted you an important request? It may only be a matter of timing. Or it could be a demonstration of His goodness. We are not always the best judges of what we need. Only God knows that!

Pray that you’ll trust the Lord’s judgment even in times of failure and discouragement, even when He seems to be silent when your requests are not granted.

If you are not a believer, who is your KING? Who do you worship? If it is not the true and living God, then you are worshiping an idol. The idol could be you. You could be your own God. That is a recipe for disaster. God is Holy, and He desires no other gods besides Him. If you choose to worship other gods, then you will receive the life that those gods provide. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life no man come to the Father but through me” (John 14:6 NASB

In light of all this, the most plausible outline divides the book into either seven or eight sections: either 1–3; 4–7; 8:1–11:14; 11:15–14:20; 15–16; 17:1–21:8; 21:9–22:21 or 1–3; 4–7; 8:1–11:14; 11:15–14:20; 15–16; 17:1–19:10; 19:11–21:8; 21:9–22:21.

G. K. Beale

Summary: In 1 Samuel 8:1-9, the Israelites demand a king, rejecting God as their leader. This passage illustrates the tension between divine sovereignty and human choice, emphasizing that while God allows us to make decisions, those choices come with consequences.

Application: This message can help Christians understand that while God permits us to make our own choices, it is crucial to seek His guidance to avoid negative outcomes. It encourages believers to reflect on their own choices and recognize the importance of aligning decisions with God's will in their lives.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God respects our choices, even when they lead away from His perfect will. It highlights the significance of understanding both our freedom to choose and the responsibility that comes with it, urging listeners to consider the long-term impact of their decisions.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the ultimate King. While Israel seeks an earthly king to rule them, believers find fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who reigns over hearts eternally. The desire for an earthly king foreshadows the coming of the true King who will lead with love and righteousness.

Big Idea: Our choices shape our destiny; while God respects our freedom, we must carefully discern the direction we choose, as it profoundly impacts our relationship with Him and our future.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider examining the socio-political context of ancient Israel demanding a king. Explore how this request reflects humanity's struggle with authority and governance. Logos can provide insights into historical commentary sections and linguistic studies around the term 'king' across various translations, which could enhance your understanding of how this narrative informs our view of leadership today.

1 Samuel 8:1-3

You could begin by examining Samuel's sons' failure as leaders, which prompted Israel's demand for a king. This situation illustrates how personal failures and poor leadership choices can deviate a community from God's path. It serves as a reminder that our leadership choices impact our relationship with God and others. Encouraging listeners to choose leaders based on godliness rather than personal gain ties into recognizing Christ as our ultimate leader, contrasting human failings with divine reliability.

1 Samuel 8:4-6

Perhaps you could discuss the elders' request for a king as a reflection of their desire to conform to worldly standards rather than God's righteousness. This point can highlight how societal pressures influence our decisions, urging believers to seek God's guidance rather than human approval. By pointing to Jesus as the counter-cultural King, we emphasize the importance of trusting in His leadership over societal norms.

1 Samuel 8:7-9

Maybe you could explore God's response to Israel's demand, focusing on how God honors our choices, even when they lead away from His ideal plans. This passage encourages believers to seek God's wisdom in decision-making. It reveals the heart of God, who respects human freedom yet desires a relationship where His guidance is sought. Pointing to Christ as the King whose reign we must choose daily helps bridge this understanding for practical application.

Summary: In 1 Samuel 8:1-9, the Israelites demand a king, rejecting God as their leader. This passage illustrates the tension between divine sovereignty and human choice, emphasizing that while God allows us to make decisions, those choices come with consequences.

Application: This message can help Christians understand that while God permits us to make our own choices, it is crucial to seek His guidance to avoid negative outcomes. It encourages believers to reflect on their own choices and recognize the importance of aligning decisions with God's will in their lives.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God respects our choices, even when they lead away from His perfect will. It highlights the significance of understanding both our freedom to choose and the responsibility that comes with it, urging listeners to consider the long-term impact of their decisions.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the ultimate King. While Israel seeks an earthly king to rule them, believers find fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who reigns over hearts eternally. The desire for an earthly king foreshadows the coming of the true King who will lead with love and righteousness.

Big Idea: Our choices shape our destiny; while God respects our freedom, we must carefully discern the direction we choose, as it profoundly impacts our relationship with Him and our future.

1 Samuel 8:1-3

You could begin by examining Samuel's sons' failure as leaders, which prompted Israel's demand for a king. This situation illustrates how personal failures and poor leadership choices can deviate a community from God's path. It serves as a reminder that our leadership choices impact our relationship with God and others. Encouraging listeners to choose leaders based on godliness rather than personal gain ties into recognizing Christ as our ultimate leader, contrasting human failings with divine reliability.

1 Samuel 8:4-6

Perhaps you could discuss the elders' request for a king as a reflection of their desire to conform to worldly standards rather than God's righteousness. This point can highlight how societal pressures influence our decisions, urging believers to seek God's guidance rather than human approval. By pointing to Jesus as the counter-cultural King, we emphasize the importance of trusting in His leadership over societal norms.

1 Samuel 8:7-9

Maybe you could explore God's response to Israel's demand, focusing on how God honors our choices, even when they lead away from His ideal plans. This passage encourages believers to seek God's wisdom in decision-making. It reveals the heart of God, who respects human freedom yet desires a relationship where His guidance is sought. Pointing to Christ as the King whose reign we must choose daily helps bridge this understanding for practical application.

So how are you going to live your life? God as your King or you and something else as your King?

If you want God as your King then pray this prayer: Lord Jesus, I choose you to be my King. Come live inside of my heart and fill me with your Holy Spirit. Forgive me of my sins and I give you control over my life and I remove any other kings that I have in my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Sermon Title: Sometimes You Get What You Ask For

Introduction

Conclusion

When Choices Shape Our Destiny

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 8:1-9

1. Failures Forge Our Paths

2. Conformity Compromises Convictions

3. Choices Challenge Divine Counsel

When Choices Shape Our Destiny

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 8:1-9

1. Failures Forge Our Paths

2. Conformity Compromises Convictions

3. Choices Challenge Divine Counsel