Key Scriptures:

• 1 Samuel 9:1-2,21
• 1 Samuel 10:20-23
• 1 Samuel 13:8-11
• 1 Samuel 18:8

Introduction:

Did you know that you can have all of the qualifications the world calls “the right stuff” and still struggle with insecurity? King Saul was from a wealthy family and was the tallest and best looking man in all of Israel. He had the look, the look of a king! Even though Saul had it all together on the outside he was broken on the inside. We all have inconsistencies and failures, many of which go unnoticed by those around us. However, when people who are in high profile positions make mistakes, everyone notices. The kings of Israel give us a front row seat to some king sized lessons. In this first lesson we will look at the life of King Saul. His life teaches us the lesson that insecurities can ruin our destiny.

Indicators of the Insecure

1. Insecure people blame their origins

(1 Samuel 9:21) - The prophet Samuel was directed by God to anoint Saul as king of Israel. Saul’s response to this amazing opportunity was “But I’m only from the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel, and my family is the least important of all the families of that tribe! Why are you talking like this to me?” We can dismiss our potential because of where we come from. Never let the enemy keep you from your destiny because of your past. Saul saw himself as nothing but God saw him as the hope of all of Israel. 

Question: Humility is a godly attitude. At what point does humility move from a right perspective of oneself to an unscriptural perspective. 

2. Insecure people miss opportunities 

(1 Samuel 10:20-23) - On the day Samuel would present him as king to the people of Israel, Saul’s insecurity forced him to hide among the baggage. This same lack of courage in us can result in a missed open door from the Lord. We doubt His calling in our lives and the anointing He has placed upon us. We must remember that God has called us to great works. Jesus said even greater works would be done through us (John 14:12).

Question: Fear is a spirit that will cause you to hide. The scriptures encourage us that God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). How does this scripture empower believers to step out in courage?

3. They Fear Abandonment 

(1 Samuel 13:8-11) - When Samuel was delayed in offering the sacrifice before a battle at Gilgal, Saul feared that his troops would abandon him. He took matters into his own hands and made the sacrifice himself. We can be insecure when we put too much weight on the approval of others. God wants us to put all of our trust in our relationship with Him. When we trust him completely it really doesn’t matter who decides to leave us in the battle, our hope is in the Lord!

Question: We all find it easier to stand for something when others stand with us. Can you share an experience when you had to make a stand and trust God when others were advising you to take matters into your own hands?

4. They are People Pleasers 

(1 Samuel 13:24) - God instructed Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and all that they had.  When his troops wanted to keep the best of the livestock, Saul decided to ignore the Lord’s command. When your aim is to always please people, you will inevitably disobey God. God is looking for unwavering obedience no matter who is watching. If your aim is to please people, you will ultimately disobey God.

Question: Why is it so easy to err on the side of pleasing people rather than pleasing God?

Saul’s insecurities lead him into envy and paranoia (1 Samuel 18:8-9). Rather than celebrating the success of a young David over Goliath, Saul allowed jealousy to take him down a path that would lead him to try and kill David. His continued insecurities resulted in his ultimate rejection by God.

Conclusion:

The life of Saul is an example to us of how insecurities can destroy our life and ministry. We can all fall victim to this device of the enemy. To have victory we need to remember these three important truths; 

First of all, remember God’s word about you. You are called, you are loved and you are chosen

Second you need to confidently know that He is with you and will never leave you. 

Third, you should always aim to please God first and foremost. As you live out this life of faith, do it for an audience of one, Jesus.