How can we apply Saul's story to strengthen our relationship with God today? Seeking an Answer and Finding Silence 1 Samuel 28:6 – “He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.” • Saul’s long pattern of selective obedience (1 Samuel 13:8-14; 15:22-23) had finally borne its fruit: heaven’s quiet. • Isaiah 59:2 reminds us that unresolved sin “has hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.” • Application: – Keep short accounts with God; confess promptly (1 John 1:9). – Refuse to let any area of disobedience linger; small compromises grow into walls of silence. Repentance, Not Religious Tools • Saul still possessed the ephod, dreams, and prophetic office, yet none worked. • Psalm 51:17 – “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.” • Application: – Spiritual methods never replace a repentant heart. – When Scripture convicts, respond with brokenness, not more activity. Cultivating Daily Obedience Before the Crisis • Saul waited until panic struck; David in contrast “inquired of the LORD” habitually (1 Samuel 23:2, 4; 30:8). • Proverbs 1:24-28 warns that ignoring wisdom in calm times leads to distress in calamity. • Application: – Develop the reflex of seeking God in ordinary decisions. – Small, daily steps of obedience train the ear to recognize His voice (John 10:27). Guarding a Tender Heart • Hebrews 3:7-13 links ongoing unbelief with a hardened heart that stops hearing God. • Psalm 66:18 – “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” • Application: – Invite the Spirit to search motives (Psalm 139:23-24). – Stay sensitive by quick forgiveness, regular Scripture intake, and fellowship with believers who speak truth. Living in Confident, Responsive Fellowship • James 1:22-25 calls us to be “doers of the word,” promising blessing to the one who acts. • When we respond promptly, God’s guidance becomes clearer and our relationship deepens. • Application summary: – Confess known sin immediately. – Seek God early, not merely in emergencies. – Value repentance over rituals. – Practice daily obedience to keep the communication line open. |
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