How can we ensure we "follow the LORD" as urged in 1 Samuel 12:25? Setting the Scene 1 Samuel 12:25 closes Samuel’s farewell message with a sober warning: “But if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away.” The verse reminds us that following the LORD is not optional; it is the dividing line between blessing and ruin. What It Means to “Follow the LORD” • Whole-hearted loyalty—no divided allegiances (1 Kings 18:21). • Obedience to His revealed commands (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). • Personal relationship, walking in step with His voice (John 10:27). • Perseverance—continuing, not merely starting (Luke 9:23). Practical Steps for Daily Faithfulness • Cultivate reverent awe “Fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart” (1 Samuel 12:24). • Remember His works “Consider what great things He has done for you” (12:24). Keep a written record of answered prayers and providences. • Stay in Scripture “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Schedule unhurried reading; meditate, don’t skim. • Pray for guidance “Make Your ways known to me, O LORD.” (Psalm 25:4-5) Ask specifically for strength to obey what you read. • Choose righteous company “He who walks with the wise will become wise.” (Proverbs 13:20) Gather with believers who spur you on to holiness. • Serve actively Genuine service cements loyalty (1 Samuel 12:24; James 2:17). Look for concrete ways to bless others. • Confess and turn quickly When sin surfaces, own it (1 John 1:9). Quick repentance keeps the heart soft. • Guard the mind “Whatever is true…think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8) Filter media and conversations through this grid. Guardrails Against Drifting • Regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Accountability partner or small group (Hebrews 3:13). • Weekly Lord’s Day worship—reset of priorities (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Fasting when spiritual dullness creeps in (Matthew 6:16-18). • Memorizing key verses to combat temptation (Psalm 119:11). Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Joshua 24:15 — A deliberate choice each day. • Psalm 23:1-3 — The Shepherd leads and restores. • Micah 6:8 — Clear marching orders: act justly, love mercy, walk humbly. • John 14:21 — Love proves itself in obedience, and obedience brings deeper revelation of Christ. • Galatians 6:9 — Persistence will reap a harvest in due time. Key Takeaways • Following the LORD is an all-of-life commitment grounded in holy fear and grateful love. • Intentional habits—Word, prayer, fellowship, service—keep us on course. • Immediate repentance and sturdy guardrails prevent spiritual drift. • The warning of 1 Samuel 12:25 is real, but so is the promise of blessing when we remain steadfast (1 Samuel 12:14). |
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