Bible Text: 1 Samuel 9-10 | Preacher: Rev. Dr. Lou Saldiveri | Series: Sunday Morning Worship | — Pastor Lou’s Notes —
Intro: As I was preparing this message for today, I became so overwhelmed by God’s incredible grace. In the book of Roman’s, Paul writes that, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31 b). The context of this statement is that we will be freely obedient to God and His Word by the power of the Holy Spirit. I would like to suggest that this concept is part of what true biblical success looks like.
In this passage, God gives us insights as to the necessary elements of true success.

1.
The Grace of God

1.
God desires Saul to succeed as King
2.
God knows Saul was naive and unprepared

1.
Saul had his good looks going for him
2.
Saul was not from the tribe of Judah
3.
God works with Saul
4.
God tells Samuel to anoint Saul

1.
He would deliver the people from the Philistines
2.
God gives Saul signs to encourage him
2.
The Wisdom of God 10:2-3

1.
If Saul would learn to submit to and obey God, God would help him solve problems
2.
Saul had control issues…..then we don’t permit God to work
3.
The Provision of God 10:3-4

1.
God will supply Saul’s need if he submitted to God
4.
The Guidance and Spiritual Power of God 10: 5-7

1.
Prophesying in the power of the Holy Spirit
2.
The Holy Spirit would equip Saul and empower him for his kingship
5.
The Worship of God

1.
Continued growth
2.
Deepening dependence
3.
Deepening relationship with God

Closing: I am afraid that too many times, we make the serious mistake that we can achieve success apart from God and His will. The Bible indicates that true biblical success means that we rely on God’s grace, God’s wisdom and guidance, God’s provision, and a continual growth in our love for Jesus Christ and others through prayer, worship, study of the Word, and submission to the Holy Spirit. So, where are we today? Do we think that we can achieve true success without God? Are there idols in our lives that might be pulling us away for seeking God and His will?