1 00:00:00,450 --> 00:00:05,010 Speaker 1: Even so, every good tree produces good fruit, but the 2 00:00:05,050 --> 00:00:12,389 Speaker 1: corrupt tree produces evil fruit. Matthew 7, 17 Dear Lord, 3 00:00:13,470 --> 00:00:18,850 Speaker 1: without your guidance and grace, we are like trees without roots, 4 00:00:19,970 --> 00:00:24,090 Speaker 1: unable to bear good fruit. We ask for your divine 5 00:00:24,190 --> 00:00:30,490 Speaker 1: intervention in our hearts. Transform us from within. so that 6 00:00:30,590 --> 00:00:35,330 Speaker 1: we may become like good trees, rooted in your word 7 00:00:35,720 --> 00:00:40,120 Speaker 1: and love. Help us to bear fruit that reflects your 8 00:00:40,180 --> 00:00:46,159 Speaker 1: goodness and mercy. Cleanse us of any tendencies that lead 9 00:00:46,240 --> 00:00:50,589 Speaker 1: to bad fruit, and prune away the branches that do 10 00:00:50,670 --> 00:00:55,510 Speaker 1: not honor you. Give us the strength and wisdom to 11 00:00:55,570 --> 00:01:01,240 Speaker 1: live in accordance with your will. May our actions, words, 12 00:01:01,520 --> 00:01:06,839 Speaker 1: and thoughts be pleasing to you and a testament to 13 00:01:06,860 --> 00:01:12,600 Speaker 1: your greatness. Equip us with the courage to stand firm 14 00:01:12,860 --> 00:01:19,840 Speaker 1: in our faith, especially in challenging times. We trust in 15 00:01:19,900 --> 00:01:24,240 Speaker 1: your power to work through us, and we commit ourselves 16 00:01:24,300 --> 00:01:29,280 Speaker 1: to grow in your likeness every day. Thank you for 17 00:01:29,330 --> 00:01:35,080 Speaker 1: being our constant source of strength and inspiration. In Jesus' 18 00:01:35,140 --> 00:01:35,959 Speaker 1: name we pray. 19 00:01:37,940 --> 00:01:38,220 Speaker 2: Amen. 20 00:01:40,080 --> 00:01:43,330 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. This is the 21 00:01:43,410 --> 00:01:48,410 Speaker 1: Jesus Podcast. You're joining us for another story connecting the 22 00:01:48,470 --> 00:01:53,280 Speaker 1: Sermon on the Mount to other biblical sagas. Remain here 23 00:01:53,560 --> 00:01:59,750 Speaker 1: to be inspired and challenged. If this podcast blesses you, subscribe, 24 00:02:00,190 --> 00:02:05,560 Speaker 1: leave a review, and share it with a friend. Jesus 25 00:02:05,600 --> 00:02:09,579 Speaker 1: was drawing his sermon to a close. The words spoken 26 00:02:09,639 --> 00:02:13,560 Speaker 1: on the mount rang like heavenly trumpets in the hearts 27 00:02:13,600 --> 00:02:20,850 Speaker 1: of many. But would these truths translate to action? Would 28 00:02:20,870 --> 00:02:24,630 Speaker 1: the seed of God's word spring forth into vibrant fruit? 29 00:02:26,280 --> 00:02:32,700 Speaker 1: Only time will tell. Jesus, yearning for them to have genuine, 30 00:02:32,900 --> 00:02:33,980 Speaker 1: thriving faith. 31 00:02:34,750 --> 00:02:38,070 Speaker 3: Said, Beware of false prophets who come to you in 32 00:02:38,230 --> 00:02:42,290 Speaker 3: sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 33 00:02:43,010 --> 00:02:45,930 Speaker 4: You may ask, how do we know they are wolves? 34 00:02:46,610 --> 00:02:50,000 Speaker 3: How can one tell a false prophet from a genuine one? 35 00:02:51,080 --> 00:02:54,660 Speaker 2: I tell you, you will recognize them by their fruits. 36 00:02:55,430 --> 00:02:59,230 Speaker 3: Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 37 00:03:00,130 --> 00:03:02,710 Speaker 4: So, every healthy. 38 00:03:02,389 --> 00:03:08,669 Speaker 3: Tree bears good fruit, but the rotten, diseased tree bears 39 00:03:08,850 --> 00:03:12,790 Speaker 3: bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor 40 00:03:12,889 --> 00:03:17,070 Speaker 3: can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that 41 00:03:17,130 --> 00:03:21,169 Speaker 3: does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown 42 00:03:21,230 --> 00:03:21,970 Speaker 3: into the fire. 43 00:03:22,750 --> 00:03:26,420 Speaker 2: Thus, you will recognize them by their fruits. 44 00:03:32,320 --> 00:03:35,600 Speaker 5: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? 45 00:03:36,080 --> 00:03:39,640 Speaker 5: It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch 46 00:03:39,660 --> 00:03:44,530 Speaker 5: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology, which aligns your body, 47 00:03:44,710 --> 00:03:51,150 Speaker 5: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. G-Defy offers 48 00:03:51,270 --> 00:03:55,530 Speaker 5: soles and styles for any activity. plus two free orthotics. 49 00:03:56,130 --> 00:03:59,030 Speaker 5: Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on 50 00:03:59,050 --> 00:04:03,260 Speaker 5: the go, G-Defy shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your 51 00:04:03,280 --> 00:04:07,820 Speaker 5: feet crave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to unparalleled 52 00:04:07,880 --> 00:04:13,260 Speaker 5: support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit G-Defy.com 53 00:04:13,600 --> 00:04:16,450 Speaker 5: and get $ 20 off your order of $ 100 or more 54 00:04:16,850 --> 00:04:21,550 Speaker 5: with code PRAY. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with 55 00:04:21,630 --> 00:04:28,560 Speaker 5: G-Defy shoes. Visit G-D-E-F-Y dot com today. 56 00:04:31,760 --> 00:04:35,020 Speaker 6: There are many who claim to speak for God. Behind 57 00:04:35,080 --> 00:04:38,440 Speaker 6: thousands of podiums and pulpits are men and women who 58 00:04:38,500 --> 00:04:41,560 Speaker 6: proclaim to know the secrets of salvation and the power 59 00:04:41,580 --> 00:04:45,430 Speaker 6: of prophecy. Yet we also know that Jesus warned us 60 00:04:45,589 --> 00:04:50,130 Speaker 6: against false prophets, people who look the part. Yet, thanks 61 00:04:50,210 --> 00:04:52,570 Speaker 6: be to God that He gave us a test for 62 00:04:52,630 --> 00:04:55,390 Speaker 6: people who claim to speak the truth, the fruit of 63 00:04:55,430 --> 00:05:00,310 Speaker 6: their lives. This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan from Pray.com. 64 00:05:00,890 --> 00:05:03,920 Speaker 6: Join us as we continue our mini-series through the Sermon 65 00:05:03,960 --> 00:05:07,240 Speaker 6: on the Mount. We've been connecting biblical stories to the 66 00:05:07,279 --> 00:05:11,440 Speaker 6: gospel message of Jesus spoken on the Sermon on the Mount. Today, 67 00:05:11,940 --> 00:05:15,080 Speaker 6: we delve into a crucial teaching from Jesus' Sermon on 68 00:05:15,100 --> 00:05:20,330 Speaker 6: the Mount found in Matthew 7, verses 15-20. This passage 69 00:05:20,450 --> 00:05:24,510 Speaker 6: warns us about false prophets and the importance of discerning 70 00:05:24,650 --> 00:05:29,040 Speaker 6: true from false guidance by their fruits. We will connect 71 00:05:29,080 --> 00:05:31,900 Speaker 6: this teaching to the story of King Saul's failure in 72 00:05:31,900 --> 00:05:38,220 Speaker 6: 1 Samuel 13, verses 8-15, highlighting the consequences of disobedience 73 00:05:38,779 --> 00:05:42,280 Speaker 6: and the need for true obedience to God. Together, we'll 74 00:05:42,300 --> 00:05:47,060 Speaker 6: explore how to recognize genuine spiritual guidance and remain faithful 75 00:05:47,120 --> 00:05:48,120 Speaker 6: to God's commands. 76 00:05:51,710 --> 00:05:54,960 Speaker 1: The name of Israel became a stench to the Philistines. 77 00:05:56,380 --> 00:06:00,339 Speaker 1: Before Saul's army, the people of God were militiamen and 78 00:06:00,480 --> 00:06:05,340 Speaker 1: farmers with swords. Yet recent victories under their new king 79 00:06:05,900 --> 00:06:11,599 Speaker 1: had provoked the enemies of Israel. Their hatred was ignited. 80 00:06:12,660 --> 00:06:15,700 Speaker 1: In a matter of weeks, the Philistines amassed an army 81 00:06:15,760 --> 00:06:20,870 Speaker 1: of over 3,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen. to press up 82 00:06:20,930 --> 00:06:26,000 Speaker 1: against the nation of Israel. Their foot soldiers were like 83 00:06:26,040 --> 00:06:30,260 Speaker 1: the sand of the shore, too great to count. Their 84 00:06:30,300 --> 00:06:35,479 Speaker 1: presence was fierce, like a wild beast prowling at their door. 85 00:06:37,170 --> 00:06:40,510 Speaker 1: Panic began to settle into the hearts of people, and 86 00:06:40,550 --> 00:06:44,870 Speaker 1: the men who followed Saul doubted their ability to succeed 87 00:06:45,210 --> 00:06:50,850 Speaker 1: against such a vast army. The Philistines were wise tacticians, 88 00:06:51,730 --> 00:06:57,109 Speaker 1: not lacking in skill or strategy. Slowly, over the weeks, 89 00:06:57,890 --> 00:07:02,270 Speaker 1: they sent assassins to kill and kidnap the blacksmiths of Israel, 90 00:07:03,000 --> 00:07:07,000 Speaker 1: forcing the armies of Saul to carry farming tools, axes, 91 00:07:07,440 --> 00:07:14,140 Speaker 1: and daggers. They were reduced to militiamen again. Victory was 92 00:07:14,240 --> 00:07:19,020 Speaker 1: within reach. and the Philistines had not even begun the battle. 93 00:07:20,520 --> 00:07:24,260 Speaker 1: They came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east 94 00:07:24,360 --> 00:07:29,600 Speaker 1: of Beth-Avon. Messengers of Israel gazed upon the vast army. 95 00:07:30,600 --> 00:07:34,850 Speaker 1: They were like a swarm of locusts, prepared to devour 96 00:07:35,120 --> 00:07:41,770 Speaker 1: everything in their wake. Israel feared them, and they knew it. 97 00:07:43,030 --> 00:07:49,030 Speaker 1: Fear was their first weapon, Saul called the people to 98 00:07:49,110 --> 00:07:52,630 Speaker 1: join him at Gilgal, where he was ordained as king 99 00:07:52,830 --> 00:07:58,150 Speaker 1: before them. Samuel would make a sacrifice to God on 100 00:07:58,210 --> 00:08:02,210 Speaker 1: behalf of the people, and then Israel would descend into 101 00:08:02,250 --> 00:08:09,440 Speaker 1: battle against the Philistine horde. However, Saul's confidence began to 102 00:08:09,500 --> 00:08:12,980 Speaker 1: wane as he saw his army diminish by the day. 103 00:08:15,010 --> 00:08:19,350 Speaker 1: Men hid themselves like dogs in the caves and cisterns. 104 00:08:20,810 --> 00:08:24,290 Speaker 1: Other men had fled to Gad and Gilead with their families. 105 00:08:26,270 --> 00:08:30,960 Speaker 1: Saul marched up the hill towards Gilgal. He could sense 106 00:08:30,980 --> 00:08:35,540 Speaker 1: the men behind him trembling with fear. He knew it 107 00:08:36,040 --> 00:08:40,170 Speaker 1: was only a matter of time before they too left him. 108 00:08:43,340 --> 00:08:46,780 Speaker 1: When they arrived at Gilgal, Saul gathered the people and 109 00:08:46,900 --> 00:08:51,870 Speaker 1: lifted his arms. The sun's glare bounced off of his armor, 110 00:08:52,429 --> 00:08:57,770 Speaker 1: nearly blinding them. Saul stood tall, with an air of 111 00:08:57,870 --> 00:09:02,130 Speaker 1: confidence in his voice. He raised his sword high in 112 00:09:02,170 --> 00:09:03,970 Speaker 1: the air and shouted. 113 00:09:04,530 --> 00:09:08,329 Speaker 4: Men of Israel, do not fear the horde of Philistines 114 00:09:08,450 --> 00:09:11,870 Speaker 4: lurking at our borders. Samuel is coming to make a 115 00:09:11,929 --> 00:09:15,730 Speaker 4: sacrifice on our behalf. He will lead us in worship 116 00:09:15,770 --> 00:09:18,770 Speaker 4: to our God, and we will descend with the strength 117 00:09:18,830 --> 00:09:22,570 Speaker 4: of the Lord on our side. Believe in me as 118 00:09:22,590 --> 00:09:25,010 Speaker 4: your king. I shall deliver you. 119 00:09:25,550 --> 00:09:29,590 Speaker 1: The men listening perked up with hope. They were comforted 120 00:09:29,630 --> 00:09:34,510 Speaker 1: by their king's words and eagerly awaited Samuel's arrival to 121 00:09:34,570 --> 00:09:39,589 Speaker 1: make the sacrifice. Every hour spent away from the battle 122 00:09:40,210 --> 00:09:43,770 Speaker 1: was more time for the Philistines to gather strength and 123 00:09:43,790 --> 00:09:49,140 Speaker 1: for Israel to grow more fearful. Saul needed Samuel to 124 00:09:49,280 --> 00:09:53,460 Speaker 1: come quickly. He cared less for the sacrifice unto God 125 00:09:54,070 --> 00:09:58,849 Speaker 1: and more about what it would do for morale. However, 126 00:09:58,950 --> 00:10:04,760 Speaker 1: Samuel's donkey was nowhere on the horizon Seven days was 127 00:10:04,800 --> 00:10:08,750 Speaker 1: the appointed time for Samuel to arrive But it had 128 00:10:08,809 --> 00:10:11,550 Speaker 1: been a week and there was still no sign of 129 00:10:11,590 --> 00:10:16,190 Speaker 1: him on the road Saul paced the camp of his 130 00:10:16,250 --> 00:10:22,620 Speaker 1: soldiers growing concerned about their lack of passion Men began 131 00:10:22,660 --> 00:10:30,260 Speaker 1: to scatter and leave camp. Saul felt his control waning. Time, 132 00:10:31,280 --> 00:10:37,230 Speaker 1: not the Philistines, was becoming his true enemy. Each night 133 00:10:37,330 --> 00:10:42,570 Speaker 1: Saul gathered his men to strategize. However, he lost their ears. 134 00:10:43,809 --> 00:10:47,800 Speaker 1: More reports had come in from the Philistine army. More 135 00:10:47,860 --> 00:10:50,710 Speaker 1: men were being added to their numbers by the day, 136 00:10:51,690 --> 00:10:57,830 Speaker 1: and Saul was losing control of his men's hearts. The 137 00:10:57,910 --> 00:11:00,790 Speaker 1: sun had begun its descent over the horizon on the 138 00:11:00,830 --> 00:11:04,700 Speaker 1: seventh day, and Saul sat at the stone where he 139 00:11:04,740 --> 00:11:09,920 Speaker 1: was ordained as king. He remembered the lightning falling from 140 00:11:09,960 --> 00:11:14,990 Speaker 1: the sky and the people scattering in fear. From the 141 00:11:15,050 --> 00:11:19,750 Speaker 1: very beginning, Saul felt out of control. Even his own 142 00:11:19,830 --> 00:11:25,410 Speaker 1: coronation had been interrupted. Now, on the eve of his 143 00:11:25,530 --> 00:11:32,770 Speaker 1: greatest battle yet, Samuel was absent. Saul felt a surge 144 00:11:32,820 --> 00:11:35,180 Speaker 1: of paranoia well up from within him. 145 00:11:35,960 --> 00:11:39,040 Speaker 4: The people will leave me. They need to know that 146 00:11:39,080 --> 00:11:42,110 Speaker 4: the Lord is on my side. They need to know 147 00:11:42,150 --> 00:11:45,770 Speaker 4: that I am just as anointed and blessed as Samuel. 148 00:11:46,510 --> 00:11:51,110 Speaker 1: Saul measured the sun's distance from the horizon. He only 149 00:11:51,210 --> 00:11:55,840 Speaker 1: had an hour left before nightfall. The king stood to 150 00:11:55,880 --> 00:12:01,260 Speaker 1: his feet, his heart racing and his hands sweating. His 151 00:12:01,540 --> 00:12:04,620 Speaker 1: eyes darted over to the altar where Samuel would make 152 00:12:04,660 --> 00:12:10,800 Speaker 1: the sacrifices to God. Samuel was the appointed prophet of Israel. 153 00:12:11,610 --> 00:12:16,710 Speaker 1: and chosen by God to represent them. However, he was 154 00:12:16,770 --> 00:12:23,270 Speaker 1: not there, and Saul needed his men to trust him. So, 155 00:12:24,230 --> 00:12:30,490 Speaker 1: out of paranoia and distrust in God's providence, Saul sent 156 00:12:30,710 --> 00:12:31,350 Speaker 1: for an animal. 157 00:12:32,110 --> 00:12:35,090 Speaker 4: Bring me the burnt offerings and the peace offerings. 158 00:12:35,770 --> 00:12:39,370 Speaker 1: The servants were perplexed, but they did as they were told. 159 00:12:41,050 --> 00:12:45,800 Speaker 1: Saul gathered the people together at the altar. He cleaned, prepared, 160 00:12:46,200 --> 00:12:50,860 Speaker 1: and made the sacrifice before them. He had the violent 161 00:12:50,920 --> 00:12:55,260 Speaker 1: and savage touch of a soldier. He butchered the animal 162 00:12:55,500 --> 00:12:57,420 Speaker 1: without delicacy or grace. 163 00:12:59,080 --> 00:13:00,340 Speaker 2: The beautiful and. 164 00:13:00,420 --> 00:13:05,089 Speaker 1: Honorable practice of burnt offerings was reduced to a frantic 165 00:13:05,370 --> 00:13:10,940 Speaker 1: act of paranoia. Saul's voice lifted up to the heavens 166 00:13:11,040 --> 00:13:16,190 Speaker 1: with vain and repetitious platitudes as the burnt offerings ascended 167 00:13:16,550 --> 00:13:22,250 Speaker 1: in smoke to the sky. Saul could feel the people's 168 00:13:22,330 --> 00:13:28,189 Speaker 1: anxiety lifting as they saw their king worship. All he 169 00:13:28,290 --> 00:13:32,890 Speaker 1: wanted was for their approval. For years he had been 170 00:13:32,970 --> 00:13:37,700 Speaker 1: seeking the praise they gave him during his coronation. He 171 00:13:37,820 --> 00:13:47,819 Speaker 1: longed He craved their approval. Samuel ascended the hill of Gilgal. 172 00:13:49,160 --> 00:13:53,510 Speaker 1: He looked to the horizon. The sun had begun its descent, 173 00:13:54,429 --> 00:13:57,310 Speaker 1: and he was pleased that he had arrived before the 174 00:13:57,350 --> 00:14:02,929 Speaker 1: seventh day was over. Samuel's old legs made their way 175 00:14:03,050 --> 00:14:09,250 Speaker 1: up the hills. He meticulously moved forward. avoiding the holes 176 00:14:09,350 --> 00:14:16,429 Speaker 1: and rocks along the way. Samuel was a patient man, unhurried, 177 00:14:17,130 --> 00:14:23,160 Speaker 1: and attuned to the peaceful rhythms of God. He reached 178 00:14:23,200 --> 00:14:28,140 Speaker 1: the encampment of Gilgal. Winded from his long journey, Samuel 179 00:14:28,200 --> 00:14:32,760 Speaker 1: paused and scanned the area. Most of the men had 180 00:14:32,820 --> 00:14:36,170 Speaker 1: left their sites and gathered at the camp's edge near 181 00:14:36,210 --> 00:14:41,290 Speaker 1: the altar. He heard chants and prayers being lifted to 182 00:14:41,330 --> 00:14:47,220 Speaker 1: the Lord. Samuel walked closer, afraid of what he was 183 00:14:47,250 --> 00:14:52,260 Speaker 1: going to find. Smoke rose to the heavens at the 184 00:14:52,340 --> 00:14:57,360 Speaker 1: center of the crowd. As he approached the group, Samuel 185 00:14:57,420 --> 00:15:02,540 Speaker 1: saw Saul at the altar amidst the sacrifice. He was 186 00:15:02,640 --> 00:15:07,350 Speaker 1: smiling ear to ear, basking in the praise of the people. 187 00:15:09,020 --> 00:15:14,240 Speaker 1: Samuel's blood boiled with righteous anger. It was not Saul's 188 00:15:14,320 --> 00:15:17,510 Speaker 1: place to make a sacrifice on behalf of the people. 189 00:15:19,170 --> 00:15:23,050 Speaker 1: He had overstepped and disgraced the practices of the priesthood 190 00:15:23,450 --> 00:15:28,870 Speaker 1: with his vain worship. The sun was setting, and the 191 00:15:28,910 --> 00:15:32,760 Speaker 1: people made their way back to their tents. They left 192 00:15:32,800 --> 00:15:36,980 Speaker 1: with smiles on their faces, reassured that the Lord was 193 00:15:37,120 --> 00:15:43,360 Speaker 1: on Saul's side. However, Samuel knew the real heart of God. 194 00:15:45,000 --> 00:15:49,420 Speaker 1: He leaned underneath a cypress tree, waiting for Saul to approach. 195 00:15:52,320 --> 00:15:55,720 Speaker 1: Saul watched the people retreat for the night. He was 196 00:15:55,820 --> 00:16:01,180 Speaker 1: pleased with his ability to comfort them. The flames continued 197 00:16:01,220 --> 00:16:04,800 Speaker 1: to rise on the altar. He wiped the blood off 198 00:16:04,840 --> 00:16:08,280 Speaker 1: his hands and rested the filthy rag on the altar. 199 00:16:08,770 --> 00:16:14,150 Speaker 1: knocking over some coals onto the floor. The rag burned immediately, 200 00:16:14,910 --> 00:16:20,630 Speaker 1: and the burning red coals turned cool. He turned and 201 00:16:20,670 --> 00:16:27,700 Speaker 1: saw Samuel leaning against the tree with his arms folded. Saul, 202 00:16:28,390 --> 00:16:31,000 Speaker 1: being caught up in the delusion that he was the 203 00:16:31,060 --> 00:16:36,120 Speaker 1: priest of the Lord, approached Samuel with a priestly greeting. 204 00:16:37,040 --> 00:16:40,970 Speaker 4: Ha, ha, ha, ha! Samuel, the Lord bless you and 205 00:16:41,030 --> 00:16:41,489 Speaker 4: keep you. 206 00:16:42,170 --> 00:16:46,710 Speaker 1: His blessing was a counterfeit greeting. It was as empty 207 00:16:46,850 --> 00:16:50,990 Speaker 1: and meaningless as the sacrifice he had just made on 208 00:16:51,030 --> 00:16:58,260 Speaker 1: the altar. Samuel peered at him silently. Yes, God warned them. 209 00:16:58,280 --> 00:17:03,700 Speaker 1: A prideful king for a prideful nation. Saul placed his 210 00:17:03,740 --> 00:17:07,740 Speaker 1: hand on Samuel's shoulder, but it was quickly batted away. 211 00:17:08,890 --> 00:17:13,260 Speaker 1: Samuel stood up straight. Although Saul was a head taller 212 00:17:13,300 --> 00:17:17,520 Speaker 1: than Samuel, the priest's presence seemed to loom. 213 00:17:17,460 --> 00:17:20,600 Speaker 2: Over the king. What have you done, Saul? 214 00:17:21,400 --> 00:17:26,619 Speaker 4: Oh, you mean the sacrifice? The people were losing heart, Samuel. 215 00:17:27,359 --> 00:17:30,140 Speaker 4: They were scattering from me and retreating to the hills 216 00:17:30,180 --> 00:17:33,180 Speaker 4: for safety. And you had not come when you said 217 00:17:33,220 --> 00:17:35,770 Speaker 4: you would. So I took action. 218 00:17:36,590 --> 00:17:41,030 Speaker 1: Saul paused to look for validation from Samuel, yet he 219 00:17:41,109 --> 00:17:46,369 Speaker 1: received none. Growing nervous, Saul continued to ramble. 220 00:17:47,650 --> 00:17:51,189 Speaker 4: The Philistines have mustered a large army at Michmash. The 221 00:17:51,250 --> 00:17:54,590 Speaker 4: choice was set before me as king. I could march 222 00:17:54,650 --> 00:17:58,270 Speaker 4: down without the favor of God, or I could lead 223 00:17:58,350 --> 00:18:01,050 Speaker 4: the people to the altar of the Lord and make 224 00:18:01,070 --> 00:18:07,399 Speaker 4: an offering. Naturally, I chose to honor God. I forced 225 00:18:07,480 --> 00:18:14,100 Speaker 4: myself to take on the role of priest. Forced yourself? Yes, Samuel. 226 00:18:14,880 --> 00:18:18,020 Speaker 4: I would have preferred you to arrive sooner so you 227 00:18:18,060 --> 00:18:22,179 Speaker 4: could perform the sacrifice. However, I had to do what 228 00:18:22,270 --> 00:18:22,870 Speaker 4: I had to do. 229 00:18:23,430 --> 00:18:27,350 Speaker 2: You are a fool! You have disregarded the command of 230 00:18:27,390 --> 00:18:33,110 Speaker 2: the Lord your God! Saul, your kingdom would have been 231 00:18:33,130 --> 00:18:37,520 Speaker 2: established I had the chance to see the glory and 232 00:18:37,600 --> 00:18:41,920 Speaker 2: mercy of God bless your hands. But now your kingdom 233 00:18:41,960 --> 00:18:42,900 Speaker 2: shall not continue. 234 00:18:43,920 --> 00:18:47,679 Speaker 4: But Samuel, these are my people. They are my. 235 00:18:48,460 --> 00:18:55,340 Speaker 2: They are God's people, Saul. Not yours. The Lord has 236 00:18:55,400 --> 00:18:59,159 Speaker 2: sought out another to replace you. A man who is 237 00:18:59,300 --> 00:19:03,940 Speaker 2: after his own heart. He has sought out a man... 238 00:19:04,280 --> 00:19:08,000 Speaker 2: Who cares more about pleasing the heart of Yahweh than 239 00:19:08,040 --> 00:19:12,709 Speaker 2: looking for the approval of man? This king shall be 240 00:19:12,750 --> 00:19:17,609 Speaker 2: a prince over the Lord's people. He shall steward God's 241 00:19:17,690 --> 00:19:23,070 Speaker 2: people well. And it will be his kingdom that continues 242 00:19:23,770 --> 00:19:24,550 Speaker 2: into eternity. 243 00:19:25,250 --> 00:19:31,680 Speaker 1: Saul stood silently, looking down at Samuel. His words rang 244 00:19:31,740 --> 00:19:36,209 Speaker 1: in his ears. He looked back at the altar. The 245 00:19:36,250 --> 00:19:40,720 Speaker 1: flames had dissipated, and the wood had split and fallen 246 00:19:40,960 --> 00:19:46,330 Speaker 1: off the edge. Before Saul could ask for forgiveness or 247 00:19:46,350 --> 00:19:53,210 Speaker 1: give a defense of himself, Samuel departed. All the empty 248 00:19:53,290 --> 00:19:58,280 Speaker 1: words Saul desired to give him would remain in his mouth. 249 00:19:59,840 --> 00:20:06,060 Speaker 1: The priest had left. The people were ignorant of Samuel's 250 00:20:06,119 --> 00:20:11,010 Speaker 1: words to Saul. They did not know that the Lord 251 00:20:11,050 --> 00:20:17,110 Speaker 1: had turned his face from him. However, Saul knew. He 252 00:20:17,190 --> 00:20:23,800 Speaker 1: knew his days as king were numbered. Yet, he would 253 00:20:23,859 --> 00:20:27,800 Speaker 1: hold on to the throne for as long as he 254 00:20:28,000 --> 00:20:28,940 Speaker 1: possibly could. 255 00:20:34,619 --> 00:20:37,250 Speaker 6: They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they 256 00:20:37,290 --> 00:20:41,030 Speaker 6: are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. 257 00:20:41,530 --> 00:20:46,170 Speaker 6: Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Likewise, 258 00:20:46,390 --> 00:20:49,830 Speaker 6: every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree 259 00:20:50,070 --> 00:20:53,800 Speaker 6: bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, 260 00:20:54,230 --> 00:20:57,680 Speaker 6: and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree 261 00:20:57,720 --> 00:21:00,280 Speaker 6: that does not bear good fruit is cut down and 262 00:21:00,340 --> 00:21:04,070 Speaker 6: thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit, you will 263 00:21:04,109 --> 00:21:08,270 Speaker 6: recognize them. Jesus warns us to be vigilant against false 264 00:21:08,350 --> 00:21:13,410 Speaker 6: prophets who appear righteous but are inwardly corrupt. He emphasizes 265 00:21:13,470 --> 00:21:16,970 Speaker 6: that we can recognize them by their fruits, their actions, 266 00:21:17,130 --> 00:21:21,460 Speaker 6: and the outcomes of their lives and teachings. True prophets 267 00:21:21,640 --> 00:21:26,619 Speaker 6: and genuine spiritual leaders will produce good fruit, reflecting God's 268 00:21:26,680 --> 00:21:31,230 Speaker 6: character and leading others towards righteousness. The story of King 269 00:21:31,290 --> 00:21:37,950 Speaker 6: Saul's failure in 1 Samuel 13 8-15 provides a powerful 270 00:21:38,030 --> 00:21:42,350 Speaker 6: illustration of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of 271 00:21:42,550 --> 00:21:46,389 Speaker 6: true obedience to God. Saul was instructed by the prophet 272 00:21:46,430 --> 00:21:49,409 Speaker 6: Samuel to wait seven days at Gilgal for Samuel to 273 00:21:49,470 --> 00:21:53,510 Speaker 6: come and offer sacrifices to seek God's favor before going 274 00:21:53,550 --> 00:21:57,610 Speaker 6: into battle with the Philistines. Saul's impatience and his lack 275 00:21:57,650 --> 00:22:01,389 Speaker 6: of faith led him to disobey God's command. Instead of 276 00:22:01,450 --> 00:22:04,180 Speaker 6: waiting for Samuel, He took matters into his own hands 277 00:22:04,540 --> 00:22:09,520 Speaker 6: and offered the sacrifices himself. This act of disobedience revealed 278 00:22:09,660 --> 00:22:12,919 Speaker 6: Saul's lack of trust in God and his failure to 279 00:22:12,980 --> 00:22:17,409 Speaker 6: adhere to divine instructions. Saul took the place of a priest, 280 00:22:18,050 --> 00:22:21,270 Speaker 6: but in reality he was a false priest. He cared 281 00:22:21,330 --> 00:22:23,750 Speaker 6: more about his own image than he did about performing 282 00:22:23,790 --> 00:22:28,450 Speaker 6: the will and the righteousness of God. False prophets are performative. 283 00:22:29,070 --> 00:22:31,689 Speaker 6: They care more about the appearance of holiness than they 284 00:22:31,730 --> 00:22:35,369 Speaker 6: do about the silent, secret moments of obedience and trust 285 00:22:35,790 --> 00:22:40,500 Speaker 6: in God Most High. True spiritual leaders will emphasize obedience 286 00:22:40,540 --> 00:22:45,399 Speaker 6: to God's commands. Saul's failure highlights the importance of complete 287 00:22:45,480 --> 00:22:50,800 Speaker 6: obedience rather than partial or conditional compliance. Genuine guidance will 288 00:22:50,900 --> 00:22:54,119 Speaker 6: always align with God's Word and will lead us towards 289 00:22:54,280 --> 00:22:58,330 Speaker 6: greater faithfulness to Him. Saul's impatience and failure to wait 290 00:22:58,369 --> 00:23:02,119 Speaker 6: for Samuel illustrate the need for patience and trust in 291 00:23:02,220 --> 00:23:07,379 Speaker 6: God's timing. True spiritual leaders demonstrate faith in God's plans 292 00:23:07,960 --> 00:23:12,390 Speaker 6: and do not take shortcuts that compromise their obedience. Trusting 293 00:23:12,430 --> 00:23:15,630 Speaker 6: in God's timing requires us to have faith that He 294 00:23:15,690 --> 00:23:18,950 Speaker 6: knows the best course of action, even when it challenges 295 00:23:19,050 --> 00:23:23,600 Speaker 6: our understanding. Jesus teaches that we will recognize true prophets 296 00:23:23,680 --> 00:23:27,440 Speaker 6: by their fruits, their actions, and the outcomes of their teachings. 297 00:23:28,060 --> 00:23:35,800 Speaker 6: Good fruit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, 298 00:23:36,320 --> 00:23:40,550 Speaker 6: and self-control. Leaders who exhibit these qualities and lead others 299 00:23:40,609 --> 00:23:44,830 Speaker 6: to do the same are reflecting God's character. Observing the 300 00:23:44,890 --> 00:23:48,870 Speaker 6: consistent behavior and teachings of a leader over time helps 301 00:23:48,970 --> 00:23:54,169 Speaker 6: us to discern their authenticity. True spiritual leaders exhibit humility 302 00:23:54,510 --> 00:23:58,280 Speaker 6: and a willingness to repent when they fall short. Saul's 303 00:23:58,340 --> 00:24:03,119 Speaker 6: attempt to justify his disobedience contrasts with David's heartfelt repentance 304 00:24:03,359 --> 00:24:07,060 Speaker 6: when confronted with his own sins. Humility and repentance are 305 00:24:07,140 --> 00:24:09,879 Speaker 6: signs of a heart that is truly seeking after God. 306 00:24:10,640 --> 00:24:14,940 Speaker 6: Leaders who acknowledge their mistakes and seek forgiveness demonstrate their 307 00:24:15,020 --> 00:24:19,420 Speaker 6: genuine commitment to God's ways. How can we discern true 308 00:24:19,480 --> 00:24:24,670 Speaker 6: and godly leadership without being overly judgmental or paranoid? Lord 309 00:24:24,730 --> 00:24:27,710 Speaker 6: knows that there are plenty of people online who continually 310 00:24:27,790 --> 00:24:31,170 Speaker 6: judge every little failure by a public figure, and this 311 00:24:31,430 --> 00:24:34,970 Speaker 6: isn't a healthy practice. We don't want to be sin-sniffers, 312 00:24:35,430 --> 00:24:39,459 Speaker 6: always looking for flaws in others, like hound dogs. However, 313 00:24:39,859 --> 00:24:43,200 Speaker 6: we do want to practice discernment so we and those 314 00:24:43,240 --> 00:24:48,020 Speaker 6: we love aren't led astray. First, we must evaluate leadership 315 00:24:48,220 --> 00:24:51,890 Speaker 6: by its fruit. Assess the actions and teachings of spiritual 316 00:24:51,930 --> 00:24:54,800 Speaker 6: leaders by the way in which their mission honors Jesus. 317 00:24:55,640 --> 00:25:00,300 Speaker 6: Look for evidence of obedience, patience, good fruit, humility, and 318 00:25:00,660 --> 00:25:04,179 Speaker 6: consistency with Scripture. Is this person extending a hand to 319 00:25:04,220 --> 00:25:08,320 Speaker 6: the poor? Do they make disciples of Jesus or of themselves? 320 00:25:09,040 --> 00:25:12,920 Speaker 6: How do they treat their families? Second, understand that true 321 00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:16,310 Speaker 6: obedience is more pleasing to God than any outward show 322 00:25:16,350 --> 00:25:22,090 Speaker 6: of religiosity. Prioritizing obedience means aligning our actions and decisions 323 00:25:22,210 --> 00:25:25,350 Speaker 6: with God's will and being willing to follow His guidance 324 00:25:25,810 --> 00:25:29,190 Speaker 6: even when it challenges us. A godly leader will often 325 00:25:29,300 --> 00:25:33,180 Speaker 6: swim upstream from culture. Beware of a leader who never 326 00:25:33,240 --> 00:25:37,320 Speaker 6: receives criticism from popular culture and looks exactly like the 327 00:25:37,400 --> 00:25:42,720 Speaker 6: rich and famous. Lastly, is God glorified or is man glorified? 328 00:25:43,619 --> 00:25:48,040 Speaker 6: It's simple, really. Whose name is being proclaimed? whose mission 329 00:25:48,220 --> 00:25:51,979 Speaker 6: is being accomplished, whose kingdom is being built. As we 330 00:25:52,050 --> 00:25:57,250 Speaker 6: reflect on Jesus' words in Matthew 7, verses 15-20, and 331 00:25:57,290 --> 00:26:00,609 Speaker 6: the story of King Saul's failure, let us be reminded 332 00:26:00,670 --> 00:26:05,449 Speaker 6: of the importance of recognizing true and false guidance. May 333 00:26:05,490 --> 00:26:09,290 Speaker 6: we strive to obey God fully, to practice patience, and 334 00:26:09,430 --> 00:26:12,720 Speaker 6: to cultivate good fruit in our lives. Let us pray 335 00:26:12,780 --> 00:26:15,720 Speaker 6: for the grace and the wisdom to be true citizens 336 00:26:15,760 --> 00:26:19,580 Speaker 6: of heaven. discerning and following the true path that leads 337 00:26:19,619 --> 00:26:23,740 Speaker 6: to life. Thanks again for listening to the Jesus Podcast. 338 00:26:24,280 --> 00:26:27,080 Speaker 6: Take a moment to follow this podcast on whatever platform 339 00:26:27,100 --> 00:26:31,439 Speaker 6: you're listening on. If you're interested in more daily prayers, devotionals, 340 00:26:31,800 --> 00:26:35,940 Speaker 6: and resources to enrich your faith, download the Pray.com app today.