The Danger Of Substitutes

Transcripts for Dr. Wiersbe's sermons are forthcoming. Below is an outline of his message.

Samuel sent Saul to defeat the enemy, but the enemy defeated Saul.

Saul had a divine call from God, and he had a friend (Samuel) that was praying for him, but still he failed to obey God.

When Saul disobeyed God, he lost God’s blessing and presence.

Saul was the only person to blame for his failure.

Saul failed because he began to live on substitutes.

Five substitutes that ruined Saul’s life and could ruin ours.

• Saul substituted words for deeds.
  • Talking a big talk means nothing if we don’t actually do anything for God.
  • Everyone knew that Saul had not obeyed the commands of the Lord.
  • Our sins will always find us out.
• Saul substituted excuses for confessions.
  • People who give excuses refuse to accept responsibility.
  • Excuses erode our character.
• Saul substituted sacrifice for obedience.
  • God demands obedience.
  • We should never disobey God’s will even if disobedience would be more popular or seemingly safer.
  • God wants our whole heart.
• Saul substituted reputation for character.
  • Saul was more concerned about what the people thought than what God thought.
  • We will face God, not people, at the final judgment.
  • When we fear God, we do not need to fear people.
  • God’s approval is the only one we need.
• Saul substituted his will for God’s will.
  • Saul rejected the Word of God.
  • Everything we have comes from the Word of God.
  • Rejecting God’s will is rejecting His love.
  • Rebellion cost Saul his crown.

God saved us so that He could build character into our lives for His glory.

Don’t make substitutes for the work God has given you.

There is no substitute for Jesus Christ and Christian living.