Rise of a Kingdom: #10 Pastor Phil Congdon

The King, the Witch, and the End
1 Samuel 28 and 31

Like a tragedy unveiling slow-motion, the end of Saul’s kingdom is here. He has disobeyed God, the Spirit is gone, and he has killed the priests. In utter desperation, he turns to a medium for help, and gets more than he bargained for!

How did we get here? About 20 years before…
· Saul disobeys God’s command (15:7-9)
· God rejects Saul as king of Israel (15:22-23)
· David is anointed Israel’s next king (16)
· Saul hates and tries to kill David (17-26)
· Philistines take the battle to Israel…
Saul Visits a Medium at En-dor (28)
· Samuel appears to the witch and Saul


What does this show about Saul?
He’s ‘hit the bottom’ spiritually!

· Was it really Samuel who appeared?
Some say no…I say yes.

· What was Samuel’s message to Saul?
“See you here – tomorrow!”

The End of Saul…and his kingdom (31)
Saul and his sons killed; Israel defeated
The death of Saul


Final Lessons from the ‘Rise of a Kingdom’
· Disobeying God always has consequences!
Pursue holiness!

· If you want to hear from God, don’t listen to the world!
Make time for God’s Word! Read…meditate…memorize!

· To get right with God…examine your heart. That’s what He sees!

Search me, O God, and know my heart… Ps 139:23

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