Redeemed Church Fellowship - Bible Studies

2025-02-27 - Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice： 1 Samuel 15 [vsXoUjfI-Ds]

·1 hr·5 clips

How does a pastor respond when an atheist uses the Amalekite genocide to challenge God's goodness?

The episode is a live Bible study at Redeemed Church Fellowship, hosted by Salvador Flores III. It continues a series on 1 Samuel, specifically chapter 15, titled 'Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice.' Flores opens with prayer and a recap of King Saul's developing flaws and Jonathan's faithfulness. He reads 1 Samuel 15:1-3, where God commands Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites as judgment for their past attacks on Israel. Flores addresses a common skeptical argument about God commanding genocide, mentioning atheist Alex O'Connor and debates with figures like Jordan Peterson. He encourages trust in God's character rather than trying to justify every biblical detail. The study moves through Saul's partial obedience: he gathers an army, warns the Kenites, but spares King Agag and the best livestock. Flores analyzes Saul's delay and excuses, linking it to procrastination and spiritual blindness. Samuel confronts Saul, who blames his soldiers and argues he obeyed. Flores highlights key verses, such as 1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel says obedience is better than sacrifice, explaining this contrasts with using works for righteousness. He discusses rebellion and stubbornness as sins akin to witchcraft and idolatry. Saul's plea for honor among men is contrasted with God's rejection of his kingship. Flores connects this to modern hypocrisy, mentioning the Pharisees and Donald Trump's statue. The episode ends with Samuel executing Agag, mourning for Saul, and a call for repentance and obedience. Flores closes with prayer for those struggling with disobedience.

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