Arrogant is defined by the Webster-Merriam Dictionary as "an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions." It is the fulfillment of someone who is consumed with self centered pride that is the result of a disobedient and unteachable heart. This week's Explore the Bible Study: Arrogant, is a great study for the current climate in which we are living in the United States. Arrogance and pride are destroying our country because we don't understand the origin or the results of them. We are unwilling to look at the root cause. Samuel points out to King Saul today the root of pride and the results. I pray we will all learn from this vital conversation between Samuel and King Saul.

NOTE:  There is not a downloadable teaching plan this week and I have again changed the title of this weeks session. I hope the following commentary links, video suggestion, and discussion questions will help you present the very important session. Notice also that I have adjusted the title of the session again as well.

Primary Text: 1 Samuel 15: 7-30

Discussion Options Regarding the Subject of Arrogance:

• How does arrogance cause us to justify our actions?
• How does arrogance cause us to overlook others' actions?
• How does arrogance cause us to make decisions without ever seeking God’s advice?
• How does arrogance cause us to desire to seek praise that should be directed toward God?
• How does arrogance lead to disobedience?
• How does arrogance lead us to lie?
• How does arrogance lead us to manipulate others?
• How does arrogance lead us to justify “small sins” as appropriate?
• How does arrogance keep us from taking responsibility for our sins?
• Is there a difference between arrogance and pride?
• Would you agree with this quote from Andrew Murray? “Pride must die in you, or nothing of heaven can live in you.”

Commentary on 1 Samuel 15:

• Expositors Bible Commentary on Bible Hub
• Video Overview of 1 Samuel 15: ReConnect Sunday School

Video: Consider using as a part of your session


Map for Context: From Bible History Online


Discussion Question Options Based on the Biblical Text

1 Samuel 15:7-9

• Identify the compromises made by Saul. How were these expressions of arrogance?
• How is partial obedience an expression of arrogance?
• What would have been the harm in keeping the best animals and preserving the life of Agag?
• Why was it wrong?
• What makes settling for partial obedience so tempting? In what ways could a believer exclude the “best” from his or her obedience to God? (PSG, p. 65)

1 Samuel 15:10-30

• How did Saul respond when confronted with his sin? Did he display humility or arrogance? Did he ever “come clean” regarding his sin?
• How would you rate the way Samuel approached Saul and his sin? What could you learn from Samuel regarding talking to someone about their sin?
• What makes confronting someone about his or her disobedience a challenge? What risks are involved when confronting someone? What risks are involved when we don’t confront someone? (PSG p. 66)
• Why did God desire Saul’s obedience over his sacrifice? What were Saul’s motives for the sacrifice? Do you think he really intended to make a sacrifice with the animals before getting called out for his sin?
• Why does God desire our obedience over sacrifice?
• How do people today demonstrate that they believe sacrifice is more important than obedience? (i.e. giving money for missions without ever considering going on a mission trip.)
• Review your life, looking for areas of partial obedience. What actions do you need to take to complete your obedience to God? (PSG, p. 70)

Context for Chapters 13-14 (From the New American Commentary, Vol. 07: 1, 2 Samuel)

• Saul was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned over Israel forty-two years. (1 Samuel 13:1)
• From a secular standpoint Saul was ideally equipped to be king; he was regal in appearance, had a demonstrated capacity to protect Israel’s material interests by devising and executing successful military strategies, and enjoyed popular support. However, Saul and his kingship were fatally flawed and doomed to failure.
• The reason for Saul's failure was multi-faceted: (1) The king was a spiritual rebel against the Lord’s word; (2) Saul rejected the divine word which was expressed through active disobedience, and supplemented the divine word with additional authoritative instruction. 
• Saul established a pattern of disobedience and poor judgment from which he would not deviate. 
• As a result, his dynasty would cease upon his death.