In Part 1 (see last week's message) we noticed how Israel was in crisis. The people had called for a king, and we saw:

1. THE DECLINE IN THE NATION THAT SAMUEL ENCOUNTERED

Rev Elliott brings us Part 2 of this study, and looks at:

2. THE DISCLOSURE THAT SAMUEL MADE

Notice that Samuel didn`t retort quickly - he took it to the Lord in prayer - that is good counsel for us when we face things in our lives.

i) The SUBSTANCE Of It

a) to tell them they can have a king - Samuel was probably amazed, but we don`t always hear from God what we want to hear.

b) to protest and tell them the kind of king they would have

ii) The SOURCE Of It

a) Primary source - God v 7
b) Secondary source - Samuel

iii) The SPECIFICS Of It

It was threefold and it concerned their:

a) children
b) possessions
c) servants

This king was not for GIVING but for TAKING! Contrast with God, Who delights to give.

iv) The SEVERITY Of It

There is such a thing as God letting us have our way to our own cost

3. THE DISREGARD SAMUEL WITNESSED

How it was:

i) Manifested v 19

ii) Aggravated v 20 - they wanted to be like the other nations.
Christians should not seek conformity with this world

iii) Handled - v21
Samuel went back to the Lord again to seek His Will.
He confided in God and was comforted in that he knew he was doing God's Will.

Got a crisis in our lives? We would do well to learn from Samuel in a crisis! Seek God's honour & Will - keep close to Him