Saul is described as receiving a new heart and prophesying. Does that mean that he was a saved man? No, he was not. In this sermon we explore what that means and why it matters.

Saul becomes Israel's king. He is "a king like the nations."

What does it mean that:

1. God gave Saul a new heart?

It's not the same as salvation v 9-11. How is the Hebrew word here used elswhere in OT?

Exodus 14:5 Pharaoh; Isaiah 11:8 Psalm 105:23-25. None of these are about salvation.

Rather, God gave Saul a mind capable od acting like a king. Nothing more.

2. That Saul Prophesied?

Prophesy = speaking the word of the Lord. But it does not = salvation. See Balaam in OT. Caiaphas John 11:49-52. Balaam cursing Israel, Caiaphas speaks against Jesus.

3. God's word always holds true even when the odds seeme to be against it (Saul's selection as king).

That's why God has Israel cast lots v20-24

4. How does God present Saul to Israel?

He makes it clear that he's giving them a king because they have rejected His kingship. v18-19

5. How does Saul respond to God selecting him as king?

Saul hides in the baggage v21-22; He keeps silent. v27

Saul doesn't want the job eventhough God has given him the ability to be a king.

6. How did Israel respond to Saul's selection?

The people at Mispah "Long live the king" v24.

But some "worthless men." "How can this man save us?" v19

Application.

Israel rejected God as their king and got a human king who could not save them.

The Lord is the only one who can save His people.