Thru the Bible 2026, LESSON #14 Samuel and Saul, the importance of listening to God

This lesson from the lives of Samuel and Saul focuses on the importance of listening to God and the consequences of ignoring Him. From an early age, Samuel learned to recognize and obey God’s voice, even when it was difficult. His life demonstrates steady faithfulness, humility, and obedience over time.

In contrast, Saul’s life shows what happens when a person repeatedly chooses not to listen to God. Though he began with great promise, his impatience, fear of others, and tendency to justify his actions led to spiritual failure and ultimately a tragic end.

The lesson emphasizes that listening to God is essential for living the life we were created for. God speaks through His Word, and we are called to respond with trust and obedience. When we fail to listen, we often try to control outcomes, justify our choices, or manipulate situations, all of which lead us away from God’s best.

Ultimately, this lesson reminds us that we each have a choice: to live like Samuel, listening and obeying, or like Saul, doing what seems right in our own eyes. The results of that choice shape the direction of our lives.

You can learn from these materials, use them as is, or modify, shorten, add to or do with them whatever you want with my encouragement and blessings. The only limitation is that you cannot modify and sell them as your own—though you are encouraged to freely share them.

This 2026 UPDATED content now includes:

Everything you need to teach the lessons is available here as a free, editable download that you can modify however you want, use parts of it however you want:

·        The original PowerPoint presentation you see on the video

·        Notes, which are a virtual transcript of the Lesson

·        Discussion Guide—this is NEW for 2026 and is a great resource that contains a lesson summary, icebreaker question, discussion questions, application suggestions and finally a closing prayer

·        The original video and audio file, that are both advertisement-free.

You can freely download, modify, and use them without attribution or credit of any kind to Bible805 or Yvon Prehn.

Check out the video below to preview the lesson.

May the Lord give you wisdom and strength, joy and peace as you learn His Word, share His Word, and grow disciples.