Saul the Warrior

Saul the Warrior by Jennifer Tolbert

God has a special plan for Israel. This plan set them apart from the nations around them. Even though God warned the people of Israel that an earthly king would come with consequences, they insisted on having one. God gave them King Saul. However, King Saul was not a strong leader. 
Key Themes:

1. Integrity is standing up for what is right even if your standing alone.
   
2. We need to follow God's plan. 
3. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. 

Memory Verse

I John 5:3a
“This is love for God: to obey His commands.”

Songs

Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E.
He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands
​Hear, O Israel
Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
My God is so Big
There is a Flag that Flies in the Castle of My Heart
Who's the King of the Jungle
​Trust and Obey

Story

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
 
Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. A Recipe for Disaster
Bring a recipe and its ingredients, as well as other silly ingredients that are not in the recipe. Talk to the children about adding things not required by the recipe, or leaving out things that are required. Discuss the results. (Source: Apologetics Press)

2. Playing with Fire Object Lesson

• Supplies: Lighter or Matches
• Demonstrate how the lighter or matches work. Discuss how it could be used for good (light a grill, birthday candles, etc.) SAY: Are you allowed to play with matches or lighters at home? What could happen if you do not follow the rules? 
• Fire can be used for very good things, such as cooking food or keeping warm. But if it is not used correctly, it can quickly get out of control and cause a lot of damage or hurt someone. This is where rules are important. Rules keep us safe. In today's story, God gave Saul rules or directions. However, Saul believed he knew better than God. He tried to bend the rules to do what he wanted to do. 
• Note: For older kids, you may want to discuss bending rules vs. breaking rules. 

3. Excuses Bee
Have an “excuses bee.” Children stand in a line. One at a time, the children must make an excuse people might say for doing something wrong (Example: I disobeyed my mum because I didn’t hear her.) If any child cannot think of an excuse, they sit down. The answers might get silly, but so do excuses. (From MissionBibleClass.org) 


Story: ​In this story, King Saul goes into battle against the Amalekites. God gives Saul a few very clear directions about what he is to do after he wins the battle. Saul disobeys God and then tries to justify his actions instead of admitting he disobeyed. This story reveals that Saul lacked the courage and faith to lead the Israelites in a way that pleases God. God rejects him as king. 

SHOW the power point King Saul Attacks the Amalekites or read 1 Samuel 15:1-35.
EMPHASIZE that:

• God wants us to obey Him. 
• We need to have the courage to do what is right. 
• God needs strong leaders in His church. 

Visual Aids

Video: The Rise and Fall of Saul by The Biggest Story

Video: King Saul and the Battle of Against the Ammonites (a good video if you want to tell the story of another incident with Saul) 

Video: King Saul by Trueway Kids

God is...

Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc. ​

Activities

King Saul Happy vs. Sad Puppets by Danielle's Place

I Obey God Wheel on Etsy

Listening Ears Craft from Mama Jenn