Who Wants a King?

The people wanted a King. They didn't like being "different." 

They wanted to fit in with the ungodly cultures around them (1 Samuel 8:6-7). 

Samuel explained it wasn't God's will for them to have a king, and they'd give up many of their freedoms if they had one. 

"But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No!' they said. 'We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations..." (8:19-20). 

The people thought their request was reasonable: Samuel's sons weren't worthy to lead (as if God couldn't raise up a worthy prophet). And a king would help them win wars (as if God's help wasn't enough).

The people wanted conformity more than they wanted God (8:6-9). 

We do the same when we refuse to stand against culturally acceptable sins or when we think being a Christian should make us attractive and popular. 

But Scripture warns against conformity (Romans 12:1-2). 

We can fit in or we can serve King Jesus. It's our choice.

Bible Study 

The passage below gives us the major ways that we try to "fit in" with our culture's values. List each area and give examples present in the world today.* Then ask God if you are guilty of excusing yourself in any of these areas. 

* For example: lust of the eyes: pornography and expensive luxuries 

1 John 2:15-17: Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
copyright 2015, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com 
All Scripture NIV unless otherwise noted.