The Lord Overlooks Sin And Persists In His Redemptive Purposes (1 Samuel 8; Act 17: 30)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
13 September 2026
Israel asked for a king. This request was a rejection of the Lord and his rule.
How did this come about?
First, there was failed leadership in Israel. Samuel was a righteous leader but his sons were failures. People follow their leaders. Sheep follow their shepherd. Ungodly leaders bring much harm to God’s people. Godly leadership in a church is just as important as godly doctrine.
Secondly, the Israelites faltered. When God’s people see their leaders fail they look elsewhere for guidance. Israel wanted to be like the nations around them. They wanted a king. Their leaders failed them. Today, some pastors fail their sheep by not preaching and teaching from the Bible. The result? Their congregations become worldly.
But thirdly, there is a faithful prophet. Samuel prays. He presents Israel’s demand to the Lord. The Lord tells Samuel to heed Israel’s demand. Israel’s request for a king is rejection of God. But God overlooks this request. The Lord passes over sins and presses on in his purposes.
The Lord responds to Israel and reasons with her. An earthly king will impose his might on the nation. The earthly king will continually take from Israel. But the heavenly king, who is Jesus, will not take but will give.
The lesson is that God passes over our mistakes and continues in his redemptive purposes. The apostle Paul said God “winks” at the ignorance of people. This means the Lord passes over our sins. A wink is not a stare. God passes over our sins. He forgives those who repent and marches on.
Be glad that your failings do not hinder God. He overlooks your sins and continues in his work of redemption.
Israel sinfully wanted a king. The true King was still to come. Jesus is that King. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Repent and come under his sovereign rule today. Be a citizen of heaven and not of this transient world.