Summary: <p> June 10, 2012</p> <p> There was a turning point in leadership literature after WWI which shifted the emphasis away from good character to personality traits as the foundation of success. Dr. Tim Irwin wrote that over and over again what derails otherwise really successful people is a failure of character.</p> <p> Pastor Rich Nathan began a series called Derailed last week. He began by saying - “the foundation for success in the Bible is the very slow, hard work of acquiring good character. By success I mean long-term success, finishing your life well”.</p> <p> In looking at the derailed life of Saul, it’s clear that success is not built on gifting. Saul had all the seemingly good qualities from which leaders emerge - good family, tall, handsome, influential, and prophetic gifting (a sign of God’s favor). Initially, people might be attracted to gifting, but over time character becomes really important. People begin to ask “what kind of human being is this leader?”</p> <p> In Samuel 15, Saul’s life unravels by a failure to wait on God (1 Sam 15:1-11). Making hasty decisions rarely results in great outcomes, and waiting on God requires trust. Saul was also derailed by disobedience to God (1 Sam 15:1). We don’t know what consequences might exist for our sin, but we do know we have a choice at obedience. Saul was also derailed by pride and self-aggrandizement (1 Sam 15:12). Parents play a role in shaping a worldview in children that they’re not the center of the universe. Finally Saul was derailed by phony repentance (1 Sam 15:22-27). Phony repentance is repentance that is only concerned about the consequences of being caught.</p> <p> <a href="/_media/uploads/files/watch_and_listen/Follow-upBibleStudies/2012/Derailed/20120610%20derailed%20by%20a%20failure%20of%20character%20lessons%20from%20the%20life%20of%20king%20saul.pdf" target="_blank">Follow-up Bible Study</a></p> <p> <a href="/_media/uploads/files/watch_and_listen/SmallGroupDiscussionGuides/2012/Derailed/June%20_10_2012_Derailed_by_a_Failure_of_Character.pdf" target="_blank">Sermon Discussion Guide</a></p>
