Subject: Too Little, Too Late

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 26: 17 – 25

Memory Verses: Psalm 32: 5 - 6

Objective: To understand that the time to change is now.

Introduction: To repent is more than just saying ‘sorry’. The old proverb states: ‘The time to repent is before the event.’ However, from biblical accounts, history and everyday life experiences, it has been proven that persistent rebellion multiplies punishment even to the point where repentance comes too little, too late.

1. At what point did Saul acknowledge the error of his ways? 1 Samuel 24: 9 – 10, 16 & 17; despite owning his folly, did Saul repent? 1 Samuel 26: 1 – 3

2. Ironically, what was the ‘supposed’ reason for Saul’s anger towards David? 1 Samuel 18: 5 – 9 & 20: 27 – 34

3. From the scripture, what was Saul’s real problem? 1 Samuel 13: 9 – 14 & 15: 10 – 29; what additional information does verse 30 give?

4. When one refuses to acknowledge his/her need for repentance and continues regardless, what is the natural progression? James 1: 13 – 15. How did this play out in Saul’s life? 1 Samuel 28: 5 – 20 & 31: 1 – 10

5. King David left on record the perfect process for confessing and repenting in Psalm 51: 1 – 19. What did he also say in Psalm 32: 1 – 5, 6 & 9?

6. Too little, too late could be said of the night Belshazzar died. How do we know that he was fully aware of his evil actions? Daniel 5: 17 – 30

7. What wise counsel should we heed in our time? Proverbs 1: 20 – 28, 28: 13 – 14 & Isaiah 55: 6