1st Samuel 10:1-16 Gifts vs. Grace (July 9, 2023 PM, Rev. Michael Grasso)

In 1 Samuel 10:1-16 Saul is privately anointed king of Israel and is given signs of confirmation which culminate in the Spirit coming upon him and turning him into “another man”.  Saul receives the benefits of the work of the Spirit, and yet his reign is disastrous and he likely was not a believer.  How then are we to understand the work of the Spirit in this context?  We are to understand that the Spirit can give gifts to equip a person for office without giving the grace of regeneration.  What this teaches us is that gifts are important, but God’s grace in giving the new heart is even more important.