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The Other Side of God · Lesson 13

The Other Judas

1 Samuel 15 · Acts 1:16–20

A complete manuscript curriculum lesson from the preserved writings of Rev. Dr. Tony Lloyd Lewis — structured for study, leadership development, and theological reflection.

Chapter Outline · All Chapters
  1. 01. Avoiding the Perils of Popularity
  2. 02. How to Win the War That Is Raging in My Soul
  3. 03. Why I Believe in the Church
  4. 04. The Lord of the Leftovers
  5. 05. Living Life in the Second Mile Lane
  6. 06. The Religion of a Strange Woman
  7. 07. Avoiding the Perils of Popularity (Part II)
  8. 08. How to Win the War That Is Raging in My Soul (Part II)
  9. 09. Why I Believe in the Church (Part II)
  10. 10. The Lord of the Leftovers (Part II)
  11. 11. The Joy Counters
  12. 12. The Other Side of God
  13. 13. The Other Judas
I. Chapter Overview

The central movement of this lesson

This segment examines the tragic disobedience of King Saul, highlighting his shift from direct disobedience to blame-shifting and hollow, ego-driven repentance. Contrasting Saul's posturing with the authentic grief of the Prophet Samuel, the text asserts that God looks past outward religious displays to the condition of the heart. Ultimately, the author emphasizes that while God is a God of justice who executes his will regardless of human stubbornness, the believer is called to dwell in the grace and redemptive love found in Jesus Christ.

II. Theological Themes

Doctrine and Kingdom emphasis

  1. True vs. False Repentance
  2. The Danger of Blame-Shifting
  3. Divine Sovereignty and Human Will
  4. God's Search of the Heart
  5. The Consequences of Misplaced Priorities
  6. The Dual Nature of God: Justice and Mercy
III. Scripture Focus

Biblical texts in view

  1. Philippians 3:8
  2. Genesis 3:11-12
  3. Luke 18
  4. 1 Samuel 16:7
  5. Exodus 5:1
  6. Exodus 5:2
  7. 1 Samuel 15:32-33
IV. Teaching Points

Homiletical and theological insights

  1. God judges the attitude of the heart, not just the words of the mouth.
  2. Blame-shifting is a recurring human failure, starting from the garden of Eden.
  3. There is a stark difference between regret for consequences and godly sorrow for sin.
  4. Leaders who value human approval over God's approval eventually lose their spiritual effectiveness.
  5. God's will will be accomplished; it is better to participate in it than to have it completed in spite of us.
  6. The 'Agag' in our lives—the sin we fail to deal with—must be brought before God for destruction.
V. Leadership Lessons

Formation for Kingdom leaders

  1. True leadership requires taking accountability rather than shifting blame to subordinates.
  2. Spiritual leaders must be sensitive enough to be deeply burdened by the failures of the people they serve.
  3. Effective leaders prioritize God's approval over human recognition or public image.
  4. Leaders must move from merely knowing theology to embodying an internal heart-connection with God.
  5. A leader's failure to repent when caught reveals a heart that is committed to ego rather than the mission.
VI. Ministry Applications

How the lesson moves into practice

  1. Cultivate a heart that is not just 'sorry' for being caught, but deeply repentant for the sin itself.
  2. Intentionally resist the urge to build personal 'monuments' of ministry success when things ought to be done solely for God's glory.
  3. Examine your ministry motives: are you seeking valid alignment with God or outward approval from elders and peers?
  4. Develop the spiritual discipline of taking full responsibility for leadership failures rather than blaming team members.
  5. Practice the 'side of God' that focuses on grace and mercy in your preaching, balancing the reality of His judgment.
Study Tools

Reflection & Study Notes

  1. Discuss the Other Side of God; give other biblical examples of those who were exposed to it. What were the results?
  2. Who were the Amalekites? How were they related to Israelites?
  3. What command did God give Saul, through the Prophet Samuel?
  4. Saul had a misplaced concern; why are misplaced concerns harmful to our testimonies as Christians?
  5. Even though God is a God of wrath, what did he do to commend his love toward us? How have you responded to this action?
Related Kingdom Lessons

Sermons that carry this chapter's thread

Sermons from the Rev. Dr. Tony Lloyd Lewis Legacy Learning Series that carry the same Kingdom threads.

Defense and Vindication of God's Church and People through the Holy Spirit and Christ's Intercession

In Defense of Pentecost

Acts 2:14-21, Leviticus 23:15, Ephesians 5:18

This sermon passionately defends the Church and the Holy Spirit's work, providing a foundational understanding of Pentecost while also addressing the ongoing opposition faced by believers. It matters because it reassures Christians that their faith and experience, even when ridiculed, are rooted in divine command and power. It also provides a robust theological framework for understanding Christ's ongoing intercession and its eternal implications for the believer's salvation. For the contemporary listener, it offers encouragement to stand firm in faith, live an obedient life, and trust in Christ's advocacy, despite worldly scorn or internal struggles. It powerfully asserts the enduring nature and divine purpose of the Church as the 'only hope for a lost and perishing world.'

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Authenticity and Divine Judgment in the Early Church

The Tragedy of Trickery

Acts 5:1-11

This sermon powerfully addresses the timeless struggle with authenticity in faith, reminding believers that divine judgment is not merely historical but a constant reality for those who 'play with God.' It underscores the critical importance of genuine devotion and transparency in one's walk with Christ and within the corporate church, emphasizing that God sees beyond outward appearances. The sermon's focus on internal purity as essential for the church's health resonates deeply today, as internal conflicts and hypocrisy continue to challenge Christian communities. It offers a sober warning against deceit while ultimately offering hope in God's ability to redeem even tragic situations for the church's good.

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The Sovereignty of God in orchestrating deliverance through obedient praise and worship, even in the midst of overwhelming adversity, revealing His Kingdom as a realm of divine provision and protection.

Praising God in the Midst of Pain

2 Chronicles 20:18-21; Genesis 3:8-9; Genesis 35:1; Exodus 4:31; 2 Chronicles 7:3; Philippians 2:10; Numbers 11:29; Luke 9:49-50; Luke 9:51-56; Isaiah 45:22; Psalm 150:6; Psalm 116:12; Psalm 124:2-4

This sermon matters because it addresses the universal human experience of confronting overwhelming challenges and fear. It offers a profound theological and practical framework for responding to adversity, shifting the focus from human might to divine power. By emphasizing praise and worship as a commanded, corporate, and diverse response to God's revealed will, it provides a counter-cultural perspective on spiritual warfare and dependence on God. The message is particularly relevant for believers seeking to cultivate an unwavering faith and find peace in turbulent times, reinforcing the truth that God fights battles that are not ours to fight.

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