1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–16 | Come Follow Me | Faith Insights
Faith Insights with Tyler Griffin | Episode 50 | 50 min
What is the difference between what God prefers versus what He permits? Discover the critical spiritual lessons from the dramatic rise and fall of King Saul, and the powerful faith of his son Jonathan in 1 Samuel 8–16. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/1-sam/8
Most people approach obedience as a way to avoid punishment or earn an earthly reward, but the reality is that God cares far more about why we serve than what we do. In this video, we break down the stark contrasts between Saul's rationalizations and Jonathan's absolute conversion through a few life-changing principles:
God’s Preference vs. Permission: Our agency is powerful. If we demand our own way long enough, God will let us experience the consequences of "thy will be done" instead of "Thy will be done."
Convincing vs. Conversion: Lasting discipleship requires more than just logic or mental assent—it requires a converting power that changes our actual desires.
The 6 Motives for Service: Relying on President Dallin H. Oaks’ profound breakdown from Pure in Heart, we evaluate our true motives for stepping onto the covenant path, climbing from fear of punishment up to the pinnacle: the pure love of Christ.
We explore the incredible narrative of Jonathan and his unnamed armor-bearer tackling an entire Philistine army on hands and knees, showcasing that there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few. Finally, we analyze the timeless doctrine behind one of the most famous verses in the Old Testament: "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
If you have ever caught yourself justifying a small compromise, feeling overwhelmed by impossible odds, or wondering how to align your deepest desires with God's will, this episode will completely reframe your approach to personal discipleship.
Study with us:
1 Samuel 8:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/1-sam/8
Come Follow Me:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-old-testament-2026/24
This episode of Faith Insights, hosted by Tyler Griffin, was filmed in Springville, Utah. Faith Insights is produced by Executive Producer Benjamin Griffin, with content editing and review by Kiplin Griffin, and edited by Jarret Griffin. Timestamps by Dino Collins.
Most people approach obedience as a way to avoid punishment or earn an earthly reward, but the reality is that God cares far more about why we serve than what we do. In this video, we break down the stark contrasts between Saul's rationalizations and Jonathan's absolute conversion through a few life-changing principles:
God’s Preference vs. Permission: Our agency is powerful. If we demand our own way long enough, God will let us experience the consequences of "thy will be done" instead of "Thy will be done."
Convincing vs. Conversion: Lasting discipleship requires more than just logic or mental assent—it requires a converting power that changes our actual desires.
The 6 Motives for Service: Relying on President Dallin H. Oaks’ profound breakdown from Pure in Heart, we evaluate our true motives for stepping onto the covenant path, climbing from fear of punishment up to the pinnacle: the pure love of Christ.
We explore the incredible narrative of Jonathan and his unnamed armor-bearer tackling an entire Philistine army on hands and knees, showcasing that there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few. Finally, we analyze the timeless doctrine behind one of the most famous verses in the Old Testament: "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
If you have ever caught yourself justifying a small compromise, feeling overwhelmed by impossible odds, or wondering how to align your deepest desires with God's will, this episode will completely reframe your approach to personal discipleship.
Study with us:
1 Samuel 8:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/1-sam/8
Come Follow Me:
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-old-testament-2026/24
This episode of Faith Insights, hosted by Tyler Griffin, was filmed in Springville, Utah. Faith Insights is produced by Executive Producer Benjamin Griffin, with content editing and review by Kiplin Griffin, and edited by Jarret Griffin. Timestamps by Dino Collins.