Anatomy of an Insincere Repentance

1 Samuel 15 gives us a good bad-example:

King Saul is caught red-handed with plunder God commanded he destroy. Having violated the clear and direct orders of God, he:

• Commends himself for obedience.
• Excuses himself with lies.
• Blame-shifts his sin onto his soldiers.
• Claims his selfish plundering is an act of worship.
• Finally admits guilt and asks forgiveness of Samuel (not God).
• Immediately shows the insincerity of his repentance by asking Samuel to honor him publicly.

Why look at this bad example?

Because insincere repentance is far more prevalent than sincere repentance, and many of us employ these same techniques. 

• We flatter ourselves with high views of our character.
• Excuse sin based on our "good" motives.
• Blame others (or societal pressures).
• Remain arrogant. 

That's why 1 John 1:8-10 warns us: "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves ... If we claim we have not sinned, we make [God] out to be a liar and his word is not in us." 

For a thorough look at Saul's insincere repentance, do this 5-minute Bite Size Bible study: Saul Excuses his Sin.
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