Hope and Despair or Light and Darkness: The Conclusion of First Kings (1 Kings 22:41-53)

The Hope of Light from Good King Jehoshaphat
 . . . He walked in all the way of Asa his father. He did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the Lord. Yet the high places were not taken away, and the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. 44 Jehoshaphat also made peace with the king of Israel . . .  And from the land he exterminated the remnant of the male cult prostitutes who remained in the days of his father Asa. 1 Kings 22:41–46 (ESV)

36  . . .  that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put my name. 1 Kings 11:36 (ESV)

  . . . And furthermore, he took the high places and the Asherim out of Judah. 2 Chronicles 17:3–6 (ESV)

23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. John 4:23 (ESV)

An Event that Marks no Compromise Between the Light of Hope and Despair of Darkness
47 There was no king in Edom; a deputy was king. 48 Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go, for the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber. 49 Then Ahaziah the son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, “Let my servants go with your servants in the ships,” but Jehoshaphat was not willing. 50 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father, and Jehoram his son reigned in his place. 1 Kings 22:47–50 (ESV)

2 But Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord. 2 Chronicles 19:2 (ESV)

37 Then Eliezer . . . prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy what you have made.” And the ships were wrecked and were not able to go to Tarshish. 2 Chron 20:37 (ESV)
Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 2 Corinthians 6:17 (ESV); John 17:15

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:20 (ESV)
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:9 (ESV)

The Despair of Darkness from Evil King Ahaziah
51 Ahaziah the son of Ahab . . . did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. 53 He served Baal and worshiped him and provoked the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger in every way that his father had done. 1 Kings 22:51–53 (ESV); Romans 1:18

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4–5 (ESV)

The Battle of Ramoth Gilead: The Will of God Exhibited (Part 2): 1 Kings 22:29-40

The purpose to fight the Word of God

29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. 30 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your robes.” And the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. 1 Kings 22:29–30 (ESV)

2 Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2     The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
3     “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.” Psalm 2:1–3 (ESV)

Jehoshaphat’s compromise:

19 Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in safety to his house in Jerusalem. 2 But Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the Lord? Because of this, wrath has gone out against you from the Lord. 3 Nevertheless, some good is found in you, for you destroyed the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.” 2 Chronicles 19:1–3 (ESV)

The providential force of the Word of God
31 Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, “Fight with neither small nor great, but only with the king of Israel.” 32 And when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “It is surely the king of Israel.” So they turned to fight against him. And Jehoshaphat cried out. 33 And when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. 34 But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.” 35 And the battle continued that day, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Syrians, until at evening he died. And the blood of the wound flowed into the bottom of the chariot. 36 And about sunset a cry went through the army, “Every man to his city, and every man to his country!”
1 Kings 22:31–36 (ESV)

36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36 (ESV)

The prophetic fulfillment of the Word of God
37 So the king died, and was brought to Samaria. And they buried the king in Samaria. 38 And they washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood, and the prostitutes washed themselves in it, according to the word of the Lord that he had spoken. 39 Now the rest of the acts of Ahab and all that he did, and the ivory house that he built and all the cities that he built, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 40 So Ahab slept with his fathers, and Ahaziah his son reigned in his place. 1 Kings 22:37–40 (ESV) 

19 And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Have you killed and also taken possession?” ’ And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood.” ’ ” 1 Kings 21:19 (ESV)

24    The Lord of hosts has sworn:
       “As I have planned, so shall it be,
       and as I have purposed, so shall
it stand, Isaiah 14:24 (ESV)

The Battle of Ramoth Gilead: The Will of God Proclaimed (Part 1): 1 Kings 22:1-28

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:14–15 (ESV)

The counterfeit prediction of God’s will
5 And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the Lord” . . .   
1 Kings 22:5–12 (ESV)

26 “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. Luke 6:26 (ESV)

A firstborn bull—he has majesty, and his horns are the horns of a wild ox; with them he shall gore the peoples, all of them, to the ends of the earth; they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.” Deuteronomy 33:17 (ESV)

The correct proclamation of God’s will 
13  . . .  But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” . . .  
1 Kings 22:13–18 (ESV)

For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, “Violence and destruction!” For the word of the Lord has become for me a reproach and derision all day long. If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot. Jeremiah 20:8–9 (ESV)

The concealed proceedings of God’s will
19 And Micaiah said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing beside him on his right hand and on his left; 20 and the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said one thing, and another said another. 21 Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord, saying, ‘I will entice him.’ 22 And the Lord said to him, ‘By what means?’ And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’ 23 Now therefore behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the Lord has declared disaster for you.” 1 Kings 22:19–23 (ESV)

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. James 1:13 (ESV)

14 . . . and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him. 1 Samuel 16:14 (NASB95)

The chronicled proof of God’s will
  . . .  And Micaiah said, “If you return in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!” 1 Kings 22:24–28 (ESV)

21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’— 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. Deuteronomy 18:21–22 (ESV)

10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. James 5:10 (ESV)

God's Control in an Unjust World: 1 Kings 21:15-29

Being complicit in injustice warrants God’s retribution
15 As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money, for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” 16 And as soon as Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, Ahab arose to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it. 17 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 18 “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria; behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession. 19 And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Have you killed and also taken possession?” ’ And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood.” ’ ” 1 Kings 21:15–19 (ESV)

For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked . . . But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. Psalm 73:3–17 (ESV)

Confrontation of injustice reflects God’s righteousness
20 Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord. 21 Behold, I will bring disaster upon you. I will utterly burn you up, and will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. 22 And I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the anger to which you have provoked me, and because you have made Israel to sin. 23 And of Jezebel the Lord also said, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel.’ 24 Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat.” 1 Kings 21:20–24 (ESV)

“If anyone sins in that he hears a public adjuration to testify, and though he is a witness, whether he has seen or come to know the matter, yet does not speak, he shall bear his iniquity; Leviticus 5:1 (ESV)

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 (ESV)

Conquering sin occurs through repentance
25 (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. 26 He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.) 27 And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. 28 And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 29 “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the disaster upon his house.” 1 Kings 21:25–29 (ESV)

8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” Luke 19:8 (ESV)

6 since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you . . .
2 Thessalonians 1:6–10 (ESV)

The Reality of an Unjust World: 1 Kings 21:1-14

1. Ahab's Appetite: Desire and Discontent

2 And after this Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.” 3 But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” 4 And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen because of what Naboth the Jezreelite had said to him, for he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face and would eat no food.
1 Kings 21:1–4 (ESV) 

23 “The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me. Leviticus 25:23 (ESV); Numbers 36:7

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5 (ESV); Matthew 6:24

2. Jezebel's Influence: Voices of Temptation

5 But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?” 6 And he said to her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money, or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’ ” 7 And Jezebel his wife said to him, “Do you now govern Israel? Arise and eat bread and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” 1 Kings 21:5–7 (ESV)

26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. Proverbs 12:26 (ESV); Proverbs 16:29

3. Sinister Schemes: Deception and Destruction

8 So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal, and she sent the letters to the elders and the leaders who lived with Naboth in his city. 9 And she wrote in the letters, “Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people. 10 And set two worthless men opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” 11 And the men of his city, the elders and the leaders who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had sent word to them. As it was written in the letters that she had sent to them, 12 they proclaimed a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people. 13 And the two worthless men came in and sat opposite him. And the worthless men brought a charge against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones. 14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned; he is dead.” 15 As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money, for Naboth is not alive, but dead.” 1 Kings 21:8–16 (ESV);
Deuteronomy 17:6–7

9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:9–10 (ESV)

 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8–9 (ESV)

The Call of Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21)

The sudden prompt of Elisha’s call
19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 1 Kings 19:19 (ESV)

9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. Matthew 9:9 (ESV)

The suggested pledge of Elisha’s call
20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?”
1 Kings 19:20 (ESV)

18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” 1 Kings 19:18 (ESV)

61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:61–62 (ESV)

25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:25–26 (ESV)

The symbolized promise of Elisha’s call
21 And he returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him. 1 Kings 19:21 (ESV)

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Mark 10:35–37 (ESV)

43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43–45 (ESV)

Send the Rain: 1 Kings 18:40-46

The radical purging of purity:1 Kings 18:40

20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’ Deuteronomy 18:20 (ESV)

13 . . .  “Purge the evil person from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:13 (ESV)

The confident pronunciation of faith: 1 Kings 18:41

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)

8  He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; . . .  Psalm 147:8 (ESV)

17 then the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you, and he will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no rain, and the land will yield no fruit, and you will perish quickly off the good land that the Lord is giving you. Deuteronomy 11:17 (ESV)

The surprising picture of penitence:1 Kings 18:41–42

The humble posture of prayer:1 Kings 18:42

6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6 (ESV)

27 Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. Genesis 18:27 (ESV)

35 “When heaven is shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against you, if they pray toward this place and acknowledge your name and turn from their sin, when you afflict them, 36 then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk, and grant rain upon your land, which you have given to your people as an inheritance. 1 Kings 8:35–36 (ESV)

10 Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds, and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field.
Zechariah 10:1 (ESV)

The petitioner’s persistence in prayer: 1 Kings 18:43

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart . . . 7 And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:1; 7–8 (ESV)

The divine provision to prayer: 1 Kings 18:44–45

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
James 5:16-18 (ESV)

The hopeful portrayal of the ideal

46 And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. 1 Kings 18:46 (ESV)

The Showdown: Part 1 - 1 Kings 18:20-29

A challenge of spiritual complacency (20-21)
20 So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. 1 Kings 18:20–21 (ESV)

26 then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, “Who is on the Lord’s side? Come to me.” And all the sons of Levi gathered around him. Exodus 32:26 (ESV)

15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (ESV)

24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:24 (ESV)

A challenge of divine authenticity (22-25)
22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. 24 And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.” 25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.”
1 Kings 18:22–25 (ESV)

A challenge of idolatrous impotency (26-29)

26 And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. 27 And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” 28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. 29 And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention. 1 Kings 18:26–29 (ESV)

“You are the sons of the Lord your God. You shall not cut yourselves or make any baldness on your foreheads for the dead. Deuteronomy 14:1 (ESV); (Lev 19:28)

Time offering of oblation:
39 One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight.
Exodus 29:39 (ESV

19 But truly God has listened; he has attended to the voice of my prayer. Psalm 66:19 (ESV)

3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:3–4 (ESV)

15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands. 16 They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; 17 they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. Psalm 135:15–17 (ESV)

Misdirected Blame: 1 Kings 18:16-19

The period before misdirected blame
16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him. And Ahab went to meet Elijah. 1 Kings 18:16 (ESV)

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1 (ESV)

The accusation of misdirected blame

17 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” 1 Kings 18:17 (ESV); 1 Kings 18:10

22 And Aaron said, “Let not the anger of my lord burn hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil. Exodus 32:22 (ESV)

21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God in Gilgal.” 1 Samuel 15:21 (ESV)

2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. John 16:2 (ESV)

Jesus before Pilate:
2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” . . . 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.”
Luke 23:1-5 (ESV)

Take care before you make accusations:

15 “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. Deuteronomy 19:15 (ESV)

20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 29:20 (ESV); Matthew 7:15; .1 Timothy 5:19.

The correction of misdirected blame
18 And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father’s house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the LORD and followed the Baals.
1 Kings 18:18 (ESV); Joshua 7:25; Psalm 33:17; 2 Samuel 24:17.

The solution to misdirected blame
19 Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” 1 Kings 18:19 (ESV)

8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 (ESV)

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4:2-3 (ESV); Matthew 5:23-26

Obadiah: The Secular Servant of God: 1 Kings 18:1-16

The conditions in which we meet Obadiah
1 After many days the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth.” 2 So Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria.
1 Kings 18:1-2 (ESV)

The description of Obadiah
3 And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly, 4 and when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water.) 1 Kings 18:3-4 (ESV); Romans 13:1

22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:22-24 (ESV)

29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29 (ESV)

The assignment given to Obadiah
5 And Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs of water and to all the valleys. Perhaps we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, and not lose some of the animals . . . 7 And as Obadiah was on the way, behold, Elijah met him. And Obadiah recognized him and fell on his face and said, “Is it you, my lord Elijah?” 8 And he answered him, “It is I. Go, tell your lord, ‘Behold, Elijah is here.’” 1 Kings 18:5-8 (ESV)

The fear experienced by Obadiah
9 And he said, “How have I sinned, that you would give your servant into the hand of Ahab, to kill me? 10 As the LORD your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent to seek you. And when they would say, ‘He is not here,’ he would take an oath of the kingdom or nation, that they had not found you. 11 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your lord, “Behold, Elijah is here.”’ 12 And as soon as I have gone from you, the Spirit of the LORD will carry you I know not where. And so, when I come and tell Ahab and he cannot find you, he will kill me, although I your servant have feared the LORD from my youth. 13 Has it not been told my lord what I did when Jezebel killed the prophets of the LORD, how I hid a hundred men of the LORD’s prophets by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water? 14 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your lord, “Behold, Elijah is here”’; and he will kill me.” 1 Kings 18:9-14 (ESV)

The obedience exhibited by Obadiah,
15 And Elijah said, “As the LORD of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today.” 16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him. And Ahab went to meet Elijah.
1 Kings 18:15-16 (ESV); Matthew 21:28-31; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe. Proverbs 29:25 (ESV)

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 (ESV)

Faith in the Face of Death: 1 Kings 17:17-24

14 For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” 1 Kings 17:14 (ESV)

The reality that we all must face in death
17 After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 1 Kings 17:17 (ESV)

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
Psalm 34:19 (ESV)

The emotion that we all must face in death
18 And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” 1 Kings 17:18 (ESV)

The prayer that we must exhibit in death
19 And he said to her, “Give me your son.” And he took him from her arms and carried him up into the upper chamber where he lodged, and laid him on his own bed. 20 And he cried to the LORD, “O LORD my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son?” 1 Kings 17:19-20 (ESV)

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

The faith that we must exhibit over death
21 Then he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the LORD, “O LORD my God, let this child’s life come into him again.” 1 Kings 17:21 (ESV); Genesis 17:19-21

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. Hebrews 11:17-19 (ESV)

The foreshadow of victory by the One who has power over death
22 And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. 23 And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives.” 24 And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth.” 1 Kings 17:22-24 (ESV)

71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. Psalm 119:71 (ESV)

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, John 11:25 (ESV)

The living God, provider of life:
1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”
1 Kings 17:1 (ESV)

12 And she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.” 1 Kings 17:12 (ESV)

The God of Promise: The Widow of Zarephath

1 Kings 17:7-16

1. The circumstances that may cause us to question God’s promise
7 And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. 1 Kings 17:7 (ESV)

2. The exceptional manner in which God fulfills His promise (8-9)
8 Then the word of the LORD came to him, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.” 1 Kings 17:8-9 (ESV)

5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:5 (ESV)

24 And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25 But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. Luke 4:24-26 (ESV)

27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong . . . 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV)

3. The obedient request that exhibits faith in God’s promise (10-13)
10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, “Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 And she said, “As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die.”
13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. 1 Kings 17:10-13 (ESV)

4. The confident assertion in God’s promise (14)
14 For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” 1 Kings 17:14 (ESV)

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 . . . — 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8 (ESV)

5. The faith and reward for those who trust in God’s promise (15-16)
15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah. 1 Kings 17:15-16 (ESV)

9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! Psalm 34:9 (ESV)

40 “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. 41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. Matthew 10:40-41 (ESV)

Elijah: A Man with a Nature Like Ours

1 Kings 16:29-17:6

17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
James 5:17-18 (ESV)

The Context:
29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. 30 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. 31 And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him. 32 He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria. 33 And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. 34 In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun. 1 Kings 16:29-34 (ESV)

26 Joshua laid an oath on them at that time, saying, “Cursed before the LORD be the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. “At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation, and at the cost of his youngest son shall he set up its gates.” Joshua 6:26 (ESV)

24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:24 (ESV)

Elijah Prayed
1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”
1 Kings 17:1 (ESV)

16 Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them; 17 then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you, and he will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no rain, and the land will yield no fruit, and you will perish quickly off the good land that the LORD is giving you. Deuteronomy 11:16-17 (ESV)

Elijah Obeyed
2 And the word of the LORD came to him: 3 “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. 4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the LORD. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. 1 Kings 17:2-5 (ESV)

Elijah Stayed

6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 7 And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. 1 Kings 17:6-7 (ESV)

15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. Acts 14:15 (ESV)

Bad, Bad, Bad, Bad Kings: 1 Kings 15:25-16:34

6 evil kings: (Names given by Tony Merida)

Nadab: “Like His Bad Dad” [1 Kings 15:25-32]

10 therefore behold, I will bring harm upon the house of Jeroboam and will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both bond and free in Israel, and will burn up the house of Jeroboam, as a man burns up dung until it is all gone. 1 Kings 14:10 (ESV) (v. 29)

Baasha: “The Basher” [1 Kings 15:33-16:7]

4 You are beautiful as Tirzah, my love, lovely as Jerusalem, awesome as an army with banners.
Song of Songs 6:4 (ESV)

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. Acts 2:22-23 (ESV)

Elah: “The (Drunken) Frat Boy” [1 Kings 16:8-14]

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery… Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, 5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Proverbs 31:4-5 (ESV)

Zimri: “The Weeklong Warrior” [1 Kings 16:15-20]

Omri: “The Seashell Collector” [1 Kings 16:21-28]

26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matthew 16:26 (ESV)

Ahab: “The Atrocious King” [1 Kings 16:29-34]

4 takeaways:

The reliability of God’s Word:

14 “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed. Joshua 23:14 (ESV)

The folly of rebelling against God’s Word:

The folly of living by men’s power instead of God’s promises.

See the Faithfulness of God

4 Nevertheless, for David’s sake the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, setting up his son after him, and establishing Jerusalem, 1 Kings 15:4 (ESV)

13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV)

Reversing Course (1 Kings 15:9-24)

5 He also took out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the incense altars. And the kingdom had rest under him. 2 Chronicles 14:5 (ESV)

Asa is proof that we can overcome the ungodly influences of our parental figures, break the so-called generational curse, and choose to serve God.

Asa’s Failure
1 Kings 15:16-24 (ESV)

11 And Asa cried to the LORD his God, “O LORD, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, you are our God; let not man prevail against you.” 12 So the LORD defeated the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled. 13 Asa and the people who were with him pursued them as far as Gerar, and the Ethiopians fell until none remained alive, for they were broken before the LORD and his army. The men of Judah carried away very much spoil. 14 And they attacked all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of the LORD was upon them. They plundered all the cities, for there was much plunder in them. 15 And they struck down the tents of those who had livestock and carried away sheep in abundance and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 14:11-15 (ESV)

12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet, and his disease became severe. Yet even in his disease he did not seek the LORD, but sought help from physicians. 2 Chronicles 16:12 (ESV)

7 At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because you relied on the king of Syria, and did not rely on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Syria has escaped you. 8 Were not the Ethiopians and the Libyans a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, he gave them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”
2 Chronicles 16:7-9 (ESV)

Like Asa and Peter, when we take our eyes off the Lord and fail to trust in Him by putting our trust in worldly wisdom, we will sink
25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:25-33 (ESV)

We must love the Word of God.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)

Rehoboam's Ruin: 1 Kings 14:21-15:8

1. Rehoboam’s Idolatrous reign: 1 Kings 14:21-24
1 When the rule of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him. 2 Chronicles 12:1 (ESV

The influence of mothers and wives on their husbands and children is great.

8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, Proverbs 1:8 (ESV)

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV); 2 Timothy 3:15

24 For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deuteronomy 4:23-24 (ESV)

22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? 1 Corinthians 10:21-22 (ESV)

2. Rehoboam’s Blind Eye: 1 Kings 14:25-28; 29-31

God can use whatever means He wants to discipline his Children

5 Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and to the princes of Judah, who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said to them, “Thus says the LORD, ‘You abandoned me, so I have abandoned you to the hand of Shishak.’” 6 Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is righteous.” 2 Chronicles 12:2-6 (ESV)

14 And he did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the LORD. 2 Chronicles 12:14 (ESV)

The kind of repentance our Lord desires is lasting and transformative repentance.

10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV)

3. Rehoboam’s Sinful Progeny: 1 Kings 15:1-8

1 In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam, Abijah began to reign over Judah. 2 Chronicles 13:1 (ESV)

Children do not have to follow in the footsteps of their fathers, but they often do.

8 . . . for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, Deuteronomy 5:8-9 (ESV)

10 But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him. We have priests ministering to the LORD who are sons of Aaron, and Levites for their service.

11 They offer to the LORD every morning and every evening burnt offerings and incense of sweet spices, set out the showbread on the table of pure gold, and care for the golden lampstand that its lamps may burn every evening. For we keep the charge of the LORD our God, but you have forsaken him. 2 Chronicles 13:10-11 (ESV)

18 Thus the men of Israel were subdued at that time, and the men of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers. 2 Chronicles 13:18 (ESV)

Jeroboam’s Judgement: 1 Kings 13:33-14:20

Jeroboam’s indifference towards God’s Word: 1 Kings 13:33-34

38 And if you will listen to all that I command you, and will walk in my ways, and do what is right in my eyes by keeping my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did, I will be with you and will build you a sure house, as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you.
1 Kings 11:38 (ESV)

Jeroboam’s interest in God’s Word: 1 Kings 14:1-3

Jeroboam’s inquiry of God’s Word: 1 Kings 14:4-6

Jeroboam’s infliction from God’s Word

Destruction of Jeroboam’s dynasty: 1 Kings 14:6-14

Death of Jeroboam’s son: 1 Kings 14:12-13; 17-18

Downfall of Jeroboam’s nation: 1 Kings 14:15-16

Jeroboam’s impact according to God’s Word: 1 Kings 14:19-20

- A decision to reject reproof is a decision to harden one’s heart, but hardening one’s heart may place one beyond the sphere of repentance.

14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” Acts 4:14-17 (ESV)

15 As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Hebrews 3:15 (ESV) [cited in Psalm 95:7)

- We cannot deceive God.

21 “For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps. Job 34:21 (ESV)

13 The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; 14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. Psalm 33:13-15 (ESV)

- We cannot compartmentalize God and His word in our life, rejecting his commandments while pursuing His compassion

26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. John 6:26 (ESV)

- The value of what we accomplish in this life is directly proportionate to our faithfulness to God’s Word.

13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (ESV)

A Parable of God's Word: 1 Kings 13

The Word of God from the Man of God to Jeroboam
15 Moreover, the altar at Bethel, the high place erected by Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, that altar with the high place he pulled down and burned, reducing it to dust. He also burned the Asherah. 16 And as Josiah turned, he saw the tombs there on the mount. And he sent and took the bones out of the tombs and burned them on the altar and defiled it, according to the word of the LORD that the man of God proclaimed, who had predicted these things.
2 Kings 23:15-16 (ESV)

The Word of God abandoned by the Man of God through the deception of the old prophet

The Word of God from the old prophet to the man of God

6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 2 Timothy 3:6 (ESV)

The Word of God from the man of God believed by the old prophet

-          It is God’s mercy that calls us to repent.

13 and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
Joel 2:13 (ESV)

-          God will never contradict his Word. Do not be deceived by others who claim they have revelation that supersedes God’s Word.

8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8 (ESV)

1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 (ESV)

5 Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? 6 But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? So they repented and said, ‘As the LORD of hosts purposed to deal with us for our ways and deeds, so has he dealt with us.’” Zechariah 1:5-6 (ESV)

 -          There are people who speak truth, but it does not transform their life.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)

 The Word of God as a parable for Israel and Judah
19 Judah also did not keep the commandments of the LORD their God, but walked in the customs that Israel had introduced. 2 Kings 17:19 (ESV)

Home Grown Religion: 1 Kings 12:25-33

The perceived problem of Jeroboam
25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel. 26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David. 27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the LORD at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 1 Kings 12:25-27 (ESV)

 The prescribed plan of Jeroboam
28 So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 29 And he set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 30 Then this thing became a sin, for the people went as far as Dan to be before one. 31 He also made temples on high places and appointed priests from among all the people, who were not of the Levites.
32 And Jeroboam appointed a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he made. And he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places that he had made. 33 He went up to the altar that he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day in the eighth month, in the month that he had devised from his own heart. And he instituted a feast for the people of Israel and went up to the altar to make offerings. 1 Kings 12:28-33 (ESV)

 Take Aways

 -          Beware of a failure to love God above all else.

37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment.
Matthew 22:37-38 (ESV)

 -          Beware of a failure to trust God.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

 -          Beware of fearing men rather than God.

11 You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. Psalm 115:11 (ESV)

28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 (ESV)

 -          Beware of listening to your heart, for it will more often than not, lead you astray.

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)

 -          Beware of implementing religious decisions for convenience sake.

11 Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. Jude 1:11 (ESV)

Folly and Foreknowledge: 1 Kings 12:1-24

1. The request: 1 Kings 12:1-5
2. The recommendation: 1 Kings 12:6-11
3. The resolution: 1 Kings 12:12-15
4. The response: 1 Kings 12:16-20
5. The revelation: 1 Kings 12:21-24

6        takeaways 

- We need to recognize wise, practical, and seasoned council over brash popular antics. Rehoboam was foolish for failing to listen to wise, practical, and seasoned council, and instead thinking that his intimidation would cower his opponents into submission.

14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 (ESV)

 - We need to always honor God’s authority and plan rather than trying to help God and manipulate the situation. Jeroboam was promised the 10 tribes but rebelling against the house of David was in opposition to God’s general will; and therefore, not the way to go about it.

9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” 1 Samuel 26:9 (ESV)

 - We need to ask the Lord what His will is and then submit. There was not a prophet, priest, or divine prayer requested to discern what God would have either side to do. The event seems to describe how self-reliant these men were on their own wisdom.

14 So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD. 15 And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them.
Joshua 9:3-15 (ESV)

 - God is so sovereign, that He is not the author of evil, He does no evil, and He does not tempt to evil, but He still uses evil men and their decisions to bring about His holy and righteous purposes.

14 King Rehoboam spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” 15 So the king did not listen to the people, for it was a turn of affairs brought about by God that the LORD might fulfill his word, which he spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 2 Chronicles 10:14-15 (ESV)

 - God’s purpose will ultimately prevail, but will we honor God in our decisions and the manner His will is performed? (Jeroboam)

21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)

 We need to recognize that there is a time when it is God’s desire that we give up and cut our losses. To his credit, Rehoboam backed down when the Lord communicated through the prophet, Shemaiah.