1 K.12, Jereboam’s apostasy –Carried northern tribes with him 1 K.13, God’s judgment

1 K. 13:1-2 No qualified messengers in the northern kingdom? –This prophecy would be fulfilled 340 years later (2 Kings 23:15) –1 K.12:27 Jereboam didn’t know when this prophecy would be fulfilled If he had obeyed God, all would have been well!

1 K. 13:3-5 Signs confirm the prophet’s words altarOne sign directly attacks the idolatrous altar –If Jeroboam would not have Jehovah’s priests, God sends His prophet into his land kingAnother sign attacks the idolatrous king at the height of his sin

1 K. 13:6 Under the judgment of God, Jeroboam does not turn to his golden calves for help He knows that his only hope is in the LORD and His messenger

1 K. 13:7-10 To accept Jeroboam’s invitation would demonstrate fellowship with his idolatry

1 K. 13:11-19 “Beware of Greeks bringing gifts” Beware of prophets bringing gifts that contradict God’s word –Not only did he lie, but also made God a liar. When is this ever safe? He won the young man’s confidence by: –Claiming a spectacular experience –Being nice

1 K. 13:20-25 No mere accident The lion does not attack the donkey or the men who pass by The lion is on a special mission of judgment from God –He is more obedient than the man of God from Judah

1. A good beginning does not guarantee a good ending, 1-3 Just because a man of God speaks truth with great power does not mean that he will remain faithful –No one who reads first part of this chapter would believe its conclusion –Our faith must not be in men, but in the Lord

2. The power of influence, 4-19 enemy4, enemy –a king can make good on his threats friend7, friend –a king can make good on his rewards prophet11, prophet lie –18, a lie. “Angel” – 2 Co.11:14-15 Ga.1:6-9 Col.2:18 hospitality –19, hospitality. 1 Co.15:33

3. Importance of “little things,” , ate and drank himself to death! –Lv.10 –Nu –Nu.20 –Josh.7 –2 Sm.6 –2 Chr.26

4. The danger of believing a lie, 24 “God was too harsh; He punished the wrong man; the false prophet should have died”“God was too harsh; He punished the wrong man; the false prophet should have died” Dt.13, we know the fate of false prophets –this shows fate of one who believes false prophets Mt.15:14

We are in the same danger God never contradicts Himself –Our job is to obey His commands, refusing to turn aside from the path, even by an angel from heaven When we have received the truth, we must act on it, and not be turned aside by a different suggestion, made to us through professed Christians –Deal with God first-hand!

5. Compromise with error is fatal, The old prophet’s tears and kind words cannot restore the young prophet’s life When God gives us our marching orders and someone else gives us a detour, our choice is clear

6. Some love error, not truth, Jeroboam asked the prophet to pray for him; he didn’t repent Wanting to receive something from God is not repentance His healing demonstrates the goodness of God; it should have led to his repentance (Ro.2:5) Lk.16:…30-31