1. I. Both Kings Were Selected By God. A. Saul. 1. Israel asked for a king (I Samuel 8:5). 2. God allowed them to have one (1 Samuel 8:7). 3. Saul was selected (1 Sam. 9:15-17; 9:27-10:1). B. Jeroboam. 1. Because of Solomon’s unfaithfulness, the kingdom would be splintered (1 Kings 11:9-13). 2. Jeroboam was selected as king. (1 Kings 11:29-36).

2. II. Both Men Once Served God Faithfully. A. Saul. 1. Spirit of the Lord spoke through Saul (1 Samuel 10:6). 2. Victory at Jabesh Gilead (1 Samuel 11:6-13). B. Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:28).

3. III. Both Could Have Had Their Thrones Established. A. Saul (1 Samuel 13:13c). B. Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:37-39).

4. IV. Both Failed to Trust in God. A. Saul. War with Philistines—Samuel tells him to wait—he doesn’t (1 Samuel 13:8-13b). B. Jeroboam. After Solomon’s death, Jeroboam returns and offers to serve Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:1-5). Rehoboam accepts poor advice and alienates the other tribes. Jeroboam is established as king of northern tribes (1 Kings 12:21-27).

5. V. Both Turned to Improper Worship. A. Saul. 1. Unlawful sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:9). 2. Sparing—sacrifce of accursed things (1 Sam. 15:21-23). 3. Consultation of a medium (1 Samuel 27:6,7), even though it was forbidden (Deuteronomy 18:10-11).

6. V. Both Turned to Improper Worship. B. Jeroboam. 1. Gold calves (1 Kings 12:28-33). 2. Warned by God (1 Kings 13:1-6). 3. Did not turn back to God (1 Kings 13:33).

7. VI. Both Were Rejected By God. A. Saul (1 Samuel 13:13-14; 15:25-29). B. Jeroboam. Jeroboam’s son is ill, his wife goes to Ahijah (1 Kings 14:7-10).

8. Lessons for Us Faithful Children of God Can Fall (Hebrews 6:4-6). God’s People Must Trust Him (2 Timothy 3:16,17). God Cares How He is Worshipped (John 4:23-24).