The Divided Kingdom

Intro

The word translated counsel is related to the verb “to steer a ship.” Counsel is wise guidance that moves one’s life in the right direction.

Warren Wiersbe

Main Idea: Heed Godly Counsel

Solomon was king. Wisest king. 700 wives and 300 concubines. God warns Solomon to not marry outside of Israel. He married at least six from outside. His heart turned from God. 1 Kings 11:4, “For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.”

Solomon promotes Jeroboam to a high ranking position. God speaks through Ahijah to tell Jeroboam what will happen. 1 Kings 11:34-36, “Nevertheless, I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, but I will make him ruler all the days of his life, for the sake of David my servant whom I chose, who kept my commandments and my statutes. But I will take the kingdom out of his son’s hand and will give it to you, ten tribes. Yet to his son I will give one tribe, that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put my name.”

God will make Jeroboam king of Israel, northern 10 tribes. Solomon’s son will reign over Judah, southern 2 tribes. Solomon died, and Rehoboam became king.

Chapter 12. Rehoboam goes to Shechem. The people asked if he would lighten the work load. He sought counsel from some elders and they said for him to serve the people. He ignored their counsel. He sought counsel from younger men. They advised him to bring more work. Higher discipline. God’s word would be fulfilled.

1 Kings 12:16-24

Rehoboam wouldn’t listen. The people responded very human. The line of David is not our portion. In anger, Rehoboam sends the taskmaster and he is stoned. Rebellion. They wanted Jeroboam. Judah and Benjamin only tribes under Rehoboam. He’s ready to fight. Shemaiah tells him not to fight, and he finally listens.

Damage has been done. Kingdom is divided. It will remain this way for about 500 years. Wise king who wouldn’t listen to God. Greedy king who wouldn’t listen to others.

Need: We are an individual society. Left to make choices on our own. Criticized if we make the wrong choice. When we seek advice, it’s worldly wisdom. Practical wisdom. Godly wisdom is what we are called to give and ask for.

Imperative #1: Heed godly counsel with humility

Exp. Rehoboam was not humble when given counsel. He was greedy. Without humility, godly counsel…

Without humility, godly counsel will be ignored

Without humility, godly counsel won’t be heard

Christ - We are able to seek humility because of Jesus. Jesus represents the perfect humility as king. Rehoboam was called to serve the people, he chose not to. Jesus could have reigned over them, but he chose to serve. The son of man came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. Jesus did not divide, but instead united through his humility. Seeking godly counsel is a sign of humility. You have to follow through and do it.

Ill. Playing Sorry with Christian. He used a card in a way that hindered him winning. I warned him, and he still didn’t listen. He lost.

App. You should…

Seek out godly counsel. Get to the root of your selfishness. Don’t disagree or justify.

Sort through counsel. Discern whether wisdom is godly or worldly.

Obey the counsel. Majority is not always right, but you have to move.

Imperative #2: Heed godly counsel for the kingdom

Exp. Rehoboam was not focused on THE kingdom. He was focused on his kingdom. Ultimately that led to him leading a small portion. Godly counsel most assuredly is for THE kingdom of God. Not for ours.

Christ - Whereas Rehoboam was focused on his kingdom, Jesus ushers in THE kingdom. All he does prepares his people for the kingdom. His sermons are geared for the kingdom. Next steps are for the furtherance of the kingdom. His sacrifice on the cross is to build his kingdom. Resurrection to establish an eternal kingdom. Sending of the Holy Spirit to empower those in the kingdom.

App. Must think kingdom.

Kingdom over capacity. If capacity is only metric, we will never rely on God. Rehoboam had capacity and he lost the kingdom.

Character over competency. If competency is only metric, then our hearts will never form. Rehoboam had competency, but his character ruined it.

Ill. For the kingdom is an act of humility. 83 missionaries sent out at SBC. This is the definition of For the kingdom.

App. Questions to consider from counsel:

Is this counsel better for me or God’s kingdom?

Am I willing to do what’s best for the kingdom?

Conclusion

Result = a people who are concerned about God’s kingdom more than their own. It is appealing to people when Christians live out what they preach. Dying to self. Advancing God’s kingdom. Evangelism course in July.