Lessons Learned To Late - 1 Kings 13:1-10

I. Introduction - The young prophet of 1 Kings 13

A. This is not describing an arrogant, godless type of person who deliberately threw his life away - who had no time for God.

- He is described as a “man of God” - 1 Kings 13:1

- He is pictured as a man of great courage - willing to risk his own life to uphold God’s word

B. But in the latter part of the story some of the things he failed in brought about his death.

C. It is easy for us to just look at his good side (His bravery, courage, etc..) or we may look and just see his failures.

D. However, this Great Man of God fell into sin and became the object of God’s Displeasure!

- Satan defeated him on his weakest front.

- I am sure as he looked back at the decisions he made, he might have made done things differently.

D. The Man of God learned some lessons to late to benefit from them

E. I want to look at these lessons so that we may benefit from these lessons before it is to late.

II. God Is Not An Author of Confusion - 1 Cor. 14:33; Acts 19:32

A. When you have people saying one thing and others saying another, you have confusion.

- Today, We have many different things being taught concerning – the plan of salvation, one worship, etc...

- When this happens, there is confusion.

B. The Young Prophet Was Somehow Able To Convince Himself That God Would Contradict Himself

- He was told, “...‘You shall not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the same way you came.’ ” - 1 Kings 13:8-9

- He knew his message was God-given.

- There was a sign to confirm the message – 1 Kings 13:3,5

- The older prophet told him something different than the command of God – 1 Kings 13:15-19

- He was convinced that God would tell him something and the older prophet something else.

C. The Devil Tries To Get Us When We Are Most Vulnerable.

- The young prophet must have been hungry.

- The devil tempted Jesus when he was hungry - Matt. 4:2-3

III. Religious Leaders Don’t Always Tell The Truth

A. A Fellow Came Along and Said, “I am a Prophet”

- He didn’t question whether he was telling the truth

- Some say, “I am a preacher...”

- Many people believe "he wouldn't lie" or "he surely knows what he's talking about.”

B. We Are Told To Investigate

- 1 Thess. 5:21

- Acts 17:11

- Who Should We Investigate? (Everyone)

C. He Claimed To Have A More Up To Date Revelation

- This claim is made repeatedly today (Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Etc...)

- Gal. 1:6-8

IV. Sincerity Is No Excuse For Disobedience

A. No One Can Doubt The Sincerity of The Young Prophet

- He faced danger and risked his life with the king’s wrath

- He turned down the offer of royalty – to be loyal to God

B. However, despite his sincerity – he died for his disobedience

- We all know when we violate natural laws – sincerity isn’t enough to protect us

- When will people learn that sincerity in religion (although important) is not enough alone

~ Matt. 7:21-24

~ Matt. 15:14

V. Yesterday's Obedience Doesn’tAtone For Today's Disobedience

A. God Doesn’t Overlook Today’s Disobedience Because of Our Obedience In The Past

- It can be easy for us to dwell in our accomplishments of the past.

- But if I don't remain faithful to the Lord, yesterday's obedience doesn't help.

B. God Requires Continual Obedience

- 1 Cor. 15:58

- Rev. 2:10

VI. Partial Obedience Isn’t Obedience At All

A. The Young Prophet Successfully Completed The First Part of His Mission

B. However, There Was A Second Part of His Mission – Just As Vital As His First.

- Both parts were God-given missions.

- He didn’t obey what the Lord said about his return trip.

C. Have You Been Guilty of Partial Obedience?

- Did you believe that you are saved by faith before being baptized, without the need for water baptism?

- Did you believe that being morally good is good enough?

D. Have You, As A Member of The Church, Contented Yourself With Partial Obedience?

Conclusion:

A. This are important and valuable lessons.

B. let us learn these lessons before it is too late for us to benefit from them.