1 Kings 11-12

Divided We Fall: The Consequences of Forsaking God

Bible Passage: 1 Kings 11, 1 Kings 12

Summary: These chapters depict the tragic decline of Israel's united monarchy due to Solomon's idolatry and Rehoboam's foolishness, leading to the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah.

Application: This sermon encourages believers to remain faithful to God and avoid the pitfalls of pride, idolatry, and poor leadership. It serves as a reminder that our choices have consequences, both personally and communally.

Teaching: The sermon teaches the importance of seeking wisdom and God’s counsel in leadership and personal life. It highlights how turning from God's ways can lead to division and strife.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the larger biblical narrative, the division of the kingdom foreshadows the need for a greater King, Jesus Christ, who will unify and restore God's people, offering reconciliation and redemption.

Big Idea: We must remain faithful and humble before God to avoid division, ensuring our choices reflect His wisdom and glory.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the socio-political implications of Rehoboam's choices in the context of ancient Near Eastern culture. Use Logos to examine commentaries that analyze the different perspectives on Solomon's downfall, the role of Jeroboam, and the prophetic messages during this transitional period. Look into linguistic studies on key terms like 'wisdom' and 'folly' to deepen your understanding of their significance in the text.

1. Solomon's Sad Slip

1 Kings 11:1-13

You could emphasize the consequence of Solomon's heart turning away from God due to his alliances and idolatrous practices. This serves as a warning about the dangers of compromise in faith. Highlight how Solomon's divided heart led to a divided nation, stressing the importance of wholehearted devotion to God as exemplified in Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled God's will despite temptations.

2. Adversaries Arose Against

1 Kings 11:14-25

Perhaps focus on how God stirred adversaries against Solomon as a response to his unfaithfulness. This section illustrates how turning away from God invites chaos and discord, both personally and communally. Draw parallels to how Jesus, as the Prince of Peace, offers reconciliation with God and others. Urge the congregation to seek peace with God to prevent division.

3. Jeroboam's Just Judgment

1 Kings 11:26-43

Maybe explore Jeroboam's rise as a fulfillment of God's judgment, showing that God’s plans prevail despite human disobedience. This underscores the need for faithful leadership aligned with God's will. Relate this to how Christ's kingdom endures, unshaken by human failure, and encourage reliance on God's sovereignty for guidance in leadership and life.

4. Rehoboam's Rash Response

1 Kings 12:1-15

Consider illustrating the folly of Rehoboam's rejection of wise counsel in favor of prideful decisions. This highlights the dangers of ignoring wisdom and the consequences of pride. Point to Jesus as the embodiment of wisdom, whose counsel we must seek to avoid folly in our own lives and communities.

5. Kingdom's Costly Crack

1 Kings 12:16-24

You could conclude with the kingdom's division as a direct result of human folly and spiritual infidelity. This segment serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of unity and humility. Highlight that in Christ, believers find true unity and peace, and encourage steadfast faith and humility in following Him, restoring and maintaining God’s intended unity among His people.