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Jeroboam Disobeyed God (1 Kings 12-13)

The entire Bible is true, without error, authoritative, and clear; however, there are times—perhaps when trying to discern about a new job opportunity or other circumstances when there is seemingly more than one good option—when we may ask, “What does God want of me?”

The Bible contains some very clear directives about what we should and should not do. It is abundantly clear that we are to honor our father and mother and that we should avoid immorality. What happens when we go against God’s directions?

In 1 Kings 13, we see a prophet from Judah who had clear direction from God about what not to do, but King Jeroboam did not fully adhere to this instruction. The results were devastating.

The prophet expressed that he was, “Commanded by the word of the Lord: ‘You must not eat food or drink water or go back the way you came.” On two occasions he explained that admonition to those inviting him to do otherwise.

But, in a moment of temptation, he dismissed that instruction at the deceptive advice of an old prophet. The prophet from Judah returned to where he came from, ate, and drank water with them—ultimately disregarding the clear instruction of the Lord. The prophet’s disobedience led to death by lion.

The intent of this encounter is not to scare us into obedience but to remind us of the seriousness of sin, the consequences of sin, and the grace of God under which we live in Christ.

So often we spend hours deliberating things God has not made crystal clear to us while simultaneously disregarding those things that He has made known to us through His Word. It may serve us well, as Jesus’ followers, to give ourselves fully to those things that God has made clear. When we become more aware of what God commands of us and as we grow in faithfulness to those things, it is likely that our discernment will grow as well. We ought to live as graciously obedient people seeking to know and obey God’s ways, with God’s help.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus brings us back to God.
  • Younger Preschool: Sin separates us from God. Jesus came to bring us back to God. Jesus is the true King who gave His life so we can be forgiven.
  • Older Preschool: Sin separates us from God. Jesus came to bring us back to God. Jesus is the true King who gave His life so we can be forgiven. His kingdom will last forever.
  • Kids: Sin always leads us away from God. Jesus came to bring us back to God. Jesus is the true King who gave His life as a sacrifice so we can be forgiven of our sins. Jesus’ kingdom will last forever.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Younger Preschool: What is idolatry? Idolatry is loving something else more than God.
  • Older Preschool: What is idolatry? Idolatry is loving something else more than God.
  • Kids: What is idolatry? Idolatry is a sin of the heart in which we love and value something else above God.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Babies & Toddlers: Love the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 6:5
  • Younger Preschool: Love the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 6:5
  • Older Preschool: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5
  • Kids: “Listen, Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5

** Next week: Elijah Served as a Prophet (1 Kings 16–18)

Categories: The Gospel Project