Walking in the Way of Jeroboam, Son of Nebat (part 1)

We as Christians have been blessed by God to have in our possession the Old Testament, the record of the dealings of God with the nation Israel, for our instruction and admonishment (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We find within its pages many examples of righteousness and wickedness, with much to be gained from each. Let us today examine one such example of wickedness, Jeroboam, the son of Nebat.

We are told about him that he was a servant of Solomon, but God determined to give to him the majority of the kingdom of Israel after the sin of Solomon (1 Kings 11:30-39). This was fulfilled, and he was given dominion over ten of the tribes of Israel (1 Kings 12:20). Let us now examine what he did after this, and how many follow after him today.

Jeroboam begins to stray from God's intentions when he begins to speak "in his heart" and use human reasoning regarding his current political situation (1 Kings 11:26-27). Jeroboam does not trust in God that his kingdom will be kept secure, but must within himself attempt to secure it. He heeds not the words of Solomon in Proverbs 3:7-8:

Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear the LORD, and depart from evil: It will be health to thy navel and marrow to thy bones.

We see today that the vast majority of errors found in "Christianity" have come by the inkling of the hearts of man, and not by searching for the will of God (Acts 17:11). How many doctrines are defended not by Scripture but by presumption? How often will people ask, "well, where does God say not to do it?" Or, "surely God would not condemn us for it." Many examples could be given, such as instrumental music, "modes" of baptism, fellowship halls, benevolence to non-saints, acceptance of divorce not for the reason of adultery, and countless more. These errors begin when man attempts to think where God has not spoken.

On the basis of his concerns about his current political situation, Jeroboam determines to make two golden calves and to set them up in Israel (1 Kings 12:28). He justifies the practice by hearkening back to the error of Aaron at Sinai, even using the same language as Aaron did (Exodus 32:1-4)! The sin of Israel at Sinai greatly displeased God (Exodus 32:7-10); why would anyone think that Jeroboam would be justified by this same practice? Yet he led Israel into sin by these calves!

Many today also follow after traditions, equating them with the words of God. The example of the calves shows clearly that traditions can be errors, no matter how old or how many follow after them. We must make sure that we are conforming to the truth of God, being assured that the gospel that we preach is the one preached by Paul and the Apostles (Galatians 1:6-9).

Jeroboam then adapts and alters other legislation to suit his needs: he installs priests not of Levi, changed the feast dates, and he himself even engaged in sacrifice (1 Kings 12:31-33). For these sins God will blot out the whole family of Jeroboam, and Josiah will sacrifice these priests upon that altar (1 Kings 13:2-3; 14:7-14; 15:27-30; 2 Kings 23:15-19). We also see that Jeroboam establishes feasts and worship very similar to that in Jerusalem, in order to further persuade the people concerning the validity of his changes.

(continued next week).

Ethan R. Longhenry
evangelist@norwalkchurch.org

Questions to Ponder During the Lesson

AM: The Plan of Salvation: Obey and Develop

1. Why would Americans have some difficulty with the idea of obedience?
2. What is the choice that people have in regards to whom they serve?
3. How do the Scriptures define maturity?

PM: The Plan of Salvation: Man's Divergences from God's Plan

1. What is the difference between the church being the group of the saved versus the organization in which there is salvation?
2. What is the fundamental difference between what Protestants teach and what the Bible says in regards to salvation?
3. Is obedience involved in salvation?

Ethan R. Longhenry
evangelist@norwalkchurch.org

The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio

Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies!

Our location:

386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city limits)
Norwalk, Ohio 44857

Our assemblies:

Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am
Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm

Our Bible studies:

Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am
Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:00pm

For More Information

If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at evangelist@norwalkchurch.org.

Please click here to return to the 2006 archive of Good News for Norwalk, or click here to return to the main page of Good News for Norwalk. Thanks!