How does 1 Kings 13:7 illustrate the temptation of worldly rewards? Setting the Scene 1 Kings 13 describes a bold prophet confronting King Jeroboam’s idolatrous altar at Bethel. After the altar miraculously splits and the king’s withered hand is healed, verse 7 records: “Then the king said to the man of God, ‘Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.’” Jeroboam’s Offer: An Attractive Bait • Comfort—“Come home… and refresh yourself” • Status—dining with a king implied public honor • Payment—“I will give you a reward” (literally “a gift,” suggesting wealth) Jeroboam packages sin in hospitality, flattery, and riches—classic lures for a godly servant’s loyalty. The Prophet’s Immediate Response (Read vv. 8-9.) The man of God refuses: even half the kingdom cannot sway him, because the Lord’s prior command forbade eating or drinking in Bethel. He recognizes that accepting the king’s generosity would mean disobeying God. Obedience outweighs opulence. Lessons on Worldly Rewards • Worldly gifts often arrive right after spiritual victory, when defenses are down. • The offer appears harmless—food and fellowship—yet it directly conflicts with God’s word. • Earthly gain can never compensate for compromised obedience (cf. Proverbs 23:4-5). • The servant of God must weigh every invitation against explicit Scripture. New Testament Echoes • Matthew 4:8-10—Satan shows Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory” for one act of worship. Jesus replies with Scripture, mirroring the prophet’s stance. • 1 Timothy 6:9-10—“Those who want to be rich fall into temptation… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” • Hebrews 11:24-26—Moses “chose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin… because he was looking to the reward.” True reward is future, not Jeroboam’s purse. Guardrails for Our Own Hearts • Anchor every decision in the revealed word; if God says “No,” no offer can turn it into “Yes.” • Recognize timing—temptation often follows victory; stay alert. • Measure gifts by their source: from a holy God or from a hand still clutching idols? • Remember the greater reward: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). |
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