How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, unlike Adonijah's? Setting the Scene: 1 Kings 1:18 “Now Adonijah reigns, and you, my lord the king, do not know about it.” David’s son Adonijah had proclaimed himself king without seeking the Lord or the approval of God-appointed authority. His move was bold, public, and entirely self-directed. Adonijah’s Misaligned Heart • Self-exaltation: “Adonijah… exalted himself, saying, ‘I will be king.’” (1 Kings 1:5) • Disregard for God’s revealed choice of Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:5–7) • Ignored spiritual counsel; Joab and Abiathar encouraged him, while Nathan the prophet did not (1 Kings 1:7–8) • Trusted human strength—horses, chariots, and a feast of supporters—rather than God’s promise (Psalm 20:7) Root Causes to Avoid • Pride that resists divine authority (Proverbs 16:18) • Impatience with God’s timing (Psalm 27:14) • Selective hearing—listening only to voices that affirm personal ambition (2 Timothy 4:3) • Lack of prayerful dependence (James 4:2) Principles for Aligning Our Actions with God’s Will • Submit to Scripture first – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – God’s written Word supplies clear boundaries no private plan may cross. • Seek God before acting – “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” (Psalm 37:5) – Consistent, honest prayer invites God to search motives (Psalm 139:23–24). • Listen to godly counsel – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) – Counsel must come from those who themselves heed Scripture. • Examine motives by the Spirit – “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.” (James 4:3) – The Holy Spirit exposes self-promotion and cultivates humility (Galatians 5:16). • Wait for God’s timing – “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ec 3:11) – God’s purposes unfold at a pace that safeguards His glory and our good. • Obey promptly when God’s direction is clear – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Samuel 15:22) – Partial or delayed obedience mirrors Adonijah’s selective hearing. Living the Contrast Adonijah grasped for a throne; Jesus “humbled Himself” and was exalted by the Father (Philippians 2:8–9). Following Christ’s pattern—humility, dependence, obedience—keeps plans, careers, ministries, and relationships aligned with God’s will. |
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