Avoid Rehoboam's mistakes in faith?
What steps can we take to avoid Rehoboam's mistakes in our faith journey?

Setting the Scene: A Heart That Drifts

2 Chronicles 12:1 sets the tone: “After Rehoboam had established his kingship and had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the LORD.” Strength led to self-reliance, and self-reliance birthed neglect of God’s Word. The pattern still threatens believers today.


Recognize the Danger Zones

• Growing influence or success

• Crowds affirming our choices

• Diminishing time in Scripture and prayer

• Ignoring the gentle checks of the Spirit

When these markers appear, Rehoboam’s story warns us to act quickly.


Step One: Pursue Humility Before God

James 4:6—“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Corinthians 10:12—“So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.”

Practical responses:

– Begin each day acknowledging absolute dependence on Christ.

– Invite trusted believers to point out blind spots.

– Fast periodically to remind the soul that God, not comfort, sustains.


Step Two: Stay Anchored in Scripture

Joshua 1:8—Keep the Book of the Law “day and night.”

Psalm 119:11—Hide His Word in your heart “that I might not sin against You.”

Practices that protect:

– Daily reading plan—steady, sequential intake.

– Memorize verses addressing current temptations.

– Journal applications; obedience cements truth.


Step Three: Seek Godly Counsel and Community

Rehoboam earlier rejected seasoned advisors (2 Chronicles 10). We avoid the same pitfall by:

• Submitting major decisions to mature believers.

• Maintaining regular fellowship—Hebrews 10:25 calls us not to “neglect meeting together.”

• Forming small accountability circles where Scripture, confession, and prayer flow freely.


Step Four: Guard Against Prosperity Pride

Deuteronomy 8:11-14 warns that comfort can dull spiritual hunger.

Practical safeguards:

– Celebrate successes with thanksgiving, crediting God publicly.

– Give generously so possessions never master the heart.

– Schedule service projects that place you among the needy.


Step Five: Keep Short Accounts with God

Rehoboam’s partial recovery came when “the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves” (2 Chronicles 12:6).

2 Chronicles 7:14 underscores swift repentance.

Steps:

– At the first nudge of conviction, confess—don’t rationalize.

– Restore obedience where compromise crept in.

– Accept God’s discipline as loving correction, not rejection.


Living It Out Today

• Start each week by praying Psalm 139:23-24 and listening.

• Choose one verse from your daily reading to meditate on throughout the day.

• Meet monthly with a mentor for honest spiritual inventory.

• Review finances quarterly, ensuring giving reflects gratitude.

• End every day with thanks, naming specific evidences of God’s faithfulness.

Following these intentional steps, we reverse Rehoboam’s slide—from self-sufficiency back to wholehearted devotion—keeping our faith journey strong, steady, and centered on the Lord.

How does 2 Chronicles 12:1 connect with Deuteronomy 28 on obedience?
Top of Page
Top of Page