How can we avoid the pitfalls of pride seen in Rehoboam's reign? Setting the Scene • 2 Chronicles 12:4: “He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.” • Shishak’s advance happened after Rehoboam “abandoned the law of the LORD” (12:1). The fortified walls Rehoboam trusted could not shield a proud heart. What Pride Looked Like in Rehoboam • Rejected seasoned counsel (2 Chron 10:8). • Listened to peers who flattered his ego (10:9–14). • Believed military strength and city walls were enough (11:5–12). • “Abandoned the law of the LORD” once his kingdom was established (12:1). Why Pride Destroys • Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.” • James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Pride blocks dependence on the LORD, invites opposition, and dulls the conscience. Guardrails to Keep Us from Rehoboam’s Pitfalls 1. Remember Who Builds and Protects – Psalm 127:1: “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” – Give God credit for every success; verbal gratitude deflates self-exaltation. 2. Seek and Heed God-Centered Counsel – Proverbs 11:14: “Victory is won through many advisers.” – Invite input from mature believers who aren’t impressed by us. 3. Stay Anchored in Scripture Obedience – John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – Regular study, meditation, and immediate obedience keep hearts soft. 4. Cultivate Humility Through Service – Mark 10:45: Jesus “came not to be served, but to serve.” – Choose unnoticed tasks; service shifts focus from self to others. 5. Practice Ongoing Repentance – Rehoboam finally said, “The LORD is righteous” (2 Chron 12:6). – Keep short accounts with God; confess pride the moment it surfaces. 6. Rely on God’s Grace, Not Self-Reliance – 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you.” – Acknowledge weakness; invite His strength daily. The Blessing of Humility • 2 Chron 12:12 records that when Rehoboam humbled himself, “the LORD’s anger turned away from him.” • 1 Peter 5:5: “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility… so that He may exalt you in due time.” The lesson from Rehoboam is clear: fortified cities could not compensate for a fortified heart. By choosing gratitude, counsel, obedience, service, repentance, and reliance on grace, we sidestep pride’s traps and walk securely under God’s protecting hand. |
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