In what ways can we avoid leading others into sin today? Seeing the Warning in 2 Kings 17:21 “ For when He tore Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat king. Then Jeroboam led Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a great sin.” What Made Jeroboam’s Sin So Destructive • He used his authority to normalize false worship (1 Kings 12:28-30). • He established new priests and festivals that replaced God’s commands (1 Kings 13:33-34). • His choices set a pattern the nation followed for generations (2 Kings 17:22-23). Recognizing Our Influence Today • Parents: shaping appetites for media, priorities, and speech. • Friends: encouraging or discouraging purity, honesty, and faithfulness. • Leaders: teaching Scripture accurately or carelessly (James 3:1). • Social platforms: amplifying messages that can build up or defile. Practical Ways to Avoid Leading Others into Sin • Guard the heart first (Proverbs 4:23). • Measure words before speaking or posting (Ephesians 4:29). • Refuse to celebrate what God calls sin, even in jokes or entertainment (Psalm 1:1). • Ask, “Will this trip someone else?” (Romans 14:13). • Choose edifying activities when others are watching (1 Corinthians 8:9). Guarding Doctrine and Teaching • Hold to “sound doctrine” without compromise (Titus 2:1). • Check every belief against Scripture like the Bereans (Acts 17:11). • Persist in the Word; it saves both teacher and hearer (1 Timothy 4:16). Modeling Holiness in Relationships • Show self-control, dignity, and integrity (Titus 2:7-8). • Serve through love, not license (Galatians 5:13). • Practice forgiveness and reconciliation quickly (Matthew 5:23-24). Leaning on Accountability and the Spirit • Surround yourself with believers who will correct you in love (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Submit daily to the Spirit, producing fruit that guides others to righteousness (Galatians 5:22-25). Living It Out Daily • Ask God to reveal any hidden ways you might mislead others (Psalm 139:23-24). • Replace harmful influences with Christ-centered alternatives. • Celebrate and point to grace when you fall, demonstrating repentance instead of hypocrisy (1 John 1:9). By taking these steps, we reverse Jeroboam’s pattern and become signposts that guide others toward the Lord rather than away from Him. |
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