What practical steps can we take to avoid "the sins of Jeroboam" today? Setting the Scene 1 Kings 12:28-30 describes the turning point: “After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, ‘Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’ He set up one calf in Bethel and the other in Dan. And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.” Identifying Jeroboam’s Core Sin • Replacing God’s ordained worship with a man-made alternative • Prioritizing political convenience over obedience (1 Kings 12:26-27) • Leading others into the same compromise (2 Kings 17:21-22) Why Jeroboam’s Pattern Still Threatens Us • We, too, face pressure to reshape worship to fit culture or comfort • Tradition, popularity, or self-interest can subtly dethrone God’s commands (Colossians 2:8) • False security—“This is close enough; God will understand”—remains enticing Practical Steps to Avoid the Sins of Jeroboam Today • Guard the centrality of Christ – “In everything He must have the supremacy.” (Colossians 1:18) – Refuse any practice that shifts glory from Jesus to personalities, programs, or symbols. • Anchor worship in the Word – Compare every song, ritual, and teaching with Scripture (Acts 17:11). – Reject additions or subtractions that contradict explicit commands (Deuteronomy 12:32). • Keep gathering where God directs – God prescribed Jerusalem; Jeroboam offered Bethel and Dan. – Today, resist isolating yourself; stay faithful in a Bible-honoring fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Examine motives behind innovation – Ask: Am I changing this to exalt God or to make life easier for myself? (Galatians 1:10). • Confront convenience that compromises truth – Convenience worship says, “It’s too much trouble” (1 Kings 12:28). – True discipleship embraces the cross, not shortcuts (Luke 9:23). • Cultivate spiritual discernment – Pray for wisdom (James 1:5). – Discern spirits and teachings; not every “new thing” is from God (1 John 4:1). • Hold leaders accountable – Jeroboam’s subjects followed blindly. – Encourage pastors and elders to remain Scripture-centered; speak up when drift appears (Acts 20:28-30). • Teach the next generation – Jeroboam’s sin endured because it was normalized. – Pass on a clear, uncompromised gospel (2 Timothy 1:13-14). Encouraging Promises for the Faithful • “The Father seeks such as these to worship Him—those who worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24) • “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) Remaining alert, anchored, and obedient keeps us clear of Jeroboam’s pitfalls and positions us for God’s lasting blessing. |
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