In what ways can we avoid leading others into sin like Jeroboam did? Setting the Scene “Because of the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit.” (1 Kings 14:16) Jeroboam’s idolatrous calves, counterfeit priests, and self-made festivals reshaped a nation’s worship and drew an entire people away from the LORD. His story presses one urgent question: How do we keep from repeating that pattern in our own spheres of influence? Why Our Influence Matters • Influence is unavoidable—parents, friends, teachers, employers, ministry leaders all shape someone’s choices. • God holds leaders doubly accountable. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble…” (Matthew 18:6) • A single compromise can multiply. Jeroboam’s private fear (“The kingdom might return to the house of David,” 1 Kings 12:26) became national apostasy. Guarding the Integrity of Worship • Stay tethered to God’s prescribed way, never “improving” on it. “You must not add to or subtract from the word I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2). • Refuse pragmatism that overrides obedience. Jeroboam chose convenience (“It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem,” 1 Kings 12:28); true worship may cost time, comfort, or popularity. • Keep Christ central. “We preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23). Any focus that eclipses Him invites idolatry. Teach Only What Scripture Teaches • Commit to sound doctrine. “But as for you, speak what is consistent with sound teaching” (Titus 2:1). • Test every new idea by the whole counsel of God (Acts 17:11). • Let Scripture interpret Scripture; avoid pulling verses out of context to justify personal agendas. Cultivate Personal Fidelity to God • Guard the heart. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). Hidden sin in a leader soon becomes public stumbling blocks for followers. • Seek continual repentance. David’s quick repentance (Psalm 51) contrasts Jeroboam’s stubbornness (1 Kings 13:33). • Model what you teach. “You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Build Structures of Accountability • Surround yourself with godly counselors. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). • Submit to spiritual oversight (Hebrews 13:17). Jeroboam silenced the prophet; wise leaders welcome correction. • Keep transparent practices—financial, relational, and doctrinal—so sin has nowhere to hide. Equip Others for Discernment • Teach believers to weigh every teaching against Scripture (1 John 4:1). • Encourage personal Bible intake—reading, memorizing, meditating—so people depend on God’s word, not merely on human leaders. • Celebrate questions that drive people back to the text, instead of discouraging inquiry. Lead Toward Whole-Life Obedience • Cast a vision of holiness: “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). • Highlight the joy of obedience (Psalm 19:8). Compromise looks less attractive when God’s better way is tasted. • Show the cost of sin. Jeroboam lost his dynasty (1 Kings 14:10–11). Real consequences sober the soul. Living It Out Today Before offering advice, programs, or opinions, anchor everything in the unchanging word. Guard your own heart, walk humbly, and keep Christ pre-eminent. Influence then becomes a conduit of life, not a pathway to ruin—steering others toward worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24) instead of down the destructive road Jeroboam paved. |
    |