How can we avoid creating adversaries like Solomon did in 1 Kings 11? Tracing Solomon’s Trouble: 1 Kings 11:24 “He gathered men to himself and became the commander of a raiding band. When David killed the men [of Zobah], Rezon and his men went to Damascus, where they settled and gained control.” (1 Kings 11:24) Solomon’s adversaries—Hadad, Rezon, and ultimately Jeroboam—rose after his heart turned from the LORD (1 Kings 11:9-14, 23-26). Understanding where Solomon slipped helps us keep from repeating his mistakes. Small Compromises Become Open Doors • Deuteronomy 17:17 warned Israel’s kings not to “multiply wives,” yet Solomon “loved many foreign women” (1 Kings 11:1-3). • These marriages “turned his heart after other gods” (v. 4). • Once idolatry entered, God “raised up an adversary” (v. 14). The pattern is repeated: drift → discipline. • Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” Un-guarded affections produced unwanted enemies. God Had Already Posted the Warning Signs 1. Deuteronomy 17:14-20—write, read, and obey the Law daily. 2. Exodus 34:12—do not make treaties that snare you into idolatry. 3. Joshua 23:11-13—cling to the LORD or surrounding nations will become “whips on your backs.” The safeguards were clear; Solomon simply laid them aside. How We Can Avoid Creating Modern-Day Adversaries Stay loyal in worship • 1 Corinthians 10:14—“Flee from idolatry.” Anything that rivals God’s place—career, comfort, relationships—eventually masters us. • James 4:7—“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Submission precedes resistance. Choose obedience over expedience • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Galatians 6:7—“God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Disobedience sows opposition; obedience reaps peace. Cultivate continual repentance • Psalm 139:23-24—invite God to search the heart early, before sin hardens. • Proverbs 28:13—concealing sin breeds trouble; confessing and forsaking it brings mercy. Value godly counsel • Proverbs 13:20—“He who walks with the wise grows wise.” Solomon isolated himself from the prophets (cf. 1 Kings 11:29-31 with Ahijah confronting Jeroboam). • Hebrews 3:13—daily encouragement keeps hearts from being “hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Finish as well as you start • 2 Chronicles 16:9—“For the eyes of the LORD roam throughout the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him.” • 1 Corinthians 10:12—“Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” Early zeal is not enough; lifelong vigilance is required. Daily Practices That Close the Door on Future Enemies • Start and end each day in the Word—Deuteronomy 17’s prescription still works. • Memorize key verses on loyalty (Matthew 6:24; Deuteronomy 6:5). • Fast periodically to reveal hidden attachments. • Keep short accounts: confess sin immediately. • Invite trusted believers to speak truth without fear. • Periodically review life goals against Scripture—are any pulling you off-course? Living Proof That God Protects the Devoted Psalm 91:14—“Because he loves Me, I will deliver him.” When worship stays pure and obedience remains unhindered, the LORD Himself becomes our shield (Genesis 15:1). Solomon’s story warns; Scripture’s promises assure. Walk closely, and the adversaries that dogged Solomon will find no footing in your life. |
    |