April 13th Bible Study: 1 Kings 12-14
Read 1 Kings 12-14**or listen to it here:**1 Kings 12-14 Audio
💖 Scripture of the Day
“You have defied the word of the Lord and have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you.” – 1 Kings 13:21
These chapters detail the tragic division of the kingdom after Solomon’s reign, the rise of Jeroboam in the north, and the spiritual consequences of idolatry. Rehoboam’s harsh leadership divides the people, and Jeroboam turns Israel to idol worship to secure his rule. God responds with warnings and prophetic messages, emphasizing that disobedience leads to downfall. Even prophetic voices are tested, revealing how deception and failure to fully obey God’s word can lead to judgment. Despite the political and spiritual chaos, God remains active, sending messages through prophets and allowing consequences to stir hearts toward repentance. These chapters serve as a sobering warning that when leaders and people turn from God, destruction follows—but repentance remains open to all who will return to Him.
📚 Overview of 1 Kings 12–14
🔹 1 Kings 12 – The Kingdom Divides
Rehoboam ignores wise counsel and chooses harshness, resulting in ten tribes breaking away under Jeroboam’s leadership.
🔹 1 Kings 13 – Warning from a Man of God
A prophet warns Jeroboam of his sinful ways, but disobedience to God’s command leads to judgment—even for the prophet.
🔹 1 Kings 14 – Consequences for Rebellion
Ahijah the prophet warns Jeroboam of Israel’s doom, and Rehoboam’s reign in Judah is marked by continual conflict and disobedience.
📢 Listening and Leading
These chapters remind us of the weight of leadership and the danger of idolatry. Wise counsel, obedience to God, and humility keep us aligned with His will.
📚 Bible Study Points and Reflections
- 📚 1 Kings 12: Choosing Your Counsel Wisely
- 📌 Key Verse: 1 Kings 12:8 – “But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him.”
- 💡 Reflection: Wise counsel is essential for godly leadership and sound decisions.
- ❓ Application: Who do you turn to for advice? How can you seek wisdom from godly, experienced mentors?
- 📚 1 Kings 13: Honoring God’s Voice Over All
- 📌 Key Verse: 1 Kings 13:18 – “The old prophet answered, ‘I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the Lord…’ But he was lying.
- 💡 Reflection: Discerning God’s voice requires obedience, even when others seem convincing.
- ❓ Application: How can you grow in discerning and obeying God’s voice above all others?
- 📚 1 Kings 14: The Consequences of Turning Away
- 📌 Key Verse: 1 Kings 14:16 – “And he will give Israel up because of the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit.”
- 💡 Reflection: Idolatry and rebellion always lead to sorrow, but God still calls His people back.
- ❓ Application: Are there any areas in your life where you’ve placed something above God?
✨ Encouragement of the Day
Even when things fall apart, God remains faithful. His warnings are invitations to return, repent, and walk in His ways again.
🙏 Call to Action
📚 Journal Prompt: Write about a time you ignored good advice. What happened? What did you learn?
💬 Discussion: Why do you think we often choose the advice we want to hear over what’s right?
🙏 Prayer: Lord, help me to listen to Your voice and follow Your ways, even when it’s hard. Keep my heart from turning to anything but You. Amen.
