An Old Testament Example of a New Testament Truth [ 40:05 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (56)An Old Testament Example of a New Testament Truth
1 Kings #14: an exposition of 1 Kings 14:1-20. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, May 31, 2015.
Intro:
It’s happened only once in my 20 years serving as a police chaplain. I asked the father of a victim if I could pray for him and he said, “No. If you want to pray for my son go ahead but I don’t need nor do I want your prayers.” That’s unusual because normally in a time of crisis people want prayer. Even those who are not formally connected with a church or devoted to faith desire prayer where their world is shaken. Most do want prayer and are grateful to get it. I’m sure many think, “What harm can it do?” Others think maybe this chaplain has some kind of connection and can get something for me. Whatever the reason it seems to be true, “You don’t find atheist in foxholes!” As a chaplain and as a pastor, I want to bring the presence of Christ to people in times of crisis. I want to offer hope and encouragement. But I wonder about the attitude that says, “What harm can it do?” Is it always safe to approach the Almighty at the moment of crisis? I’m not sure it is.
He was king of the nation of Israel.
He was put into that position by God himself.
Due to the sin of Solomon God brought judgment on Israel.
Through the prophet God said He would tear the nation from Solomon’s hand.
Because of God’s covenant with David this would not happen in Solomon’s lifetime.
After his death, early in the reign of Reheboam judgment came.
Jeroboam was made king of the 10 Northern tribes.
Jeroboam was assured that if he followed in the path of David he would be blessed.
His kingdom would be established and his dynasty would endure.
Jeroboam foolishly chose to trust his own ingenuity rather than trust the Word of God.
Judgment came.
Jeroboam’s son fell ill. In an effort to secure God’s blessing and the restored health of his son Jeroboam devised an elaborate plan seeking to pull one over on God’s prophet. The results were disastrous and yet informative. Our text this evening is found in 1 Kings the 14.
Text: 1 Kings 14:1-20
What we have in our text is an Old Testament example of a New Testament truth.
As we work our way through the opening section of the 14th chapter we discover that…
Thesis: Whether you are a king or a pauper, devout or indifferent, mark it down God will not be mocked. You will reap what you sow. (Gal 6:7-8)
I want to point out 4 things from our text.
- Our Sovereign God will not be used. (14:1-6)
- Rejection of God’s grace is a very serious matter. (14:7-11)
- The judgment of God is overwhelming. (14:12-18)
In the end all that will matter is what did you do with Christ? (14:19-20)
Conclusion:
Let’s make this personal. If we are talking about your obituary does it really matter that you built a successful business from scratch? Does it matter that you retired from your company after 30 years of service, loved baseball golf and spent time with your family if you did not love the Lord your God and trust in His only Son the Lord Jesus?
Learn from an old reprobate king – ultimately all that matters is what did you do with Jesus?