Fusion: week of 9/16

FAMILY THEME: FOLLOWING WISE COUNSEL

1 Kings 12:1-33

After the pinnacle of peace and prosperity, celebrating the

new Temple in Jerusalem and the worldwide fame of Solomon,

Israel's descent into idolatry and rebellion began with Rehoboam's 

reign and the division of the northern (Israel) and the southern

(Judah) kingdoms.

1.  Be Careful Whom You Listen To

     (1 Kings 12:1-15)

     Solomon's son lacked his father's wisdom. King Rehoboam

     listened to the wrong counselors.

 
2.  Rejecting Wise Counsel Often Leads to Division

     (1 Kings 12:16-24)

     When Rehoboam added to the tax burden and workload

     of the Israelites, they rebelled and ten tribes seceded from

     the union.

 
3.  Division Among God's People Hinders the Advance of

     His Kingdom

     (1 Kings 12:25-33)

     Though this separation was prophesied, the division of

     the 12 tribes left them vulnerable to false religion and 

     to enemy attack.