LESSONS FROM THE SINS OF JEROBOAM

Text: 1 Kings 12:25-32; 16:25-26

Introduction:
1. Solomon had made Jeroboam to be over the fortifications 
   and public works at Jerusalem.  Made him to be over the 
   levy from the house of Joseph.
2. He used his position to stir up disaffection against the 
   government of Solomon.
3. When Solomon learned of these activities, he set about 
   to kill Jeroboam, making it necessary for him to flee to 
   Egypt.
4. But when Solomon died, Jeroboam returned to join the 
   chorus of people asking Rehoboam (who succeeded Solomon) 
   to reduce the people's taxes, forced labor, and other 
   burdens that Solomon had placed upon the people.
5. Rehoboam counseled with the older men who advised him 
   that if he would reduce the burdens that the people 
   would serve him from then on.
6. Rehoboam was not satisfied with that and sought counsel 
   from the younger men. (Those who were his own age)
7. 1 Kings 12:16.
8. 1 Kings 12:19 - "So Israel rebelled against the house of 
   David unto this day."

WHAT WERE THE SINS OF JEROBOAM.

A. SET UP A FALSE SYSTEM OF WORSHIP.

I. HE CHANGED THE OBJECT OF THEIR WORSHIP.
   1. Instituted a system of idolatry.
      a. 2 Golden calves. 1 Kings 12:28-30.
   2. Jeroboam's motives.
      a. Self preservation.  Preservation of the Northern
         Kingdom. 1 Kings 12:26-27.
   3. WHAT HAS BECOME OUR GOLDEN CALF?
      a. We live in a hedonistic society.
         (1) People are pleasure mad. 1 John 2:15-16; James 
             4:4; Galatians 6:7-8.
      b. Materialism.  Things.  This worlds' goods.
         (1) Matthew 6:33; 1 Timothy 6:10; Matthew 6:19; 
             19:16-22.
         (2) Often causes people to rob God. 1 Corinthians 
             16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7.
      c. Power.
         (1) Desire to have pre-eminence.  3 John 9.
         (2) Desire the praises of men rather than the 
             praises of God.

II. Jeroboam changed the place of their worship.
    1. Placed the two golden calves in Dan and Bethel.
    2. Came before the one in Bethel to worship.
    3. Jeroboam's reasoning regarding going up to 
       Jerusalem.
    4. "IT IS TOO MUCH FOR YOU TO GO UP TO JERUSALEM."
       a. It had not been "too much" from the beginning 
          when God selected Jerusalem as the place of 
          worship.
       b. 2 Chronicles 6:6; Deuteronomy 12:5, 11.
    5. This is still the Devil's favorite means of causing 
       people not to obey the Lord.
       a. Through the centuries many have wanted a religion 
          of convenience.
       b. Want the benefits of true religion without the 
          responsibilities.
       c. Many have just enough religion to salve their 
          conscience.
       d. Many others have just enough conviction to be 
          miserable.
    6. David would not offer to God that which cost him 
       nothing.  2 Samuel 24:24.
    7. God's commandments are not grievous.
       a. Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 12:1; 1 John 5:3.
    8. There are many Biblical Examples of conviction over
       convenience. 
       a. Abel's offering took conviction.  Hebrews 11:4.
       b. Cain, on the other hand, offered a convenient 
          sacrifice-Not accepted.
       c. Nadab and Abihu offered convenient fire.  
          Leviticus 10:1-2.
       d. Joshua - Voice of conviction.  Joshua 24:15
    9. Denominational examples of convenience.
       a. Join the church of your choice.
          (1) The Lord added to His church.  Acts 2:47.
       b. Justified by "faith only".
          (1) James 2:24.
       c. Sprinkling for baptism.
          (1) Baptism is a burial.  Romans 6:3-5; 
              Colossians 2:12.
       d. Lord's Supper once a month, Quarter, Year or just 
          eliminate it altogether.
          (1) Acts 20:7.
    10. It is convenient to skip the assembling of 
        ourselves together to worship the Lord.
        a. The Devil will tell you:
           (1) The weather is too bad.
           (2) Sunday is my only day to catch up no sleep.
           (3) Too tired.
           (4) Too much to expect me to leave my company.
           (5) Headache - go to work on Monday with the 
               same headache.
           (6) Hebrews 10:24-25.
    11. Convenient to contribute on Sunday, then let the 
        church do our benevolence.

III. Jeroboam changed the priesthood.
     1. God had provided that the priesthood should come 
        through the tribe of Levi through Aaron.
        a. 1 Kings 12:31.
        b. Appointed priests of the lowest of the people 
           who were not of the tribe of Levi.
        c. Today every Christian is priest to offer up 
           spiritual sacrifices.
        d. No arrangement for offering by proxy.

IV. Jeroboam changed time of worship.
    1. Jeroboam ordained a feast like the feast in Judah.
       a. 1 Kings 12:32
       b. Jeroboam's Feast           Feast in Judah
          Eight month                Seventh month
          Fifteenth day of month     Fifteenth day of month

Conclusion:
1. Caused the people to violate God's command to assemble 
   in Jerusalem.
2. Caused the people to absent themselves from the presence 
   of God.
3. Caused the people to become idolaters.
4. Caused the people to violate the command of God to 
   remember the Levites.  Deuteronomy 12:19; 14:27.
   a. 2 Chronicles 11:13-16.
   b. appointed others as priests.
   c. Levites - given no inheritance, but did receive 13 
      cities.
   d. Priests received parts of some offerings.
      (1) Joshua 13:14; Numbers 18:24
5. Ultimately resulted in the Northern Kingdom being 
   carried away into Assyrian Captivity never to return as 
   a group of people.