How the Man of God Lost His Life ~ I Kings 13:1-10
Pastor John Opferman
6:00 PM
October 6, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction:
Introduction to the text: 1 Kings 13 – The story of the man of God from Judah and King Jeroboam at Bethel.
The Context of 1 Kings 13:
King Jeroboam’s Idolatry:
Jeroboam sets up altars with golden calves in Bethel and Dan.
Defiance of God’s command to worship in Jerusalem.
The altar in Bethel becomes the focal point of idolatrous worship.
The Man of God’s Mission:
A prophet from Judah is sent by God to confront Jeroboam at the altar.
The prophet speaks prophetically about Josiah, a future king who will destroy these altars.
A sign is given by the prophet that the altar will split and the ashes will spill out.
King Jeroboam’s Reaction:
Rejection of the Message:
Jeroboam is angered by the prophet’s words and attempts to arrest him.
His hand withers as a result of his action against the man of God.
The Power of God’s Intervention:
Jeroboam pleads with the prophet to ask God to restore his hand.
The prophet prays, and God restores Jeroboam’s hand.
Lesson: Even those in rebellion recognize the true power of God when they see it.
The Prophet’s Obedience to God:
Refusal of the King’s Hospitality:
Jeroboam offers the prophet a reward and invites him to his home.
The prophet refuses, citing God’s command to neither eat nor drink in Bethel, nor return by the same way.
Lesson: Obedience to God’s instructions, even in the face of temptation and reward, is essential.
The Temptation by the Old Prophet:
The Introduction of the Old Prophet:
The old prophet in Bethel hears of the events and seeks out the man of God.
He deceives the man of God, claiming an angel told him to bring him back for food and drink.
The Man of God’s Failure:
Despite the clear command from God, the man of God follows the old prophet back to his home.
Lesson: Even strong believers can fall when they are deceived or let down their guard.
The Consequence of Disobedience:
Judgment from God:
During the meal, the old prophet receives a true message from God, declaring the man of God’s fate for disobedience.
The man of God is told that he will die before returning home.
The Lion’s Attack:
As the man of God travels home, a lion kills him but leaves his body and donkey untouched.
People witness the strange scene and report it, and the old prophet collects the body.
Lesson: Disobedience to God’s clear commands leads to severe consequences, even for those who are otherwise faithful.
The Legacy of the Man of God:
The Burial and Epitaph:
The old prophet buries the man of God in his own tomb and instructs his sons to bury him alongside the man of God when he dies.
The prophecy of the man of God is fulfilled years later with Josiah’s reign.
Loss of Name and Reputation:
Despite being used greatly by God, the man of God’s name is never recorded in Scripture.
Lesson: A moment of disobedience can tarnish a lifetime of faithfulness.
Key Lessons from the Man of God’s Fall:
Beware of False or Backslidden Teachers:
The man of God was led astray by a backslidden prophet who had fallen out of God’s will.
Even those who once served God can lead others astray if they are not in tune with Him.
God Does Not Change:
God’s commands are unchanging. The man of God believed God had changed His mind, but God’s word remains constant.
The Danger of Compromise:
The man of God compromised by listening to a message that seemed harmless (bread and water) but was in direct opposition to God’s command.
Lesson: Compromising on God’s instructions, even in small things, can lead to devastating outcomes.
Conclusion:
The Importance of Obedience:
As believers, we must remain steadfast in our obedience to God’s word and commands.
Disobedience leads to loss of reputation, usefulness, and ultimately, life.
Final Call to Trust in Christ:
The sermon closes with a call to trust in Jesus Christ for salvation and to live a life in obedience to God’s commands.
Prayer and Benediction:
Pastor Offerman prays for the congregation, asking God to help them remain obedient and faithful in their walk with Him.
Biblical References
1 Kings 13:1-10 – The main text of the sermon, recounting the story of the man of God sent to Bethel and his interaction with King Jeroboam.
Romans 10:13 – "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Referencing the assurance of salvation)
1 John 3:2 – "Beloved, now are we the sons of God..." (Referencing our identity as sons of God, like Jesus)
2 Timothy 4:5 – "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry." (Emphasizing the responsibility of evangelism)
Malachi 3:6 – "For I am the Lord, I change not..." (To show that God does not change His mind)
Hebrews 13:8 – "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." (Confirming the consistency of Jesus and God’s word)
Proverbs 14:12 – "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (A warning about following human wisdom over God’s commands)
Psalm 11:3 – "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Highlighting the danger of straying from foundational truths)
2 Corinthians 6:14 – "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?" (On the importance of separating from false believers)
1 Peter 5:8 – "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (Warning about the devil’s desire to destroy believers)
1 Corinthians 5:5 – "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." (Speaking about church discipline and judgment)
1 Timothy 1:18-20 – "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme." (Describing judgment on those who stray from faith)
Proverbs 22:1 – "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches..." (The importance of maintaining a good reputation)
Ecclesiastes 10:1 – "Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor." (How small mistakes can ruin a person’s reputation)
Reflection Questions
How do you respond when God’s instructions conflict with what seems logical or beneficial to you?
Reflect on how the man of God obeyed God's command initially but later was tempted to disobey due to his own needs and a seemingly good offer.
In what ways might you be influenced by others who appear spiritual but lead you away from God’s truth?
Consider the role of the old prophet and the danger of listening to people who claim to speak for God but lead you astray.
What practices or behaviors in your life might be causing you to drift away from God’s calling or purpose?
The man of God strayed from his purpose by accepting the old prophet’s lie. Reflect on areas where you may be compromising on your own spiritual mission.
How important is your reputation as a follower of Christ, and how do your daily actions reflect or damage that reputation?
The man of God lost his name and reputation through disobedience. Reflect on the value of maintaining a good name as a witness for God.
What are some specific ways you can ensure you are walking in alignment with God’s unchanging Word, even when circumstances or people challenge that?
God’s Word is consistent, and His commands don’t change. Reflect on how you can stay rooted in His Word, especially when tempted to compromise.
Daily Activities
Resist Temptation with God’s Truth
Activity: Reflect on 1 Kings 13:9, where the man of God was commanded not to eat or drink in Bethel. Identify one area in your life where you may be tempted to compromise your obedience to God. Write down a Bible verse related to this area and meditate on it daily.
Application: By equipping yourself with God’s Word, you will strengthen your resolve to follow His commands and resist compromising situations.
Build Accountability for Obedience
Activity: Find a trusted Christian friend or mentor with whom you can regularly discuss your spiritual journey. Share one area where you are seeking to obey God more fully, and ask for prayer and encouragement.
Application: Having accountability in your faith journey helps you stay committed to obedience, just as the man of God needed accountability to follow God’s instructions fully.
Seek Guidance from God, Not Man
Activity: Spend 15 minutes in prayer each morning, asking God to give you wisdom and discernment. Specifically, ask Him to reveal any voices or influences in your life that may be leading you away from His truth, as the old prophet did in the story.
Application: This will help you develop a deeper reliance on God’s guidance, ensuring that your decisions and actions align with His will rather than human influence.
Protect Your Spiritual Reputation
Activity: Reflect on Proverbs 22:1, which highlights the importance of a good name. Write down ways you can live out your Christian faith in your workplace, school, or community. Choose one action each day that reflects Christ's love and integrity.
Application: By consistently living out your faith in everyday situations, you will protect and build your reputation as a follower of Christ, avoiding the loss of trust seen in the man of God’s story.
Prioritize Spiritual Obedience Over Physical Needs
Activity: Reflect on the temptation the man of God faced with food and drink in 1 Kings 13. Choose one day this week to fast or give up a meal and spend that time in prayer, asking God to strengthen your spiritual resolve over physical desires.
Application: This act of sacrifice will help you prioritize obedience to God over immediate physical needs, aligning your heart with His purpose and will.
