Who is Responsible?

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 13:1-6

I. Old prophet and the man of God

A. As was read at the beginning of the service, the prophet, only known as the man of God, spoke a prophecy against King Jeroboam

B. When the nation of Israel split into two kingdoms after Solomon’s death, Jeroboam set up golden calves at Dan and Bethel. He wanted the people to worship God by offering to these calves instead of going to Jerusalem as the Law commanded. Jeroboam violated several of God’s laws and the man of God pronounced a curse upon the altar that would be fulfilled many years later. Jeroboam ordered the prophet to be seized but then his hand withered; however, the man of God healed him. In appreciation, Jeroboam invited the man of God to eat with him

C. Simple command

D. The man of God refused Jeroboam’s invitation because of God’s command.1 Kings 13:9: “For so it was commanded me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘You shall not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the same way you came.” The man of God then left Bethel by another route.

E. Read 1 Kings 13:7-22

F. An old prophet wanted to enjoy the company of the man of God and, like Jeroboam, invited him to his house to eat. The old prophet lied to the man of God saying that he received a prophecy that revised God’s first commandment.

G. The sin

H. The man of God believed the old prophet and went home with him. While they dined, the old prophet did receive a message from God: the man of God would be killed and not buried with his fathers.

II. Observations

A. The man of God had a clear commandment directly from God

B. When Jeroboam invited the man of God to eat, he remained faithful and quoted God’s command.

C. But he disobeyed the command when another prophet, claiming to have authority from God, urged him to do differently.

D. He did not ask God what to do. He did not ask the prophet for a sign that what he said was true. He did not stick with what he knew to be true.

E. Warning to us

F. Galatians 1:8-9 – If the apostles or angels contradict God’s word…Acts 17:11 – The Bereans were cautious in accepting Paul’s word and only accepted it when it agreed with what the Scripture taught2 Timothy 3:8-17 – God’s word will pilot you safely through the shoals of error and deceit

G. The man of God thought he was still obedient to God when he went with the old prophet

H. No doubt he followed the old prophet with a clear conscience It does not matter whether one feels that he is doing right; he must follow the word of God. Romans 10:1-2 – The Jewish people of Paul’s time were zealous for God but, since it was not based on knowledge, it did them no good. Acts 26:9-11 – Paul thought he should persecute the church in defense of the Law but the Law pointed to Christ and the church Ephesians 5:17 – Understand God’s will and do it.

I. The old prophet was careless in handling God’s word

J. He should have respected God’s will for the man of God. Out of selfishness, the old prophet lied and led the man of God to his death.

K. It does not appear that the old prophet had any sinister motive nor a desire to harm the man of God, yet when he played fast and loose with God’s word to accomplish his goal, he endangered the man of God.

L. False teachers are not always sinister, greedy, and immoral charlatans.

M. Some false teachers think they have the best interest of others at heart when, in fact, they are ensuring their condemnation.

N. Matthew 23:15 – Pharisees sought proselytes but led them astray Colossians 2:18-23 – religious appearing things but cheat you

O. 2 Peter 3:15-18 – Some twist the scriptures but to their own destruction

P. We must be extremely careful in handling God’s word lest we lead someone away from the truth, James 3:1.

Q. We will be punished for leading others astray. However, those led astray will not get a free pass because we led them astray; they will also be condemned for abiding in error.

R. Even though the old prophet lied about God’s word, the young prophet was still punished for disobedience.

S. He could not excuse his disobedience on the old prophet’s lie. The man of God had the truth but he was carried away by error taught by one who was God’s prophet and who seemed concerned for him. The person obeying false doctrine, no matter how pure their motives or clear their conscience, will not be excused because his teacher taught incorrectly. Philippians 2:12 – “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”2 Timothy 2:15 – Diligently prepare to be approved by God You will not stand before God on judgment to answer for what I have taught, but what you have practiced.

III. False Teachers