## Price of Disobedience

## I Kings 13:1-32

The Kingdom had divided. Rehoboam reigned over Judah while his brother Jeroboam reigned over Israel. Jeroboam did not want any of his kingdom to go up to Jerusalem to worship for fear they might follow Rehoboam. So he made his own centers for worship, in actuality idol-worship. He ordained his own order of priests, sacrifices, and altars. One area was Beth-el and the other was in Dan. Both of these were to the north toward Jerusalem. Then there came a man of God. Tonight, we do not want to consider the sin of the king of Jeroboam, but consider the price of disobedience paid by one of God's servants. Read v 1-6.

I. He Was God's Man 13:1-6

A. He cried out against evil. (1)

1. There was something wrong when God's people keep silent about evil.

2. We've grown so accustomed to it, that it doesn't bother us.

3. Like living near an airport.

B. He prophesied coming events (2-3)

1. Here we have a remarkable prophecy.

2. He actually names Josiah.

3. This prophecy did come to pass but it was about 300 years later. Cf. 2 Kings 23:15-16.

C. He was defended by the Lord (4-5)

1. God will always defend those who are in His will.

2. We will see later an instance when God did not defend him. 3. The key is obedience! ex. Chet & I visiting.

D. He was able to perform a miracle of God. (v6)

1. He made intercession for the wicked king.

2. He had power in prayer!

3. There wasn't a moments hesitation or doubt that God could heal the king's arm.

II. He Knew The Truth 13:7-10

A. The instruction of the Lord was clear (9)

1. He was not to fellowship with those in idolatry.

2. His instructions were very specific

a. No food

b. No drink

c. Return by a different path

3. There are similar instructions for God's people today.

(2 Cor 6:14) "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

(2 John 1:9-11) "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. {10} If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: {11} For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."

B. He resisted the king's temptation easily (7-8,10)

1. Notice the king's offer v 7

a. 'come home with me'

b. 'refresh thyself'

c. 'I will give thee a reward'

2. Notice the prophet's response v 8

a. I can't be bribed or tempted

b. Even if the offer would be half of the kings house or wealth.

c. The prophet was soon on his way home carefully following God's commands.

d. Perhaps proud of himself for obeying.

III. He was deceived 13:11-19

A. There was another prophet (11-14)

1. This man, although he had the gift of prophecy, was more concerned about the king's favor than God's.

a. It is sad to say but that is also the case of many individuals today.

b. In Acts 5:29, Peter and John told the council, "We ought to obey God rather than men."

2. His sole purpose was to destroy this man of God in order to elevate himself in the eyes of the king.

B. The man of God was deceived by a "fellow servant". (15-19)

1. The old prophet lied to suit his own purpose.

a. He told the man of God that he had received a message from God.

b. Only this message contradicted the message given to the man of God.

2. The same old song - just a different tune!

a. God told Adam & Eve that they would die if they ate of the forbidden fruit.

b. Satan said, "Ye shall not surely die."

3. How subtle our adversary is.

a. The man of God had no trouble refusing the temptation of the king.

b. But was deceived by one of his own!

3. It is easy to say NO to sin when it is plain to see - but beware of becoming relaxed!

4. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion... seeking whom he may devour."

IV. He Paid the Price for Disobedience. v20-32

A. He heard another message v 20-24

1. This time he was the subject and not the sayer.

2. God used the old prophet to deliver his death sentence.

3. Why? - because he knew the truth and willfully believed man rather than God.

a. Mark it down - anytime you hear a message that claims to be from God…

b. But it is contrary to the Word of God stick to the Truth!

c. Do not be deceived!

B. He paid with his life. v 25-32

1. His life was lost because he had lost his credibility with God.

a. God could no longer trust him.

b. It may have been different had he not known the truth.

c. Think of it - if God had wanted to change the plan - He would have told him!

2. Notice the Lion.

a. He did not kill for meat.

b. He did not harm the ass.

c. He remained near the carcass as if to 'gloat'.

3. Notice his grave.

a. Was in the sepulchre of the old lying prophet.

b. Even in death his only identification would be with a liar.

c. That is the way he would be remembered as a disobedient servant - NO testimony.

The price of disobedience comes higher than any of us would want to pay. We must be careful to obey God rather than men, because there is an adversary on the prowl. Mt. 7:15, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps' clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." We must commit ourselves anew each day to studying God's Word so we won't become easy prey for our adversary. Satan cannot have our soul, but he can ruin our testimony and destroy our effectiveness for God.