Erosion – it starts at the
top
I kings 14; 2 Chronicles
10-12
Preached 8-22-2001 Wed night at College Heights
Baptist Church
by Dr. Rickey Honea
Illustration: What a tragedy, homes worth millions of
dollars reduced to a heap of stick in just a few seconds.
Fire ? NO Earthquake ? NO Hurricane
? NO --------------
Answer: MUD SLIDE.
Once a mud slide starts that is no stopping it, and once it starts its
destructive path then nothing is spared along the way. Lives, dreams,
possessions, families, all gone in a matter of seconds.
Like a mud slide, Israel’s spiritual slippage started at
the top of the hill - with King
Solomon
I.
A QUICK GLANCE AT REHOBOAM’S ROOT
a.
His Father, Solomon ( 1
Kings 11:42-24 )
b.
As with all of us, Rehoboam’s life was shaped by a variety of forces,
the most powerful of which was his father
c.
A survey was given to ELEMENTARY through HIGH SCHOOL grades boys and
teens, and were asked about recent behaviors, some disturbing findings were
uncovered.
The study was to find out about the moral and ethical choices among boys and
teens today. Here are some of those findings.
During the past year have you?
|
YES
|
|
Cheated on homework or a test
|
54%
|
|
Been drunk
|
28%
|
|
Shoplifted
|
24%
|
|
Used drugs like marijuana or speed
|
17%
|
|
Carried a gun to school
|
5%
|
|
|
|
The study showed that older boys (
ages 14-19) are three to four times more likely than younger boys (7-10) to
participate in such behaviors.
We can clearly see that rewarding and reinforcing HIGH moral standards at an
early age is vitally important.
d.
Another disturbing revelation is that young boy’s outlook on the world
is rather dim. While more than 78% indicate being satisfied with their
neighborhoods and schools 74% ( fewer than 1/3 or 32%) are satisfied with the
world today
Older boys ( ages 14-19) are much more likely than younger
boys ) ages 7-10) to hold a negative outlook on each of the aspects of life.
The study indicates that the morals and values of
American men often fall below the ideal codes of behavior.
1.
Only 62% strongly agree that
“A PERSON SHOULD NOT RESORT TO A MEANS THAT HE OR SHE KNOWS IS WRONG, EVEN
THOUGH IT MAY LEAD TO SUCCESS”
2.
Only 38% strongly agree that
“HELPING OTHERS SHOULD COME BEFORE ONE’S OWN INTERESTS”
3.
One of four ( 25% ) strongly agree
“THAT BEING HONEST WITH EVERYONE IS NOT SOMETHING THAT PAYS OFF IN THE KIND
OF WOLRD WE LIVE IN TODAY”
4.
More than 1/3 (35%) do not classify
“NOT DECLARING ALL OF ONE’S INCOME TO THE IRS AS ABOSLUTELY WRONG.
5.
Almost four of ten (37%) do not classify
“KEEPING EXCESS CHANGE GIVEN AT A STORE” AS “ABSOLUTELY WRONG”
From among these men will come the ROLE MODELS for our next generation.
II.
The value of belonging to a local church, a family with a mom and dad, or
boys club, scout troop:
The study shows an alarming high rate of boys who are
willing to do wrong today. Values, such as honesty and showing common respect
for others seams to be the exception rather than the rule.
Studies show that young people who are guides by rules and
regulations, standards and consequences are better able to:
1. Handle leadership roles later on in life
2. Put the needs of others before
themselves
3. Make the most honest, not the
easiest decisions
4. Value education and the
environment
5. Graduate from high school ( 98
% verses 83 %)
6. Graduate from college (40 % verses 16 %)
7. Earn annual household incomes of $50,000 +
(33 % verse 17 %)
BOYS REMAIN BOYS ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME.
Ill. Of potter who left the clay alone for too long, It
hardened and its chance to be shaped was now over.
There is a battle today, a struggle to do RIGHT or WRONG.
Ill. Commercial of little boy who dresses in his dad’s
clothes, picks up a pack of cigarettes and said, I want to be like you dad as he
starts to strike the match.
Solomon was a direct influence on the life of Rehoboam.
Solomon reigned for 40 years. I Kings 14:21
That means Rehoboam was only one year old when his dad began his rule as king.
Rehoboam grew up surround with royalty, wealth etc.
Like his father, his love for many woman caused him to
marry and pamper numerous foreign heathen wives who not only robbed him of his
excellency of character, humility of spirit, but the turned his heart to seek
after other gods.
B. WE SEE
Solomon’s FLAWED PHILOSPHY
Rehoboam inherited his fathers flawed since of leadership
He thought that “THE KING HAS DIVINE RIGHTS”
Done what ever he wants, regardless who has to suffer. Or whether his actions
honor God or not.
Those who are in leadership – beware. Whether you’re
conscious of it or not, you’re passing on a philosophy of living to those
under your authority.
Now
let’s look at Rehoboam’s Reign.
II. A closer look at Rehoboam’s Reign
A. Listened to Unwise Counsel
Many today will listen to their friends rather than their elders.
(1 Kings 12:1-4)
He consulted with the elders first ( V. 7)
They told him to lighten up, but he did not listen.
He ignored their counsel – like so many of us do today
He followed the advise of younger men ( VV 10-15)
Be
cautious of those who tell you to take all you can get.
B.
Followed parents’ weak example.
Word of caution to the parents who neglect the
spiritual life at home
Each of us are help responsible for our actions regardless how we were raised.
Follow the Lord and Obey His will
III.
A Sobering Response to Rehoboam’s WRONGS
What
can we learn from Rehoboam’s participation in the erosion of Judah?
1.
Any life can erode.
No one – no individual, no nation, no family, no church is immune.
2.
Guard your heart. When Solomon was still
following God he wrote
“watch over your heart with diligence, for from it flow the springs of life”
Proverbs 4:23
WHATEVER SEEPS INTO OUR HEARTS FLOWS OUT THROUGH OUR LIVES. SO BE CAREFUL ABOUT
WHAT YOU WATCH, WHRE YOU SPEND YOUR TIME, WHO YOU RUN WITH, WHAT YOU WEAR, WHAT
YOU LISTEN TO AND WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT.
3.
Consult God about your decisions
4.
Develop a lifestyle of spiritual
diligence – Study God’s Word, determine to live biblically.
5.
YOU ONLY HAVE TO DO ONE THING TO CAUSE EROSION –NOTHING !