Text: 1Ki 12:28-33
A. Excuse of inconvenience.
Jeroboam introduced calf worship in Dan and Bethel because it was “too much” to go to Jerusalem to worship God (12:28-30). a. God had appointed Jerusalem as the place of worship (2Ch 7:12). b. But the distance between Samaria and Jerusalem is about 30 miles. c. Jeroboam himself worshipped at Bethel (1Ki 12:33).
Some today change the pattern of God’s word because it is “too much” inconvenience. a. They change the frequency of worship (Act 20:7). b. They change the plan of salvation (Mar 16:16). c. Some in the Lord’s church forsake the assembly (Heb 10:25).
Do we do the will of God only when it is convenient for us (2Ti 4:2)?
B. Excuse of inflexibility.
Jeroboam introduced priests from among all the people because it was “too much” to appoint priests only from the tribe of Levi (12:31). a. God had appointed the Levites to minister to Him (Num 18:6). b. But the priests and Levites had left their lands and possessions in Israel to resume true worship in Jerusalem (2Ch 11:13-14). c. Jeroboam himself made offerings (1Ki 12:33).
Some today change the pattern of God’s word because it is “too much” inflexibility. a. They change the manner of worship (Eph 5:19). b. They change the role of women (1Ti 2:12). c. Some in the Lord’s church have fellowship with liberal brethren (2Jo 9-11).
Do we do the will of God only when it is agreeable to our will (Zec 7:5-6)?
C. Excuse of inexpedience.
Jeroboam introduced a feast on the 15th day of the 8th month because it was “too much” to observe the feast of tabernacles on the prescribed date (12:32). a. God had appointed the feast of tabernacles/ingathering on the 15th day of the 7th month (Lev 23:34,39). b. But the harvest came later in the more northern regions. c. Jeroboam himself observed the feast that he ordained (1Ki 12:33).
Some today change the pattern of God’s word because it is “too much” inexpedience. a. They change the day of worship (Act 20:7). b. They change the organization of the church (Php 1:1). c. Some in the Lord’s church impose restrictions on the elders (Heb 13:17).
Do we do the will of God only when it is reasonable to us (Isa 55:8-9)?