Divine Intervention

Understanding the Lord's Discipline in Our Lives

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 11:14a "And the Lord stirred up an adversary unto Solomon..."

I. Recognizing God's Hand in Adversity
 
  • Context:
    • God's intervention in Solomon's life by stirring up adversaries.
    • Importance of understanding that God's discipline can come through various means, including strife.
    • Key Verse: 1 Kings 11:14a
      • "And the Lord stirred up an adversary unto Solomon..."
  • Main Point: Sometimes, what we perceive as the devil's work may actually be the Lord's discipline.
    • Key Verse: Proverbs 20:24
      • "Man’s goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?"
  • Application:
    • Understanding that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His discipline is for our growth and correction.
    • Key Verse: Hebrews 12:6
      • "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."

II. The Consequences of Disobedience
 
  • Context:
    • Despite his wisdom, Solomon fell into idolatry and disobedience.
    • Solomon’s actions led to God's judgment and the eventual division of his kingdom.
    • Key Verse: 1 Kings 11:9
      • "And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice."
  • Main Point: Even the wise can fall when they succumb to temptation and sin.
    • Key Verse: 1 Kings 11:11
      • "Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant."
  • Application:
    • The principle of sowing and reaping: the seeds of disobedience will bear consequences.
    • Key Verse: Galatians 6:7
      • "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

III. Sustaining God’s Blessings Through Faithfulness
 
  • Context:
    • Solomon's initial zeal and favor with the Lord.
    • The need for consistent trust in God, obedience to His commands, and humility in our walk with Him.
    • Key Verse: 1 Kings 3:3
      • "And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places."
  • Main Point: Continual faithfulness is necessary to sustain the blessings God has bestowed.
    • Key Concepts: Trust, Obedience, and Humility
      • Key Verse: Micah 6:8
        • "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
  • Application:
    • Encouragement to examine our lives and ensure we are living faithfully in trust, obedience, and humility to avoid falling into similar pitfalls.
    • Key Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6
      • "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
 

Conclusion:

 
  • Reflect on the importance of recognizing God’s discipline as an act of love and correction.
  • Emphasize the necessity of maintaining faithfulness to sustain God’s blessings.
  • Call to action: Keep the faith, stay humble, and always obey the Lord to preserve our "kingdom" and walk with Him.
 
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