Beware Bad Advice

I. The man of God who allowed himself to be deceived.

1. He ADMITTED that the Lord told him not to eat or drink anything in the land. (Verses 9 & 17) (Luke 12:48 - "Unto whomsoever much is given of him shall much be required.") (See also James 4:17)

2. He ACCEPTED the prophet’s word on the matter even though he had clear instructions from God. (Verse 18) (Romans 3:4 - "Let God be true and every man a liar") A man of God who could not be bribed by the money and prestige of the king is duped by the supposed spirituality of another preacher. Don’t ever take another man’s word if it contradicts God’s Word, no matter what his credentials.

3. He ANSWERED for his lack of obedience. He was killed by a lion for following man instead of God.(Verse 28) (1 Samuel 15:22b - "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.")

II. The lying prophet who did the deceiving.

1. He ADMIRED the visiting preacher. (Verses 11-14) Never lure another into disobeying God for any reason.

2. He ASKED for something God had forbidden. (Verses 15-19) (Isaiah 5:20 - "Woe be unto them who call good evil and evil, good.") He lied to get his way - causing serious consequences for both the other man of God and himself.

3. He ANSWERED for his lack of integrity. (Verses 23-32) He would bear the pangs of conscience to his grave for lying to the man of God.

III. The unstable king.

1. He ALTERED his lifestyle after assuming authority as king. He had once been an industrious young man. (1 Kings 11:28)

2. He ABUSED his authority as king. God had promised to give him all of Israel if he lived obediently. (1 Kings 11:38) Instead, he not only wallowed in idolatry but also led others to do the same. (1 Kings 12)

3. He ANSWERED for his lack of integrity. The Lord overthrew his dynasty. (Galatians 6:9 - God is not mocked.)