WHEN THE HEART TURNS AWAY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Kings 11:1-43
Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 17:17; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 6:24; Revelation 2:4-5; James 1:14-15
INTRODUCTION:
1 Kings 11 is one of the saddest chapters in Solomon’s story. The man who was once filled with divine wisdom, honoured by nations, and favoured by God fell because of a divided heart. Despite his glorious beginning, Solomon turned from God in his later years by marrying foreign women and allowing idolatry to enter Israel.
This chapter teaches us that wisdom alone is not enough to keep us faithful—our hearts must remain fully surrendered. Solomon’s compromise began with affection, then alliance, then worship of other gods. His fall was not sudden—it was gradual and deadly.
God does not only examine what we build externally but also the loyalty of our inner lives. When the heart turns away, even the most gifted leader can fall.
1. A DIVIDED HEART LEADS TO SPIRITUAL DECLINE
Solomon loved many foreign women who turned his heart away from God.
a) “But King Solomon loved many foreign women…” (1 Kings 11:1)
Affection outside of God’s will is dangerous.
b) What captures your heart will eventually influence your worship
Love can blind discernment if not anchored in truth.
c) Solomon knew the law, but affection made him careless
Disobedience began in the heart long before idolatry was visible.
d) The heart must be guarded with diligence above all things (Proverbs 4:23)
A compromised heart cannot carry divine glory.
Biblical Example: Samson fell because he loved Delilah more than he feared God (Judges 16:4-21).
2. SPIRITUAL COMPROMISE IS OFTEN GRADUAL, NOT INSTANT
Solomon allowed idolatry to creep in little by little.
a) “His wives turned his heart after other gods…” (1 Kings 11:4)
He didn’t wake up one day as an idolater—it was progressive.
b) Small disobediences tolerated become large sins normalised
Spiritual erosion is quiet but destructive.
c) No matter how anointed or wise you are, compromise will destroy you if not corrected
Gifts do not excuse disobedience.
d) Leaders must not only start well—they must finish well
God judges the end as much as the beginning.
Biblical Example: Demas forsook Paul because he loved the world (2 Timothy 4:10).
3. GOD WARNS BEFORE HE JUDGES
God appeared to Solomon twice and gave him clear instructions.
a) “The Lord had appeared to him twice… concerning this thing…” (1 Kings 11:9-10)
God gives chances to repent before releasing judgment.
b) Repeated disobedience after repeated warnings brings serious consequences
God is merciful, but not blind.
c) A hard heart despises divine rebuke
Solomon continued in his error despite God’s voice.
d) Grace is not a licence to continue in sin
God’s patience is not eternal when it is trampled upon.
Biblical Example: Pharaoh hardened his heart repeatedly until judgment came (Exodus 9:12).
4. DISOBEDIENCE BREAKS KINGDOM COVENANTS AND LEGACIES
God declared that He would tear the kingdom from Solomon’s house.
a) “I will surely tear the kingdom away from you…” (1 Kings 11:11)
Sin can destroy the fruit of many years of service.
b) Disobedience has generational consequences
The kingdom was split after Solomon—Judah and Israel.
c) One man’s compromise can affect an entire nation
Leadership carries weight and responsibility.
d) God will not protect rebellion because of past faithfulness
He honours obedience, not history.
Biblical Example: Saul lost his kingdom due to disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23).
5. GOD RAISES ADVERSARIES TO HUMBLE THE PROUD
Enemies began to rise against Solomon after his fall.
a) “And the Lord raised up an adversary against Solomon…” (1 Kings 11:14)
When we forsake God, He removes divine covering.
b) Peace and prosperity are sustained by obedience
The adversaries were divine instruments of discipline.
c) God's discipline is often painful but redemptive if we repent
Solomon’s later life was marked by opposition.
d) God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6)
Falling from favour is a slow descent from intimacy with God.
Biblical Example: Nebuchadnezzar was driven from the throne until he acknowledged God’s rule (Daniel 4:28-37).
CONCLUSION:
Solomon’s fall is a solemn reminder that success, wisdom, and anointing are not enough without steadfast obedience. A divided heart is the greatest threat to sustained leadership. We must not only begin with God—we must finish with Him. It is possible to be wise and yet disobedient. It is possible to build God’s house and yet lose God’s presence.
Let us constantly check our hearts, align our affections, and refuse any compromise that can pull us away from God. When the heart turns, the glory departs.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, keep my heart loyal and fully devoted to You all my days.
2. I reject every compromise that seeks to pull me away from obedience.
3. Father, restore in me the fear of the Lord and deep reverence for Your voice.
4. Let me finish my race well, without falling into spiritual error.
5. Raise a shield of grace around me to resist temptation and walk in truth.
