The Choices We Make

THE CHOICES WE MAKE

1 KINGS 12:8

(Lesson: 1 Kings 12:1-19)

I believe that as children of God it is important that we understand that the choices we make in life can have a profound effect on those around us… If we make the wrong choices, they can lead us in the wrong direction… The choices that we make can cause others to fall and come short…. IOW, every choice that we make must be lined up and examined against the Word of God… (Story of the text…)

I. LISTENED TO UNSEASONED PEOPLE (v 10)

- These were the people who he grew up with

- You can’t rely on those who you run with for advice

- We must learn how to seek advice from experienced sources

II. LISTENED TO INSECURE PEOPLE

- Sometimes friends only give advice beneficial them

- These people grew up with/ worked for him

- They were afraid to lose their position

- Insecurity will make you do stupid stuff

III. LISTENED TO UNSPIRITUAL PEOPLE

- He received advice from two different sources

- 1st Source: the elders (connected w/ God)

- 2nd Source: young crowd (not connected w/ God)

- Bad Sources= bad info/ Bad info= Bad Choices

- Stop seeking spiritual advice from unspiritual people

- Secret: the world cannot solve your problems!!!

(Text…) As a result of Rehoboam’s decisions, the kingdom was divided… (Trying to say…) Unspiritual advice and unspiritual decisions will cause you to be separated from God and bring division to the body… (Chap 13-14)

Can I tell you this morning that God is looking for a people who will be willing to trust Him… Follow Him… And make Godly decisions about their life and their walk with Him… (Already told you…) In this life, you will be required to make some tough decisions… Decisions that will affect you, your family, and even the body of Christ… But it’s important that you use Godly wisdom when making these decisions… Make sure that you listen to the right people… Make sure that you listen to

I. Season People: Moses heeded to words of Jethro… (Ex 18)

II. Secure People: Timothy heeded the words of Paul concerning his ministry… (Throughout the NT)

III. Spiritual People: David heeded the words of Nathan the prophet… (2 Sam 12)

I hear the Lord saying today, “We must make a choice…” Joshua 24:15 “… Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

(Tell neighbor…) It’s time to make a choice… Because if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything…”