Fall of a Man of God- 1 Kings 13

1 Kings 12:33 – 13:32

The phrase, “the word of the Lord” occurs nine times in 1 Kings 13 (vs. 1, 2, 5, 9, 17, 18, 20, 26, 32). This emphasis shows how important God’s Word is.

The term “man of God” occurs thirteen times (vs. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 21, 26, 29, 31). The combination of these two phrases within this chapter illustrates how closely linked God’s word is to God’s man. No man is a “man of God” who isn’t properly related to “the word of the Lord.”

1 Kings 13 illustrates how a good man can be lead astray into apostasy (a falling away—cf. 1 Tim. 4:1).

I. His DEVOTION. We don’t know his name.

1 Kings 12:33 flows directly into 1 Kings 13:1

A.   Directed by “the word of the Lord” (v.1).

B.  Denounced the altar in “the word of the Lord” (vs. 1-3). He did not address the King (v. 2)! Why?

1. He was “negative” in his preaching. He preached against what was in opposition to God (vs. 1-2). His message was unpopular (v. 4).
2. Predicted future judgment that was fulfilled 300 years later (v. 2 cf. 2 Kings 23:15-16).

C.   Delivered the King (vs.4-6). This man of God did not hold a grudge. He prayed for his enemy and God healed the King. An act of God’s mercy, yet Jeroboam persisted in his sin (vs. 33-34).

D. Departed the premises according to the word of the Lord

II.     His DOWNFALL v. 11-19

 

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