THE HOUR OF CRISIS

I KINGS 12:26-33

Pastor Rick Jackson

The kingdom had just split due to the sins of Solomon and the foolishness of his son Rehoboam. The northern 10 tribes faced a crisis hour due to the fear of their king. The background is laid for us in chapter 12, but let us see what the Lord has for us in chapter 13, in the hour of crisis.

I. THE NEED OF THE HOUR

1. Courage [v. 1-3, Joshua 1:5-7a]

2. Compassion [v. 4-6, Jude 20-22]

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference:

3. Convictions [v. 7-10, Joshua 1:7-9]

II. THE DANGER OF THE HOUR

1. Deception [v. 11-18, Ephesians 4:14, 5:6]

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

2. Compromise [v.19, James 1:14-15, Pr. 1:10-19]

3. Disobedience [v. 19-23, James 1:21-25]

“It’s not the parts of the Bible we don’t understand that give us the most trouble…”

III. THE LESSONS FOR THIS HOUR

1. The Wages of Sin Have Never Changed [v. 24, Rm. 6:23]

2. Denying Our Nature is a Price Paid to Serve God [v. 25-28, James 1:13-16]

3. Sin Will Blunt Our Effectiveness [v. 29-34]