I Kings 14:1
This sermon warns against the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of true piety, as exemplified by Jeroboam's wife and her encounter with Ahijah the prophet.
Chuck Smith delivers a sermon on I Kings 14:1, emphasizing how God uses various methods to capture our attention, particularly in times of trouble. He discusses the character of Jeroboam and his wife, who only seek God when faced with crises, highlighting the danger of being an occasional hearer of God's word. The sermon also addresses the futility of disguises, as the wife attempts to hide her identity while seeking help from the prophet Ahijah, only to be called out by him. Ultimately, Smith conveys the heavy tidings of judgment upon Jeroboam's family, contrasting it with the glorious tidings of God's mercy for the godly. The message serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine faith and the consequences of hypocrisy.
Text
"HEAVY TIDINGS"
Intro: God has methods of gaining man's attention, a man may seek to
replace God, but in trouble.
I. AN OCCASIONAL HEARER.
A. Jeroboam and his wife did not go often to Ahilah.
1. They had set up the two molten calves.
2. They did not worship Jehovah or regard His prophet.
3. There may be some here today who do not often attend church.
B. This occasional hearer was destitute of true piety.
1. Most occasional hearers are.
2. The truly spiritual person is not an occasional hearer.
3. Many look on Sunday as a day of recreation.
a. Sleep in - read paper, go for a drive.
b. Thought of going to church repugnant --"spoil the day."
C. They usually come because they are in trouble.
1. Jeroboam's child was sick at home.
2. I know some people who go to church much as they go to
the pharmacy, hoping to get something that will their
ills.
3. We have an innate knowledge to turn to God in time of
trouble for help.
a. Very few true atheists.
D. She came because her husband had heard Ahijah preach before.
1. Ahijah had taken his mantle and torn it in twelve
pieces giving him 10.
2. Some of you have heard Gospel before; maybe were even
active.
E. There was one Godly member of the family; the ill son. vs 13.
1 A curse was to come upon Jeroboam's family.
2 God was sparing the, Godly son from it.
F. Though she came, she & her husband perished.
II. A USELESS DISGUISE.
A. She disguised as a peasant, a farmer s wife.
1. Put off royal robes & donned a russet.
2. Her offering was not that which befit a queen but
that of farmers wife, loaves... crackles... & honey.
3. Her deception worked as she made her way through the
city, across the dusty paths & into shiloh, 30 miles.
4 All this craftiness unnecessary because the prophet was now blind
anyway.
5. Imagine her shock when she stepped on the porch & she
heard the prophet call, "Come on in, thou wife of
Jeroboam..."
B. So many times people put on disguises when they come to church.
1. When we sing how earnest you look.
2. When we pray how reverent you are.
3. What have you really been doing today as you have gone through
the motions?
a. Some figuring out a business deal.
b. Buying school clothes.
c. Planning vacation.
4. You may fool man, but God sees right through you. "Come on in
thou wife..."
5. I would much rather go to hell an unholy man than a hypocrite.
III HEAVY TlDlNGS.
A. Your son will die when your foot steps on the threshold of
your house.
1. The kingdom to be taken away & posterity out of.
B. Heavy Tidings.
C. Glorious Tidings.
Sermon Outline
- An Occasional Hearer
- A Useless Disguise
- Heavy Tidings
- The Kingdom to be Taken Away
- Heavy Tidings
- Glorious Tidings
- A Godly Member of the Family
Key Quotes
“You may fool man, but God sees right through you.” — Chuck Smith
“I would much rather go to hell an unholy man than a hypocrite.” — Chuck Smith
“Come on in, thou wife of Jeroboam...” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- True piety is essential for a meaningful relationship with God.
- Hypocrisy is a serious offense that will be judged by God.
- We must be genuine and authentic in our worship and service to God.