How Did We Get Here?

In this session, we continue our verse-by-verse exposition of the Old Testament, turning our attention to 1 Kings 15 and 16. This critical section of Scripture chronicles the spiritual decline and political instability that plagued the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

As we examine the successive reigns of kings like Abijam, Asa, Baasha, and the notorious Ahab, we are confronted with the sobering reality of the "sins of Jeroboam." These chapters serve as a powerful warning about the dangers of syncretism and the necessity of a heart wholly devoted to the Lord.

Key Themes in This Study:

Being a Cycle Breaker: We see from Abijam and Asa that it is possible to either continue in the sins of your fathers or to break those cycles and bring about reform, We do not have to repeat the same mistakes that those who went before us made. We can be the change.

The Sovereignty of God: God can use all things for His plans and his purpose, even tragedy and sin can by used by God. That is not to say that God is causing the tragedy or sin, but rather that God knows that these things are going to happen and can use even those things for His plan and purpose.

The Ripple/Domino Effect: The sin of Jeroboam started a pattern of wickedness that permeated throughout the entire kingdom of Israel, and one wicked king was replaced by another even more wicked king who was replaced by an even more wicked kings. Chaos and disorder breed more chaos and disorder.

Prophetic Fulfillment: How the word of the Lord, spoken through His prophets, unfailingly comes to pass in the rise and fall of these earthly rulers.

Our goal is to draw out the timeless theological truths found in these historical narratives, reminding the modern believer that God remains the Sovereign Judge of nations and the Rewarder of those who seek Him in truth.