Man-made Religion I Kings 12:26-33

Introduction-1•When Solomon’s died, his son, Rehoboam, became king• The people came to him requesting relief• Rehoboam consulted his counselors• And followed the advice of the younger ones• He said he would make the peoples’ burden heavier and harder• 10 of the twelve tribes revolted and set up the Northern

Kingdom of Israel• They chose Jeroboam to be their king

Introduction-2• Jeroboam feared that if the people returned to Jerusalem to

worship, they would kill him and reunite with Rehoboam • He devised a plan that he thought would secure his life and his

kingdom• He decided to set up a different religion for his people• His changes affected every citizen of the Northern kingdom from

that time until they were carried away by the Assyrians•Many people are following Jeroboam’s error today

Sources of Religion• Religion is what we teach and do in serving God •Many people think that it doesn’t matter where you go to

worship or what you do as long as you are sincere • Only two sources of authority in religion- Matt. 21:24-25• From God or from men•Man-made religions are a rejection of Divine authority• God has always rejected human innovations- Lev. 10:1-2• Let us notice some characteristics of man-made religions

Many Are Designed to Please Men

• Jeroboam set up the golden calves in Dan and Bethel• They pleased him and suited his purposes• Evidently his changes pleased the people also• There was no local uprising against the calf worship• God sent a prophet from Judah to rebuke Jeroboam- I Ki. 13:1• God has revealed the worship that pleases Him- Jn.4:24• Some religions today have been designed based on surveys of

what people in the community say they want and don’t want

They Are Often Similar to God’s Religion-1

• Jeroboam made only a few changes1. Set up golden calves to represent God- I Ki. 12:282. Changed the place of worship3. Made priests of those not from Levi- v. 314. And established a new feast- v. 33 • The people still sacrificed to and worshipped Jehovah• They still kept the Sabbath and the other 2 feasts

They Are Often Similar to God’s Religion-2• Some today would say they were minor changes• Some today have decided that innovations are needed to keep

up with the changing times• Those who are satisfied with 5% error are following a man-

made religion•We must love God with all our heart- Matt. 22:37• Love requires obedience- I Jn. 5:3• Those who love God, will obey Him in all things

They Show A Lack of Faith

• God promised to that if Jeroboam obeyed His law He would establish his kingdom- I Ki. 11:37-38• But Jeroboam did not trust in God’s promise • His changes were designed to preserve his rule and his life• They resulted from a lack of trust in God• Those who vary from God’s pattern of teaching and worship

today show more trust in human wisdom than in God’s wisdom

They Are Often Religions of Ease

• Jeroboam’s worship provided easy access for people- I Ki. 12:28•Many churches today also offer easy access with the Lord’s supper

on Saturday, and some even have drive-thru worship • They offer sermons that are easy on the sins in their lives• Easy requirements to reach Heaven- Once saved, always saved • Genuine Christianity is not a religion of ease and convenience• It requires complete obedience- Col. 3:17• It requires dedication and effort- Phil. 2:12• And it requires sacrifice- Lk. 14:27

Results of Man-made Religions-1

1. They divide believers• Jeroboam’s changes divided Israel spiritually• They remained divided until their captivity•Man-made religions divide people today• In time those who practice them will disagree and divide • Jesus prayed for unity among His disciples- Jn. 17:20-21• Paul condemned divisions in Corinth- I Cor. 1:10• Unity results only when all submit to God’s authority

Results of Man-made Religions-2

2. They lead to other errors• Israel went from the calves to Baal• And, as a people, never returned to God•Many churches of Christ today are drifting away from the truth• In some what began as one or two changes now no longer

resemble the New Testament church• One error soon leads to another • And churches seldom turn back

Results of Man-made Religion-3

3. They destroy souls• Jeroboam rejected God’s rebuke, and God took his life- II Chron.

13:20• But he led many souls to destruction • Baasha killed all Jeroboam’s descendants- I Ki. 15:29•Man-made religions are destroying millions of souls today• Let us help others to come out of man-made religions • And be vigilant for our own souls and the church•What is your relationship to Christ this morning?