Session 4 1 Kings 12:6-19

EXPERIENCE SPEAKS (1 KINGS 12:6-7)

listen for who Rehoboam consulted when he needed advice.

6 Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders
who had served his father Solomon when he was alive,
asking, “How do you advise me to respond to this people?”
7 They replied,
“Today if you will be a servant to this people and serve them,
and if you respond to them by speaking kind words to them,
they will be your servants forever.”

State:

With Rehoboam coming to power following his father,
Solomon’s, death, the Israelites asked him to ease their harsh working conditions.
Rehoboam sent the people away for three days so that he could consider their request.

Ask:

• What sounds wise about his actions in verses 6-7?
• Note that these elders had served during Solomon’s reign. Then ask:
• Why is experience important when we are seeking to make wise decisions?

Discuss:

Call for the group to name the elders’ in verse 7.
Record their responses on the board.
Direct the group to work in teams of two or four people
to discuss this question:

• How did the advice of the elders compare with what Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 20:26-27? (p. 39)

Transition:

Rehoboam sought the advice of experienced advisors, but then ignored their counsel.
Wise leaders learn from experienced advisors.