There Was War Continually
1 Kings 14:30
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: As the author of 1 Kings closes out the life of Rehoboam, he notes that there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. It is a passing reference that intentionally omits key details normally associated with reports of nations at war, such as the intended aims, the key battles, the number of casualties, and the outcome of the war, to name just a few. And yet, the inclusion of this passing reference indicates that the author had an interest in preserving this information for future generations. As we observe Memorial Day, let us turn our thoughts to a biblical perspective of war in order that we might become better informed at how to think about such consequential events in history.
01. Warfare between people and nations is a major theme in the biblical story. Its frequent occurrences in the Bible remind us that the world is fallen beyond human repair.
02. Warfare between people and nations is a moral theme in the biblical story. Its functional occurrences in the Bible remind us that God distinguishes between right and wrong.
03. Warfare between people and nations is a spiritual theme in the biblical story. Its familiar occurrences in the Bible remind us that there is an ongoing battle behind the scenes.
04. Warfare between people and nations is a redemptive theme in the biblical story. Its final occurrence in the Bible reminds us that the Prince of Peace will forever reign.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. Why does the author of 1 Kings mention the continual warfare between Rehoboam and Jeroboam without providing additional details? How do the lives of Rehoboam and Jeroboam, and consequently the lives of the people of Judah and Israel, compare with that of Solomon in his day?
2. Where do we first find warfare between people and/or nations in the Bible? What does the existence of warfare teach us about the impact of sin in the world in terms of what leads to warfare and how warfare is conducted? Do the principles of just war theory or pacifism reflect your thoughts on war? Explain.
3. What moral lessons can we draw from warfare in the Bible? Which battles in the Bible are clear in terms of their moral basis? How does God use warfare in the Bible to deliver His people? How does God use warfare in the Bible to discipline or judge His people? In your opinion, which wars outside of the Bible occurred due to a clear moral basis?
4. Read Ephesians 6:10-20. How does physical warfare compare to spiritual warfare? What does the Bible teach about battling sin in our lives using the armor of God? Which element of the armor of God do you find to be most valuable as you wrestle with the spiritual forces of evil?
5. Do you believe that Jesus Christ is able to bring peace to the world? How will He do that? Has Jesus Christ brought peace into your life, and peace between you and God the Father? Spend time reflecting on the power of Jesus to rule over all things seen and unseen, in this age and in the age to come (Ephesians 1:15-22).
For Further Reading: Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Why Does God Allow War? (Crossway, 2003)