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In briefly considering Saul and Solomon, what spiritual hazards should we avoid?
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We should be careful with idols, idols, traditions, and cultural customs which can run counter to our drawing closer to God.
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Worshiping idols! This looks a little differently for us today but similar as well. We worship tv, material things that can also be a “god”
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Not being obedient to God and looking at the world and desiring all the worldly things!
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Focusing on self indulgence, luxury, and a sinful lifestyle, we can avoid the situations Saul and Solomon brought to the land. Focusing on God’s plans, encouraging those we lead to worship and follow God, and living according to God’s will would be better choices.
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Both Saul and Solomon ended up relying on themselves rather than God. In Saul’s case, he also relied on the praise of man. When he didn’t destroy all of cattle and kill all of the people, especially the leaders, he was attempting to appease the soldiers under him. In addition, when Saul rashly sacrificed the offering, he become worried about all the men deserting him out of fear. He feared man more than God. He also very insecure in himself. When David became successful, Saul became jealous of David because he feared losing the people’s admiration. He became obsessed with killing David, not realizing that he had already forfeited the throne. In the end, he was his insecurities that defeated him rather than the enemy.
In Solomon’s case, it was lust (sexual, material, and power) that defeated him. Solomon pursued foreign women, which God explicitly warn Solomon against. He also pursued luxury in all areas of his life until he discovered “all was vanity.” He slowly turned his heart toward foreign gods, women, and material wealth. This departure from God lead to a split kingdom and the loss of joy in his own life. He eventually learned that only the God of Israel could satisfy, but it too late for his kingdom.