1 Kings 12:13–17 (NLT) — 13 But Rehoboam spoke harshly to the people, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors 14 and followed the counsel of his younger advisers. He told the people, “My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!” 15 So the king paid no attention to the people. This turn of events was the will of the LORD, for it fulfilled the LORD’s message to Jeroboam son of Nebat through the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh. 16 When all Israel realized that the king had refused to listen to them, they responded, “Down with the dynasty of David! We have no interest in the son of Jesse. Back to your homes, O Israel! Look out for your own house, O David!” So the people of Israel returned home. 17 But Rehoboam continued to rule over the Israelites who lived in the towns of Judah.

1. Jeroboam - The Perpetrator of Division

1. Proverbs 6:16–19 (NLT) — 16 There are six things the LORD hates— no, seven things he detests: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, 18 a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, 19 a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.
2. What makes a Jeroboam
   1. Offense
      1. You must know that offenses must be released, or they will turn into the spring of division. 
      2. Forgive - Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) — 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
   2. Selfish Ambition
      1. We must watch selfish ambition in our midst. 
         1. I must be seen.
         2. I must lead.
         3. I must make my mark.
      2. Promote others - Philippians 2:3–4 (ESV) — 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
   3. Fault Lines
      1. The enemy will exploit where you are tender.
      2. Build Bridges - Ephesians 4:2–3 (NLT) — 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
   4. Sensitive Timing
      1. Know your adversary is waiting for moments of weakness. 
      2. Serve Opportunistically - Galatians 6:10 (ESV) — 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

2. Rehoboam - The Pawn of Division

1. What makes a Rehoboam
   1. Big Ego
      1. Big egos squeeze everyone else out of the room. 
      2. Honest assessment - Romans 12:3 (NLT) — 3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us..
   2. Hard Head
      1. A hard head usually just means blocked ears! 
      2. Listen intently - James 1:19 (NLT) — 19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
   3. Sharp Tongue
      1. In moments of high stress, a calm answer can turn away wrath. 
      2. Bridle your tongue - Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) — 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.