Self-Exaltation Comes to Failure

Background Scripture: 1 Kings 1-2
Lesson Scripture: 1 Kings 1:5-10, 41-49

Introduction

Reading and studying about that which has happened, even many centuries ago, is never antiquated, because human nature remains fundamentally the same. If history repeats itself, two things become immediately apparent: (1) How incapable we are of learning from others’ experiences and (2) Our inability to pay attention. Disregarding the recorded past, especially that of biblical history, will never aid or lead a person to a greater awareness and understanding of themselves—it rather inhibits our spiritual vision. Without applying ourselves, we will not know who we truly are. We must prepare for the unknown by studying how others in the past dealt with, or failed to deal with, the unforeseeable and unpredictable future. “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished” (Prov. 22:3).

By all appearances, we are on the brink of a culture shedding itself of God and Christian beliefs. What can the books of 1 and 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles teach us about our world and about our own response to the age in which we live? We will be studying these books for this quarter of Sunday school.

The history of Israel and Judah continues through these books, detailing the chastisements of God upon his people because of their disobedience and rebellion. Solomon builds the temple in Jerusalem, and he dedicates the people of Israel to serve the Lord alone. The standard is set for proper worship, and God blesses it until Solomon begins to be drawn away. God removes one family line of kings after another, yet the Israelites again stray after each return to worshipping Him.

God faithfully calls to his people by sending them prophets, reminding them He does notice their conduct and behavior. Vivid accounts are recorded that mark God rewarding obedience and faithfulness and punishing disobedience and also speak of his divine providence and care.

Like other historical books in the Bible, these books emphasize religious and moral teaching rather than merely a record of events. The importance of obeying God remains key throughout the alternating commentary of reformation yet steady decline of Israel and Judah into idolatry.

Self-Exaltation Comes to Failure

Lesson 1

September 1, 2024

Background Scripture: 1 Kings 1-2

Lesson Scripture: 1 Kings 1:5-10, 41-49

Introduction

The word self-exaltation suggests people who believe themselves to be more important than their peers. Feelings of entitlement and a desire for the praise and honor of men accompany the spirit of pride. Those caught up in self-exaltation will boast of their accomplishments, good management, or wisdom, and come across as individuals who think quite a lot of themselves. This will cause others to shy away. Not being given the expected attention, an even greater effort will likely be made by them to further assert themselves.

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). It is easy to see this in others, but let us personally check our own hearts as we study this lesson to see if there could be any root of self-exaltation in our own attitudes or spirit that would be displeasing to God.

Key Verse

The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? (Obad. 1:3).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Adonijah was the eldest surviving son of David at this time, and in many cultures during this era, the eldest son was often considered the heir to the throne. Adonijah might have thought he had a legitimate claim to the throne since he was the oldest living son and perhaps assumed he would naturally succeed his father. He may have garnered support from some influential individuals or military personnel who saw him as a potential leader.

However, David had promised Bathsheba that her son Solomon would succeed him as king, which led to a conflict between Adonijah and Solomon over the throne. Ultimately, Solomon became king after David’s death in accordance with David’s wishes and the will of God as conveyed through the prophet Nathan.

After Solomon became king, Adonijah initially sought Solomon’s favor by requesting to marry Abishag, a concubine who had been with King David in his old age. This request, however, was perceived as a move to assert a claim to the throne, as marrying a former king’s concubine could be seen as a bid for royal authority. Solomon perceived this as a threat to his reign and saw it as a challenge to his authority. As a result, Solomon considered Adonijah’s actions treasonous. Though Solomon initially showed some restraint, in the end he ordered Adonijah’s execution, seeing him as a potential threat to his rule. Adonijah’s fate was sealed, and Solomon took steps to remove any potential contenders to his rule to secure his reign.

Adonijah’s disobedience to God’s plan, his pride, and his attempts to challenge Solomon’s authority were the reasons God was displeased with him. His actions were seen as an attempt to secure power for himself rather than aligning himself with God’s divine will. This was contrary to the established order of succession that God had decreed through his prophet and cost him his life.

Practical Truths for Today

The story of Adonijah has several basic points for consideration. This account emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting God’s plans even when they do not align with our desires or ambitions. It underscores the importance of respecting rightful authority and avoiding that which challenges or undermines legitimate leadership. It encourages us to respect the structure and authority of the church and its leadership, those who have been called to be under-shepherds in God’s kingdom.

The results of Adonijah’s actions serve as a reminder of the consequences of our own actions, especially in matters that involve ambition and self-interest. Unwise or foolish choices can have unintended and far-reaching effects, and the value of humility and acceptance, even when circumstances might not seem to work out the way we think they should, is another lesson to be gleaned from this account. Adonijah’s refusal to accept Solomon’s kingship led to his downfall. Accepting situations beyond our control can lead to growth and prevent unnecessary conflict and anxiety.

We may be presented with opportunities or temptation to usurp authority like Adonijah did and attempt to fill a place that is not for us to fill. Most men fail to realize that were they given a responsibility they selfishly desire, it likely would not go well for them. The church is necessarily careful in choosing brethren for various responsibilities needing to be filled.

An inferiority complex can be described as a feeling of inadequacy and lack of self-worth. Many perceive themselves as having less value compared to others, which leads to a sense of insecurity or low self-esteem. This complex can manifest in different ways and influences behavior, relationships, and overall mental well-being.

Superiority can be described as an attitude or behavior where people perceive themselves to be of higher rank, quality, or importance. This mindset might lead to feelings of arrogance, a sense of entitlement, or the belief that one is inherently better than others. It can impact relationships, causing issues in communication and empathy toward others due to an inflated sense of self-importance.

Both of these are not only fruits but also avenues where pride tries to enter our lives. We should be careful to not think that inferiority is humility even though we may feel humbled. It may be just the feeling of not being recognized or admired like we expected to be. We are then set up to tell ourselves that, really, we are better than others; they just do not see it. This can quickly turn to a sense of self-exaltation. Our tendency to build a certain image of our own making­—how we think we are—or how we want to be thought of, will leave little room for what God wants to show us and how He wants to use us for his honor and glory. We should rather take confidence in the fact that God has set a certain image of Himself in each of us; we will find joy and a sense of worthiness and purpose when He, by his Spirit, can flow through us.

In The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom makes a statement concerning a Christian’s reliance on God, using the example of a vehicle. Sometimes Christians treat God as a spare tire rather than the steering wheel. Would trying to steer our own way through life, expecting that when we get in real trouble the Lord will be there to bail us out, be another sense of self-exaltation? On the other hand, would praying each day for help and guidance and trusting God to see us through the trials of life not be like letting God drive the vehicle? It is then his will guiding us rather than our own agenda.

One young person found his way to victory when he was able to see how pride had affected his spirit and his vision. This young man was raised in a good Christian home and was protected from worldly influence that could take him away from God. However, during his youth life, he felt that he was a better Christian than some of his fellow youth. He became critical, and a spirit of self-exaltation influenced his attitudes during his youth life. The Lord wanted to teach this young man a lesson, so He took him through a trial in his life that caused him to realize how he really needed his brethren to be saved. The very fellow brethren that he had once been critical of became precious to him as he realized that God loved him and all his children the same. God is pleased with us when we truly feel the need for each other to grow, and He is pleased when we have true charity and fellowship that goes beyond the material things of life and reaches into the spiritual care for one another.

We cannot hide feelings of self-exaltation from those around us. It will come out and, if left unchecked, will try to grow and rule over others. Throughout the history of the Bible and of mankind in general, many persons have come to ruin and failure by following the pride of their heart. God has his way of dealing with this pride in his time.

Questions

1. What could Adonijah have done that would have aligned himself with God’s will?
2. Do we have a vision of teaching our children the difference between humbly accepting themselves and their God-given gifts and self-exaltation that is rooted in pride and selfishness?
3. How exactly does self-exaltation hinder relationships with others?

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).