Great Texts of The Bible: Separation from God | 1 Kings 13 | Pastor William Hixson

1 Kings 13 tells a tightly focused story about a man of God from Judah, King Jeroboam, and an old prophet from Bethel, showing how seriously God treats obedience to His word. The chapter unfolds in four movements: a prophecy, a miracle, a deception, and a judgment. Prophecy Against Jeroboam’s Altar (vv. 1–5) A “man of God” arrives at Bethel while Jeroboam is offering incense on his unauthorized altar. He prophesies that a future king of Judah—Josiah—will destroy that altar and desecrate it. As an immediate sign, the altar splits apart and its ashes spill out. When Jeroboam tries to seize the prophet, his hand withers until the prophet prays for him and it is restored. A Command of Total Separation (vv. 6–10) God had given the man of God strict instructions: Do not eat or drink in Bethel. Do not return by the same route. This symbolized total rejection of Jeroboam’s counterfeit worship system. The prophet obeys and refuses the king’s hospitality. The Old Prophet’s Deception (vv. 11–19) An old prophet living in Bethel hears what happened. He finds the man of God and lies to him, claiming an angel told him to bring him home to eat and drink. The man of God believes the lie and breaks God’s command. Judgment on the Man of God (vv. 20–32) While they are eating, God speaks through the old prophet and announces judgment: because the man of God disobeyed the Lord’s direct command, he will die and not be buried in his family tomb. On his journey home, a lion kills him—but does not eat him or harm the donkey—showing this was a divine act, not a random attack. The old prophet retrieves the body, mourns him, and buries him in his own tomb. Jeroboam Still Refuses to Repent (vv. 33–34) Despite the miracles and warnings, Jeroboam continues in idolatry and appoints unauthorized priests. This sin ensures the eventual destruction of his dynasty. Athens Bible Church presents a consistent identity across its website, podcast platforms, and video channels: a Bible‑centered, Christ‑focused, missions‑minded fellowship serving Athens County, Ohio. Their online presence emphasizes expository preaching, traditional worship, and practical discipleship rooted in Scripture. Official Website 🔗 https://www.athensbible.org Camp Logos 🔗 https://www.camplogos.org Audio Platforms (Podcasts) Apple Podcasts — Bible‑Based Messages 🔗 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bible-based-messages/id1871738604 Podbean (Full Blog Feed) 🔗 https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-bsh6y-14f06b5 Spotify — Bible‑Based Messages 🔗 https://open.spotify.com/show/2esKDFsAqveC3LBoNY6ZFq Amazon Music — Bible‑Based Messages 🔗 https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ab90d6f-3f17-44c1-8b3d-a9c57e7fea2e iHeartRadio — Bible‑Based Messages 🔗 https://iheart.com/podcast/319104652 Video Platforms YouTube — Athens Bible Church Channel 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOmKvTn0vS8cwZKK7sdKE5w Rumble — Athens Bible Church 🔗 https://rumble.com/user/AthensBible Social Media Facebook — Athens Bible Church Profile/Page 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009340326242 Across its website, podcasts, and video channels, Athens Bible Church consistently presents itself as a Bible‑anchored, Christ‑honoring fellowship committed to: --Verse‑by‑verse expository preaching --Traditional worship rooted in hymns and Scripture --Missions and evangelism --Youth discipleship (Camp Logos) --Community outreach --Old and New Testaments Their digital presence is simple, sincere, and focused on teaching the Word of God faithfully.