Walking with Jesus
"If the LORD delights in a person's way, He makes their steps firm; though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD upholds them with His hand." (Psalm 37:23,24)
Walking with Jesus

The Grand Narrative: “The Power of Influence” (1 Kings 11)

“The Power of Influence” (1 Kings 11)

Published 29 Nov. 2025

Scroll down for “Lessons Learned…”

Designed for Personal Bible Study or for Bible Teaching

⚠️ Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Mistakes

  1. 1️⃣ Ignoring the warnings of godly mentors (1 Kgs 11:2).
  2. 2️⃣ Believing you can manage spiritual drift (1 Cor 10:12).
  3. 3️⃣ Allowing emotions to overrule discernment (1 Kgs 11:1).
  4. 4️⃣ Underestimating the influence of close relationships (Prov 13:20).
  5. 5️⃣ Building a great kingdom but neglecting your heart (Prov 4:23).

💥 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Failures

  1. 1️⃣ Failure to maintain devotion through prosperity (Deut 8:10–14).
  2. 2️⃣ Failure to protect your heart from compromise (1 Kgs 11:4).
  3. 3️⃣ Failure of leadership responsibility (Jas 3:1).
  4. 4️⃣ Failing to see the long-term consequences of small decisions (Gal 6:7).
  5. 5️⃣ Thinking influence flows only one direction—instead of shaping others, Solomon was shaped by them (1 Kgs 11:5–8).

🚫 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Sins

  1. 1️⃣ Allowing idols a foothold in your life (1 Jn 5:21).
  2. 2️⃣ Loving relationships more than obedience to God (Lk 14:26).
  3. 3️⃣ Participating in or enabling false worship (Ex 20:3–5).
  4. 4️⃣ Rejecting God’s commands in pursuit of pleasure (1 Kgs 11:6).
  5. 5️⃣ Leading others into sin through poor example (Rom 14:13).

🏆 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Successes

  1. 1️⃣ Solomon began with wholehearted devotion (1 Kgs 3:3).
  2. 2️⃣ God blessed Solomon with unparalleled wisdom (1 Kgs 4:29–34).
  3. 3️⃣ The temple was completed in glory (1 Kgs 8:10–11).
  4. 4️⃣ Israel enjoyed decades of peace and prosperity (1 Kgs 10:23–25).
  5. 5️⃣ Solomon’s wisdom continues to bless the world today through Scripture (Prov 1:1–7).

🌱 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Spiritual Growth Lessons

  1. 1️⃣ Influence shapes destiny—choose wisely (Prov 27:17).
  2. 2️⃣ Spiritual drift begins subtly (Heb 2:1).
  3. 3️⃣ Your heart’s direction determines your life’s direction (Prov 4:23).
  4. 4️⃣ Relationships can strengthen or sabotage your walk with God (2 Cor 6:14).
  5. 5️⃣ Return quickly when you recognize drift (Rev 2:4–5).

🧭 Lessons Learned – The 5 Greatest Leadership Principles

  1. 1️⃣ Leaders must guard their hearts more fiercely than anyone else (Prov 4:23).
  2. 2️⃣ Influence multiplies—good or bad (Lk 6:40).
  3. 3️⃣ Leadership without holiness destroys legacies (1 Kgs 11:9–11).
  4. 4️⃣ Leaders must be selective about their closest relationships (Ps 1:1–3).
  5. 5️⃣ Your private choices shape your public impact (1 Tim 4:16).