Influencer: Women Building the Kingdom of God — Part 4
The Trap of Influence
Scripture: Proverbs 31:1–5, 8–9; 1 Kings 2:13–25 NKJV
2026 Vision: All Things New
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
— II Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
Declaration: “I’m becoming who God wants me to be.”
Series Introduction
We are continuing the series Influencer: Women Building the Kingdom of God. In this series, we are looking at the life of Bathsheba and how God used her influence in the kingdom of Israel.
Bathsheba’s influence helped secure Solomon’s throne. But influence can be dangerous when the wrong person gains access to it.
Today’s message is The Trap of Influence.
Scripture Reading
“The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink;
Lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted.”
— Proverbs 31:1–5 NKJV
“Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die.
Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
— Proverbs 31:8–9 NKJV
Sermon Introduction
Adonijah had already tried to take the throne. David overruled him, and Solomon became king.
But Adonijah was still scheming.
This time, he did not go directly to Solomon. He went to Bathsheba. He knew she had influence with the king.
That is the trap.
Sometimes the enemy does not attack your position. He tries to use your influence.
1. Beware of the Enemy’s Influence
“Now Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. So she said, ‘Do you come peaceably?’ And he said, ‘Peaceably.’ Moreover he said, ‘I have something to say to you.’ And she said, ‘Say it.’”
— I Kings 2:13–14 NKJV
Bathsheba knew Adonijah had already caused trouble. She asked, “Do you come peaceably?”
That was a good question. He came peacefully in appearance, but his motives were dangerous.
Adonijah wanted access to Bathsheba’s attention. He wanted to influence her before she understood his goal.
The enemy often seeks access before he reveals the plan.
He may seek access to your emotions, your trust, your sympathy, your relationships, or your credibility.
Adonijah then painted himself as a victim.
“You know that the kingdom was mine, and all Israel had set their expectations on me, that I should reign. However, the kingdom has been turned over, and has become my brother’s; for it was his from the Lord.”
— I Kings 2:15 NKJV
He shaded the truth. He exaggerated his support. He made his loss sound unfair.
Be careful when someone tells a story that makes them look completely innocent and everyone else look wrong.
Reflection Questions
- Who has access to my emotions, attention, and trust?
- Am I moved too quickly by sympathy before seeking wisdom?
- Have I ever accepted someone’s version of a story without checking the truth?
Personal Challenge
This week, slow down before accepting someone else’s offense, complaint, or cause. Pray first. Ask God for discernment.
2. Beware of the Enemy’s Request
“Now I ask one petition of you; do not deny me.”
— I Kings 2:16 NKJV
Adonijah minimized his request. He made it sound small.
Then he pressured Bathsheba before he gave details.
That is manipulation.
He said, “Do not deny me,” before she even knew what he wanted.
Then he made the request.
“Please speak to King Solomon, for he will not refuse you, that he may give me Abishag the Shunammite as wife.”
— I Kings 2:17 NKJV
Adonijah wanted Bathsheba to spend her influence on his agenda.
Some people are not after you. They are after who you know. They want your access, your name, your credibility, or your relationship.
Every request is not innocent.
Every favor is not harmless.
Reflection Questions
- Have I ever agreed to something before I understood the full request?
- Do I let flattery pressure me into poor decisions?
- Who benefits when I use my influence?
Personal Challenge
Before you say yes this week, ask three questions: What is being asked of me? Why am I being asked? What could this affect?
3. Beware of Becoming the Enemy’s Mouthpiece
“Bathsheba therefore went to King Solomon, to speak to him for Adonijah.”
— I Kings 2:19 NKJV
Adonijah’s plan worked at first. Bathsheba went to Solomon.
She repeated Adonijah’s words.
“I desire one small petition of you; do not refuse me.”
— I Kings 2:20 NKJV
That is how you know influence has shifted. You start carrying someone else’s words, motives, and agenda.
Bathsheba had great influence with Solomon. He honored her. He rose to meet her. He bowed before her. He gave her a seat at his right hand.
She had influence with the king.
But in this moment, she spent that influence for Adonijah.
We must be careful who we defend, promote, recommend, and speak for.
Reflection Questions
- Whose words have I been repeating?
- Have I ever defended someone without understanding their motives?
- Am I using my influence for God’s purpose or someone else’s agenda?
Personal Challenge
Examine one place where you are speaking for someone else. Ask God if your support is wise, truthful, and aligned with His will.
4. Beware of the Enemy’s Goal
“And King Solomon answered and said to his mother, ‘Now why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also.’”
— I Kings 2:22 NKJV
Solomon saw what Bathsheba missed.
This request was about the throne.
Adonijah wanted Abishag because she had been connected to King David. In that culture, claiming a woman connected to the former king could look like a claim to the kingdom.
Adonijah’s request looked personal, but it was political. It looked harmless, but it was dangerous.
Bathsheba almost used her influence to help the enemy threaten the kingdom.
That is why discernment matters.
Your influence can build the kingdom of God. It can also be misused if you are not careful.
Guard your heart. Test motives. Pray before you speak. Seek wise counsel.
Reflection Questions
- What hidden goal might be behind the request being made of me?
- Do I ask God for discernment before I act?
- How can I protect my influence from being misused?
Personal Challenge
Pray this simple prayer each morning: “Lord, help me see clearly. Help me hear wisely. Help me use my influence for Your kingdom.”
Closing Thought
Influence is powerful.
Bathsheba had influence with the king. Adonijah knew it. He tried to use it.
The same is true for us. Your influence has value. Use it carefully.
Do not let the enemy borrow your voice.
Do not let the enemy spend your credibility.
Do not let the enemy use your influence against the kingdom of God.
Invitation
God created you and loves you. But sin separated us from God. God’s love is stronger than sin. Because of His love, God sent His Son Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins.
Pray:
God, thank You for creating me and loving me. I realize I have sinned and been separated from You. Forgive me. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose from the dead. I confess Jesus as Lord of my life and Savior of my soul. Send Your Holy Spirit into my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, let us know. Visit the Become a Member page on our website.