1 Kings 21:17-29

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Elijah Confronts King Ahab about Naboth

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Every person is responsible for his own sin.

  2. It’s never too late to repent.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. You can regain your courage.

  2. “Don’t be surprised if the world hates you.” 1 John 3:13

QUESTIONS

  1. In this passage, where did the confrontation between Elijah and Ahab take place? What was the confrontation about? What was the end result?

  2. Why did God hold Ahab responsible for Naboth’s death, when it was Jezebel who committed the actual sin by arranging for his death? What does this say to us?

  3. How did Ahab show repentance? Did God honor it?

  4. Did Elijah ever regain his confidence and courage?

  5. Why did Ahab blame Elijah for his troubles? (1 Kings 21:20).

ANSWERS

  1. In Naboth’s vineyard Elijah confronted Ahab about murdering Naboth and taking his vineyard. Then he prophesied the death of Ahab (1 Kings 21:19), which was later fulfilled (1 Kings 22:38-40). Ahab’s dynasty was brought to an end by God because of his disobedience and evil acts.

  2. The word of the Lord to Ahab (1 Kings 21:19) was pointed at Ahab, and He did not let him put the blame on Jezebel. Although Jezebel stirred him up, Ahab was responsible for his own sins. God held Ahab responsible, and He holds each one of us responsible for our own sins.

  3. After Elijah pronounced judgment on Ahab, we read that Ahab tore his clothes, fasted and mourned (1 Kings 21:27). But the repentance was short-lived. Even so, God honored it by delaying this judgment by about twelve years. God responded to Ahab’s repentance.

  4. Yes. Under God’s recommissioning, Elijah regained his confidence and courage. After the great confrontation on Mount Carmel, Elijah fled under the threat of his life by a woman, but God graciously restored him, and he continued to speak and act in the name of the Lord.

  5. People do not like to take responsibility for their own sins, so they look for a scapegoat.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Ask God for courage in confronting friends and family with the truth of the gospel. See James 5:17 and 2 Timothy 1:7.

  2. Have you ever been blamed and hated because you told someone the truth by preaching the gospel?

CHALLENGE

  1. Realize that you are accountable for your sins before God. Read Matthew 12:36. Confess your sins, repent before God, and ask His forgiveness for anything you have done to dishonor or displease Him.

KEY VERSES

  • “You shall speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord.’” 1 Kings 21:19

  • “Have you found me, O my enemy?” 1 Kings 21:20

  • “Don’t be surprised if the world hates you.” 1 John 3:13

1 Kings, Old Testament, TalksRon Reid1 KINGS 21:17-29