Good evening. Tonight we are going to come one step closer to Finding Freedom From Sin. Tonight, we are going to be taking a look at I Kings chapter 21. In that passage, we find a rather interesting story. If you have never read this passage before tonight, it will be something interesting to read and see what happens. In this sermon, it compares those who are living in sin and those who are following God. And a good title for this sermon would be, “Who Let The Dogs Out?”
Now, before we take a look at this passage, let’s begin with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray!
A while back, there was a song that was very popular among younger people. Some, still know the song today. It was titled, “Who Let The Dogs Out?” The lyrics go like this, “Who let the dogs out?” and then they bark. I really get a good laugh each time I hear the song. As we study this text this morning we will see some things about the dogs being let out, but more importantly, I want us to compare 2 different people: Ahab and Naboth.
As we continue in our series Finding Freedom From Sin, I want us to see what living in sin and living in God’s will looks like. At this time, let’s go ahead and read what it has to say in this chapter. I Kings 21:1-29 says, “1”
Now, before we move on, was there anything that stuck out to you in this passage?
Well, at this time, let’s recap the story. First, there was an offer that no one could refuse, or could they? In those first 4 verses, Ahab makes Naboth an offer for his vineyard. You see, Ahab decides he wants to plant a garden and since he wants it to be “close to home”, he decides he will buy or trade for Naboth’s land.
As you look at the offer, what were the benefits of the offer? (better vineyard, or money for it)
But what was the problem with this offer in Naboth’s eyes?
Well, Ahab was shocked that Naboth rejected his offer. He probably thought to himself, “Who in their right mind wouldn’t take this great deal?” This was something Ahab could not really understand because he had such little concern about God’s law. Naboth’s decision was not based upon a business decision but by Biblical principles.
When God gave the land of Canaan to Israel, He divided it among the tribes and God set down some laws that prevented the land from permanently changing hands outside the tribe to which it was allotted. This is why Naboth said, “the Lord forbid it.” And as a result of his actions, we now see Ahab pouting like a big baby. He goes home and gets in bed and refuses to eat.
Next, we see his wife Jezebel step into the picture. She comes up with a plan and a way to acquire what it is that Ahab wants. In our text, Jezebel finds her husband being a crybaby and wants to find out what has happened. But I want you to notice how Ahab changes the story. In his version of the story, he mentions nothing about why Naboth said no.
So Jezebel tells her husband to dry his eyes and act like the king. She also tells him she will take care of the problem. Jezebel sets up a scheme that has Naboth killed. Jezebel gets a couple of guys to give false charges on this innocent man and he is put to death.
Can you think of anyone else in the Bible that this happened to? (Jesus)
Well, back to our story here in I Kings. As soon as Jezebel knew that Naboth was dead she told her husband to go and take his new land. But then we see things begin to change for the worst for Ahab and his kingdom. I guess that you could say that Ahab’s kingdom is going to the dogs.
Imagine, King Ahab is standing on his new land thinking, “I’ll put my tomatoes over here, my cabbage will go right here, and my peppers over there,” when all of a sudden Elijah appears. Now obviously, Ahab is not real fond of Elijah and we see Elijah delivering the message of God’s judgment to Ahab. God’s message was that dogs would lick Ahab’s blood up. Dogs would devour Jezebel’s body.
And then on top of that, many other people would die by dogs and birds. Now these were not very royal burials were they?
But then the story takes an amazing turn. In fact, Ahab himself begins to have a change take place in himself and he turns from his ways. We have become use to Ahab pouting, but it is hard to believe this. Ahab actually repented to God. And then, once again in Biblical history, we see God’s amazing mercy displayed. God forgives Ahab and decides not to bring this destruction to Ahab personally. Now Ahab would still have to face the consequences of his sin, but God had forgiven him.
Now, before we close this evening, I want us to make a quick comparison of these 2 men. First, let’s take a look at Ahab. Ahab was the most evil king Israel had seen up to that point in history. Ahab definitely deserved the judgment of God, but then again, all sinners deserve God’s eternal wrath. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...” And in Romans 6:23 it says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I am surprised that Ahab repented, but when he did, God was delighted in his repentance. We see here that there will be a “pay day some day.” We will all be judged for those things we have done. As Christians, those sins, those things that were not for the Kingdom, will be burned up. So the question is, “What will be left of your life?”
For those without Christ as your Savior, you will have to face eternal judgment in Hell forever and ever. There is only one way to escape God’s eternal judgment in Hell and that way is Jesus Christ.
So, that was a look at King Ahab. Now let’s make a transition and take a look at Naboth.
Can anyone see anything amazing about Naboth?
Well, the only think that sticks out to me about Naboth is the fact that he lived for God and it cost him his life. He wanted to make sure that he did not go against God’s will and sell or trade the land that had been given to his people. God had said that it was not to be done, and he stuck to that. And because Naboth lived for God, it cost him his life. The question that I want to ask is, “What are you willing to sacrifice for God?”
Are you willing to sacrifice time? Are you willing to sacrifice you talents and abilities? How about your finances? Are you willing to give to God what belongs to Him? How about your families, are you will to raise your family the way that God wants no matter what the world tells you to do? What are you willing to sacrifice for God?
At this time, allow me to share with you what one of my commentaries had to say about I Kings chapter 21. I says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, allow me to end with just a few more things. If you follow the rest of this story, you will find that Ahab fell back into sin and the prophecy was fulfilled. Dogs licked his blood up. You will also find that Jezebel was pushed from a high window and before anyone could get to her body to bury her, the dogs devoured her.
Let me assure you this evening that sin will devour your life if you allow it to. You may think that you are getting away with it, but God is a holy and just God and He cannot and will not let you get away with it. Right now your life is representative of one of these 3 characters:
1. Ahab: A terrible sinner that repented and God forgave him.
2. Jezebel: A terrible sinner that never repented and was devoured by that sin and landed in Hell.
3. Naboth: A man of God that trusted the promises of God so much that he lost his life here on earth but gained his eternal inheritance in Heaven. Where do you stand with God today?
Let’s Pray!
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