Once Upon a Marriage
- by LifeChurchTV
None More Evil
1 Kings 21:25 NLT
(No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD’s sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel.
Can’t Win, Won’t Play
1 Kings 21:2-4 NIV84
Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth.” But Naboth replied, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat.
Passive/Controlling Cycle
1 Kings 21:5-7 NIV84
His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are you so sullen? Why won't you eat?” He answered her, “Because I said to Naboth the Jezreelite, ‘Sell me your vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ But he said, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’ ” Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I'll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
Words That Weaken
1 Kings 21:7 NIV84
Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I'll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
Taking Control
1 Kings 21:7 NIV84
Jezebel his wife said, “Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I'll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
Holding the Leader Responsible
1 Kings 21:15-19 NIV84
As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead.” When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of Naboth's vineyard. Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: “Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He is now in Naboth's vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it. Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?’ Then say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth's blood, dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’ ”
Talk It Over
Share your experiences with passivity. How have you seen it weaken a relationship? What kinds of controlling behaviors are damaging your relationships? If this is something you struggle with, what might be the source of this tendency? What changes do you need to make to step into the right role God created you to fill as a man or woman of God?
Prayer Requests
We've got a whole bunch of people that would love to pray for you. Once you submit the request, volunteers, staff, and people in LifeGroups will be bringing it to God for you! If you would LIKE TO BE CONTACTED by your local campus, please let us know which campus you attend.
Online Giving
Give online via PayPal. *Please note you still will receive a Contribution Statement for this gift.
Feedback Appreciated!
Thank you for engaging online today and exploring YouVersion Live! We appreciate and welcome any feedback you may have and look forward to meeting up again next week!
Easy Access Resources
It is our privilege to equip you with helpful resources. Among those resources are free video and print curriculum along with tips, tricks and online E-Learning lessons. Follow the link below to access these tools!