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Elijah #6

 [Elijah] BLOOD IN THE VINEYARD_ 

1 Kings 21 

 
In the course of just eight months, Pastor Li De Xian was arrested fifteen times.  
His crime? Preaching in his unregistered house-church in China. His experience has taught him to be prepared. He keeps a small duffel bag with him all the time, packed with clothes, a blanket and a bible. 
He never knows when the next arrest might come. 

 
“Arrests will come at any time, but we are not afraid, as we have prepared ourselves, and we have not done any crimes.” 

 

[Group discussion] How do stories like Pastor Li’s make you feel – afraid or encouraged? Explain your response. 

 

Persecution and injustice aren’t new problems. 
Elijah had to pronounce God’s judgement on a wicked king who stood by while a godly man was framed and murdered... 

 
[Read 1 Kings 21] 

 
Based on what you have read in this chapter, how would you describe Ahab? 
How would you describe his relationship with his wife Jezebel? 

 

 

When the Israelites entered the land of Canaan centuries earlier, God had told them that the land was God’s own possession. God gave each family a portion, but they could never sell the land permanently to someone else (Leviticus 25:23). 
What does Naboth’s refusal to sell his vineyard tell you about Naboth’s view of God and God’s Word? 

 

 

In what ways might obedience to God cause problems for you in today’s culture? 

 

 

Notice Ahab’s reaction to Jezebel’s treachery in verse 16. 
What does that demonstrate about his view of God and God’s Word? 

 

 

If killing Naboth was Jezebel’s idea, why does God declare Ahab to be guilty (in verses 20, 25-26)? 

 

 

In verses 21-25, what insight does God’s judgement on Ahab’s family give you about God’s attitude toward those who pursue injustice and oppression in our society? 

 

 

Why, after ignoring God’s Word, does Ahab repent after hearing God’s judgement against him (verses 27-29)? 

 

 

[Activity] God’s judgements against Ahab’s descendants and against Jezebel are carried out with exacting precision. You’ll read some of the bloodiest passages in the bible as you follow the punishments that fall on Ahab’s household:  

Joram, Ahab’s son/successor [2 Kings 9:14-28] 

Ahab’s seventy sons (from Jezebel and other wives) [2 Kings 10:1-8 & 9:30-37] 

 
What can you conclude from these passages about the certainty of God’s promises to judge or to bless? 

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