Fellowship with Darkness
Northwest Bible Church – Oct. 1, 2006 – 1&2 Kings Series – Worship Service – Alan Conner
1 Kings 22:41-53
Fellowship with Darkness
INTRO
- JEHOSHAPHAT’S FAITH, STRENGTH AND BLESSINGS.
1) His desire to hear God’s word, 1 Kings 22:5; 2 Kings 3:11.
2) Commended for his faith: 1 Kings 22:43, 46; 2 Kings 3:14; 2 Chron. 17:3-4, 6.
3) His teaching ministry: 2 Chron. 17:7-9.
4) The account of the Lord’s blessings on his kingdom:
- great riches and honor, 2 Chron. 17:5; 18:1.
- tributes from the nations, 17:10-12 (Philistines, Arabians).
- strong military, over 1 million soldiers, 17:13-19.
- JEHOSHAPHAT’S FELLOWSHIP WITH DARKNESS.
1) Toleration of the “high places”, 1 Kings 22:43.
2) Peace with Ahab, and alliance with the house of Ahab through marriage, 1 Kings 22:44; 2 Kings 8:18; 2 Chron. 18:1. Married his son to the daughter of Ahab, Athaliah. Whether this girl was Jezebel’s daughter we do not know for Ahab had many wives and 70 sons (2 Kings 10:1). However, due to this idolatrous influence, this son of Jehoshaphat, JEHORAM walked in the ways of the kings of Israel (2 Kings 8:18).
3) Alliance with Ahab in war, 2 Chron. 18:2-3.
4) Jehoshaphat is rebuked, 2 Chron. 19:1-3.
5) Deeds of repentance: shows a humble and good heart.
- brought people back to the Lord, 2 Chron. 19:4.
- judicial reforms, 19:5-11.
6) Seeking the Lord’s help in battle, 2 Chron. 20:1-34. He trusted in the Lord.
7) Alliance with Ahaziah, Ahab’s son, and the resulting judgment of God, 2 Chron. 20:35-37; 1 Kings 22:47-49
- APPLICATION: BEWARE OF FELLOWSHIP WITH DARKNESS.
NATIONAL DARKNESS -
When we legalize sin, we invite the judgment of God.
CHURCH DARKNESS -
1) Alliances with the world.
2) Alliances with apostates.
PERSONAL DARKNESS -
- in marriage -
- in business –
- in committing sin -
- in money matters -
John 8:12 Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.”