Age of Kings (3) – Crowning a King

We are in our third week of our series Age of Kings and I hope that if nothing else you would find the Old Testament kings’ stories very relevant to your lives. So often when we read the Old Testament we are thinking “why am I reading this, this is so old!” But when we actually pay attention to the details we can find some very valuable lessons. No wonder there is a saying that says “history often repeats itself.” It really is true, if we neglect the lessons learned in history, we have the potential of repeating the mistakes found in history. But if we can always ask the question, what can I learn from this Old Testament story? Chances are we will avoid mistakes that we will otherwise make.

Today we are going to talk about a topic that is so prevalent in our culture today – things that we want. It may be a position, a relationship, or a thing. But what happens when we elevate our wants to “needs”? When our wants assume an unhealthy place in our lives and in our hearts, it’s called coveting. It’s a private, dangerous state of affairs that is inevitably exposed for public eyes. Through a cautionary tale of one of Israel’s most ruthless kings, Ahab, and his infamous wife, Jezebel, we may be able to unearth a valuable lesson on the dangers of misplaced wants.

Discussion Questions

1. Recall a time that you really wanted something. What actions did you take and how did it affect you emotionally?

2. How do you know when you have elevated a want to a need in an unhealthy way? In a way that the Bible describes as coveting?

3. What rules your attention and your emotions currently? How is it affecting your life?

4. What you covet you crown king. Is there anything that you are coveting currently that you would need to repent and ask God for help?