Sermon Notes + 8.17.2025
Sermon Notes
Naboth Had a Vineyard
1 Kings 21
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: King Ahab desires to acquire property near the palace belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite, but is rebuffed due to Naboth’s conviction that the land is a family inheritance. Because Ahab lacks the fortitude to press the matter further, Jezebel intervenes and assures him that the land will soon belong to him. She concocts a plan to have Naboth falsely accused of cursing God and the king, which results in his execution and opens the way for Ahab to take possession of the land. The Lord then directs Elijah to announce judgment on Ahab and Jezebel, effectively bringing an end to their lives and dynasty. Although Ahab has committed many acts of wickedness throughout his reign without any sign of remorse, he now humbles himself before the Lord, which results in a temporary reprieve from judgment. This scene is a reminder that our lives are lived under the watchful eye of the Lord, who brings justice to the humble and judgment upon the proud.
01. Ahab’s greedy land grab is a reminder that sin and injustice deserve to be punished, which the Lord will bring about in this life or in the next for the unrepentant.
02. Naboth’s loss of land and life is a reminder that all we hold dear can be taken away in an instant, which the Lord will return and multiply for those who hope in Him.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. Why did Ahab seek to acquire the land belonging to Naboth? On a practical level, was there anything wrong with Ahab’s approach? What reason did Naboth give for refusing to sell the land? What examples in your own life are similar to this, where principle was more important than that which was practical?
2. This is the second occasion where we find King Ahab “vexed and sullen” (1 Kings 20:43; 21:4), as if the author is reminding us that Ahab was often controlled by his emotions. How do you respond in situations where you are unable to get what you want? Pray for pure motives and a clear-headedness to deal with such situations, using Philippians 4:11 as your guide.
3. In contrast to Ahab, Jezebel finds a way to get whatever she wants. What characteristics of her life stand out to you as a warning about seeking to get whatever you want without regard to ethics or righteousness? If you are married, is your spouse able to speak into your life about avoiding sin and pursuing righteousness?
4. Notice how Elijah enters the story once more. What effect does his announcement of judgment have upon Ahab? Does the patience and persistence on Elijah’s part offer any hope for people you are praying for to turn their lives around? Ask the Lord to continue to use your words and witness to help others come to know the Lord in due time.
5. How does this text shape our understanding of the necessity of heaven and hell as real places of reward and punishment? Without hell, is there any reason to call the actions of Ahab or Jezebel wrong? Without heaven, is there any hope for a person like Naboth? Ask the Lord to help you think of eternity more often.
For Further Reading: Joshua Greever, D. A. Horton, and Justin McLendon, eds. Let Justice Flow Like Water: Toward a Theology of Biblical Justice. B&H, 2025.