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Category Archives: Sermon Notes and Slides

Sermon Notes + 6.15.2025

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He Walked in the Way of His Father
1 Kings 15:25-16:34
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor

Overview: For the remainder of chapter 15 and the entirety of chapter 16, the author of 1 Kings focuses solely upon kings of the northern kingdom (Israel). Beginning with Nadab, the author notes that he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of his father. Nadab’s life is cut short by Baasha, who becomes king in his stead and kills all the house of Jeroboam. The Lord condemns the actions of Baasha through the prophet Jehu, who prophesies the fall of Baasha and his son Elah. The events take place as foretold, with Zimri striking down Elah and all his male relatives and friends. The outcry against Zimri is such that the commander of the army, Omri, takes over the capital city, which leads to the death of Zimri. After a period of division, Omri is recognized as king, enacts policies that benefit the people of Israel, and begins a dynasty that will last for years. However, his son and successor, Ahab, leaves no doubt that Israel’s days are numbered due to the continued downward spiral of sin passed down from generation to generation.

01. The cycle of sin is both individual and generational. We are responsible for our own actions even as we are influenced by the actions of others.

02. The grip of sin is both attractional and delusional. We must recognize that the way of the world is inferior to the ways of the Lord.

03. The reign of sin is both purposeful and temporal. We can be confident that the King of kings is in full control of this world and the world to come.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY

1. Read 1 Kings 15:25-16:34 in one setting. What is your overall impression of these events? How does each king become subsequently worse than the previous king? Does this portrayal of a nation in spiral bring to mind current events? What is the solution for such a nation in spiral?

2. In what ways does each king repeat the sins of his father? How does this connection between the sins of the father and the sins of the son speak to the cycle of sin in a generational sense? Think about the generations before you and those that have come since. What sins have each struggled with that were passed down or rejected by another?

3. As we read this text, we can rightly conclude that each king’s actions were evil and thus provoked the Lord to anger (see 1 Kings 15:26, 30; 16:2, 7, 19, 25, 30). That said, why does each king continue the policies of the previous king or become more wicked than the previous king? In other words, why did their actions make sense to them? How can we keep from repeating sins that make sense to us but provoke the Lord to anger?

4. How would you articulate the second application point to someone who believes that living as they please is the best way to get the most out of life? How would you explain to them that God’s ways are more fulfilling?

5. As you consider the parallels between the book of 1-2 Kings and the ongoing unrest and evil in our world today, how does the fact that God is in control of all things keep you from losing hope? Are you convinced that everything has a purpose under God’s providential care?

For Further Reading: John Piper, Future Grace: The Purifying Power of the Promises of God (Multnomah; second edition, 2012).

Sermon Notes + 6.8.2025

DOWNLOAD PDF Uriah the Hittite and High Places 1 Kings 15:5, 14 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: Each king in 1-2 Kings is evaluated according to the moral standard depicted in the life of David, who is described as a man after God’s own heart. According to this standard, kings in the north (Israel)… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 6.1.2025

DOWNLOAD PDF A Lamp in Jerusalem 1 Kings 15:1-24 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: The brief reign of Abijam is characterized by disobedience to the Lord as he walks in the sins that his father did before him. Nevertheless, God’s grace shines through as He provides a lamp in Jerusalem through Asa, a descendant… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 5.25.2025

DOWNLOAD PDF There Was War Continually 1 Kings 14:30 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: As the author of 1 Kings closes out the life of Rehoboam, he notes that there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. It is a passing reference that intentionally omits key details normally associated with reports of nations at… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 5.18.2025

DOWNLOAD PDF The Burden for the Lost Romans 10:1-15 Semeon Mulatu (PhD), General Secretary of Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church Overview: The Apostle Paul felt a strong spiritual duty to reach the lost by preaching the gospel. He believed this message holds God’s power for salvation to all who believe, both Gentiles and Jews. In his… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 5.11.2025

DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES His Mother’s Name Was Naamah 1 Kings 14:21-31 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: The account of Rehoboam’s reign begins with what will become a standard formula for the author of 1-2 Kings. The formula includes the age of the king when he began to reign, the country in which he… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 5.4.2025

DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES Unbearable News 1 Kings 14:1-20 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: Jeroboam’s reign over Israel is characterized by the establishment of a false religion in order to promote his own self-preservation, yet it leads to his demise and the nation’s destruction. When his son Abijah becomes ill, Jeroboam instructs his wife… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 4.20.2025

DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES Behold Your gods 1 Kings 12:25-33 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: Rehoboam’s refusal to listen to the advice of his people leads to division in Israel, resulting in two countries with two kings. Jeroboam became king of the northern kingdom and immediately established Shechem as the new capital while fortifying… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 4.13.2025

DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES The Rest of the Acts of Solomon – Part II 1 Kings 11:41-43 Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor Overview: In the final summation of Solomon’s life, the author of 1 Kings refers readers to a source outside the Bible known as the Book of the Acts of Solomon. While the author’s intention… Continue Reading

Sermon Notes + 4.6.2025

DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES He Took Counsel With the Young Men 1 Kings 12:1-24 Tyler Van Horssen, Director of Student Ministry Overview: In 1 Kings 12, Rehoboam has taken the throne following Solomon’s death. In his wisdom, Solomon fortified the kingdom of Israel; however, Rehoboam’s foolishness quickly divides it. Rather than listening to the older… Continue Reading