Sermon Notes + 6.15.2025
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).