Sermon Notes
He Never Prophesies Good Concerning Me
1 Kings 22
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: After acquiring the vineyard that once belonged to Naboth, Ahab sets his sights on re-acquiring Ramoth-gilead, then under Syrian control. Ahab solicits military assistance from Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, who did what was right in the sight of the Lord and made peace with the king of Israel. Jehoshaphat agrees to join Ahab in this undertaking but wants to inquire of the Lord before the nations go to battle. Despite the fact that four hundred prophets testify that the Lord will give Israel the victory, Jehoshaphat asks if anyone remains who can speak for the Lord. Ahab reluctantly admits that Micaiah is available but prefers not to summon him because his prophecies are never good towards him. Micaiah arrives and initially predicts a favorable outcome, but Ahab quickly realizes the prophet is mocking him, so he demands to know the truth. Micaiah then reveals that Israel will be scattered and Ahab will fall in battle. Despite being told the outcome in advance and even trying to disguise himself on the battlefield, the prophecy concerning Ahab happens exactly as described, thus revealing the truthfulness of God’s Word and providing yet another reminder that God’s people are to order their lives accordingly.
01. There is no shortage of people who claim to speak for God, but there are narrow requirements for those who are qualified to do so, namely, saying what God has said and living as God has called them to live. Pray for such people to speak into your life.
02. There is no secret in knowing how to walk with the Lord, but there are potential diversions for those who are not satisfied with what God has revealed in His Word, namely, an unwillingness to hear what they would rather not do. Pray for a heart that wants to hear from the Lord.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. What is King Ahab’s stated purpose for wanting to acquire the land of Ramoth-gilead? What is the significance of this territory according to Deuteronomy 4:43 and 1 Kings 4:13? Whose help did Ahab solicit before turning to the Lord for guidance? How does seeking the help of others before seeking the guidance of the Lord speak to our need to seek the Lord first in all things?
2. Why did so many prophets speak positively to King Ahab about the outcome of his plan for battle? (Consider what happened to Micaiah in verse 26 as you formulate your answer.) How important is it for you to surround yourself with people who are comfortable and willing to challenge you on what you are doing in your life? When was the last time you changed a course of action because someone you trust spoke truth into your life?
3. Why did Micaiah provide a false narrative to Ahab in verse 15? Given the fact that Ahab knew this was a false report from the beginning, what does this suggest about his unwillingness to hear the truth? Given the fact that Ahab was unwilling to hear the truth, how does Micaiah’s vision of a lying spirit serve to confirm what is already happening in Ahab’s life?
4. Micaiah underscores the qualification of a prophet to speak what is true (verse 28). How does this single qualification underscore the fact that God does not lie (Titus 1:2) and that His Word is true (John 17:17)? Since God does not lie and His Word is true, what steps are you taking in your life to learn about His Word and to live accordingly?
5. This chapter makes clear that God’s threats will come to pass—the defeat of Israel, the death of Ahab, and dogs licking up Ahab’s blood. What does this suggest about God’s promises coming to pass also?
For Further Reading: J. I. Packer, God Has Spoken (Crossway, 2021).