Study 8A...The vineyard, part of his inherited property, had belonged to his ancestors for many generations, so how could he sell it? But it was not simply a matter of sentiment –- your Christian life is a vineyard, don't negotiate it with the devil

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Study 8 THE STORY OF NABOTH’S VINEYARD
(Scripture Portions: 1 Kings 21: 1-29; 2 Kings 9: 30-37)
This solemn story reveals two things of which we need to be reminded constantly, which are always true but which we so quickly forget: first, that God is sovereign, all-powerful and infinitely holy, and that He hates sin (Romans 1:18); and second , that man is wicked, wilful and deserving of God’’s wrath (Colossians 3:5-6). As you read 1 Kings 21, ask yourself: What does this chapter tell me about God and about men and women? Five personalities are brought before us in this story, and notice how each of them acted in this terrible drama.
1 . AHAB ’’ S SELFISH DEMAND
Verses 1 and 2. Ahab, King of Israel, was very wealthy, but all his possessions did not satisfy him and he coveted the vineyard which belonged to Naboth. He offered to exchange or buy it, but to his surprise and anger Naboth refused –- see verse 3. So what did Ahab do? Verse 4: what a picture it is –- a king sulking and acting like a spoilt child! Covetousness is a dreadful sin, yet sometimes even the Lord’’s people sulk when they cannot have their own way! Poor Ahab –- and poor you, if you get upset because you cannot have what you want, especially if it is not what God wants! But let us look at:-
2 . NABOTH ’’ S STEADFAST REFUSAL
When Ahab asked for the vineyard, Naboth said, ““The Lord forbid…”…” (verse 3). Was this an unreasonable answer? No. The vineyard, part of his inherited property, had belonged to his ancestors for many generations, so how could he sell it? But it was not simply a matter of sentiment –- look up Leviticus 25:23 and Numbers 36:7. God had expressly forbidden the sale of this property; therefore, when Ahab made his request Naboth said, “”The Lord forbid it……How can I do this thing when God has forbidden it?”” So he refused to disobey God –- and how great this is! Look up and compare Hebrews 11:24 with Daniel 3:13-14 and Acts 4:20. Christian, are you contemplating marriage with an unbeliever? “”The Lord forbid it”” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Are you seriously thinking of uniting in Christian service with those who do not believe the Bible? “”The Lord forbid it”” (2 Corinthians 6:15). Naboth had the courage of his convictions. It was a costly business to stand up for God, truth and righteousness –- it always is –- look at verse 13, and compare Psalm 37:32.
Please relate the lifestyle of Naboth to your own and his response to Ahab on the issue of vineyard... Your christian life is a vineyard,never negotiate it with the devil. What are your resolutions?see you in the next part...

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