How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, unlike Jezebel's? Verse focus: Jezebel’s forged letters “So Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him.” (1 Kings 21:8) Warning signs from Jezebel’s example • Coveting what God had not given (vv. 1–2; cf. Exodus 20:17) • Misusing delegated authority for selfish ends (v. 8) • Employing deceit and false witness (v. 10; cf. Exodus 20:16) • Causing innocent bloodshed (v. 13; cf. Proverbs 6:16-17) • Ignoring the certainty of divine accountability (vv. 17-19) Principles for aligning our actions with God’s will • Honor God’s boundaries – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly • Refuse every form of deception – “Speak the truth to one another.” (Zechariah 8:16) • Guard the heart against covetous desires • Seek the good of others above personal gain • Remember that God sees and judges every deed Practical checkpoints before we act 1. Scripture test: Does this action clearly harmonize with God’s written Word? (Psalm 119:105) 2. Motive test: Am I driven by love for God and neighbor, or by self-interest like Jezebel? (1 Corinthians 13:5) 3. Integrity test: Would I proceed if every detail were made public? (Proverbs 10:9) 4. Authority test: Am I submitting to God-given structures rather than manipulating them? (Romans 13:1-2) 5. Peace test: Does the Holy Spirit give inward confirmation, not mere restless ambition? (Colossians 3:15) Daily habits that keep us on course • Renew the mind in God’s Word (Romans 12:2) • Walk by the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 5:16) • Maintain honest, accountable relationships (Proverbs 13:20) • Confess and turn from sin swiftly (1 John 1:9) • Speak words that please the Lord (Psalm 19:14) Encouragement from God’s promises • “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7) • “Submit yourselves, then, to God… and He will lift you up.” (James 4:7, 10) Choosing integrity over manipulation ensures our steps line up with the Lord’s will and spares us the tragic legacy of Jezebel. |
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