How can we apply the king's approach in 1 Kings 20:7 to our decisions? Setting the Scene - Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, threatens Samaria. - Ahab has already yielded to earlier demands, but the new ultimatum crosses a line. - 1 Kings 20:7: “Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said, ‘Understand, please, and see how this man is seeking trouble, for he sent me my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, and I did not refuse him.’” Observing the King’s Approach - He gathers the elders rather than acting alone. - He lays out the facts plainly. - He discerns the enemy’s motive: “seeking trouble.” - He tests the previous concessions and recognizes the limit. - He prepares for a collective, decisive response. Principles for Our Decisions • Seek wise counsel Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • State the situation honestly Ephesians 4:25: “Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully.” • Discern motives and spiritual realities 1 Peter 5:8: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” • Identify the non-negotiables rooted in God’s Word Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.” • Stand firm when a demand violates those boundaries James 4:7: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Practical Steps Today 1. Pause before deciding. Gather facts, pray, and invite mature believers into the conversation. 2. Share the issue transparently, resisting the urge to spin or minimize. 3. Ask counsel to help expose underlying motives or spiritual pressures. 4. Measure every option against clear scriptural commands. 5. Mark the line that cannot be crossed, then choose obedience to God over convenience. 6. Respond with humility and courage, trusting God for the outcome. Scripture Reinforcements - Proverbs 11:14; 24:6 — safety in many counselors - James 1:5 — God gives wisdom generously - 2 Chronicles 20:3-4 — Jehoshaphat seeks the Lord and the people - Acts 15:6 — apostles and elders meet to resolve doctrinal conflict Wrap-Up Like Ahab’s consultation with the elders, godly decision-making invites counsel, exposes motives, and draws a firm line where obedience to God is at stake. |
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