Elijah
– Remaining Steadfast Through Uncertainty
Lesson 6: "Avoiding Rationalization" I Kings 18:16-19, Ch. 21
"I have not made trouble for Israel…you have…" I Kings 18:18
What can we learn from Ahab?
- The human heart is deceitful (Jer. 17:9)
- Rationalization and self-deception are never totally harmless. They may reflect deeper problems
- Note Ahab’s rationalization! (I Kings 18:17). So where does it all start?
In the Garden of Eden
- Adam shifted blame, to Eve and God! (Gen. 3:12), Eve blamed the devil! (v. 13)
- Primary driving force was fear (Gen. 3:10)
- Fear of rejection, punishment, facing the consequences of our actions…
You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering
- Sarah’s rationalization (Gen. 16:4,5)
- Jealousy is another emotional culprit (remember Isaac and Rebekah and Esau)
Now, how did that get here?
- Aaron’s rationalization is incredible (Exod. 32:22-24). Proof of the lie is (v. 4)
- Saul’s rationalization was just as blatant (I Sam. 15:15). Proof of that lie is (v. 9)
Reacting positively when confronted by our own sin
- Nathan was sent to confront David. His ‘story’ in II Sam. 12:2-3 was designed to remind David of his years as a shepherd
- Nathan says ‘You are the man!’ (II Sam. 12:7)
- David faced the reality of what he had done (II Sam. 12:13, Psalms 51)
I am innocent
- Pilate’s attempt to avoid his guilt (Matt. 27:24-26)
An exceedingly childish king
- Ahab was sullen and pouting over being denied Naboth’s vineyard (II Kings 21:4)
8 Principles
#1) Is it fear? #5) Is it pride?
#2)
Is it jealousy? #6) Is it guilt?
#3)
Is it anger? #7) Is it selfishness?
#4)
Is it a need for security? #8) Is it lust?
For next week, read Genesis 19 and I Kings 18:19-21
