Now that Elisha is commissioned, God sets His plan to destroy Ahab and Jezebel into action. This is the Thirty Ninth Sermon in the series The Kingdom Divided; and exposition on First Book of the Kings.

In this long genealogy, and in the Tower of Babel, we see the providence of God on display as He governs the rise and fall of the nations, He restrains the pride of sinful man, and He preserves the promised offspring of the woman, preparing the way for Jesus Christ. In other words, as the 1689 Confession says in chapter 5, paragraph 7, "The providence of God in a general way includes all creatures, but in a special way it takes care of His church and arranges all things to its good."

I. Christ has all power to help believers. A. Proof of it is to be seen in us. B. Perseverance through trouble shows it. II. The pride of believers must be restrained. A. As by trials. B. As by humiliation. III. The power of Christ will rest on humble believers. A. By His grace when we are weak. B. By gladness to be weak - to be strong.

1 Ashes Prepare Us 2 Ashes Prevent Pride 3 Ashes Give Us Perspective

David's kingdom advances because of God's promise, not human manipulation. God's sovereignty is not interrupted by human sin. Knowing God's will, is not the same as obeying it. Pride and revenge can destroy what forgiveness might heal. Personal wounds, if left unresolved, can lead to devastating consequences.

B.I. — Ministry's challenges create situations that demand spiritual wisdom and commitment with which to properly address service to our Lord. INTRODUCTION: 1A. THE CHALLENGE OF UNDERSTANDING. 43-45 2A. THE CHALLENGE OF PRIDEFULNESS. 46-48 3A. THE CHALLENGE OF SECTARIANISM 49-50 4A. THE CHALLENGE OF VINDICTIVENESS. 51-56 5A. THE CHALLENGE OF DISCIPLESHIP. 57-62 1B. The demand of deliberation. 57-58 1C. No thought on the matter (impetuous). 57 2C. Total commitment of Jesus. (no home). 58 2B. The demand of dedication. 59-60 1C. The call to follow. 59a 2C. The excuse render. 59b 3C. The rebuke offered. 60 3B. The demand of determination. 61-62 1C. Voluntary commitment. 61a 2C. Secondary commitment. 62b 3C. Primary commitment. 63 CONCLUSION:

This sermon explores the appropriate human response when Jesus confronts individuals with their sin or weaknesses, using the healing of the man with the withered hand in Luke 6 as the central text. The preacher contrasts the Pharisees' critical and unteachable spirit, which led to rage, with the healed man's obedient faith, which resulted in restoration. Key themes include the necessity of divine confrontation for spiritual growth, the danger of hiding behind excuses or traditions, and the call to yield pride and selfishness to God's authority. The message urges believers to recognize that God deliberately exposes hidden issues out of love, aiming to sanctify them rather than condemn them. Ultimately, the congregation is challenged to respond with humility and immediate obedience when the Holy Spirit convicts their hearts.

This sermon concludes a series on being unashamed of Christ by examining Paul's final instructions to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1. The preacher emphasizes that believers must hold fast to the standard of sound words because Scripture reveals God Himself and deepens the relationship with Him. It warns against compromising biblical truth for cultural acceptance, identifying such compromise as prideful rejection of God's authority. The text contrasts those who abandoned Paul out of shame with Onesiphorus, who faithfully served him in prison without disgrace. Ultimately, the message encourages Christians to guard the entrusted treasure of the Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit and to emulate faithful examples rather than cowardly ones.