A chink in the armour of the Christian can be dangerous and there are many fiery darts of Satan that could cause serious damage. Here are four things that can cause us to expose a chink in our armour

1 – Family loyalties

These cause people to do things they might not normally do. There was an emotional tie between Ahab and Jehoshaphat caused by the ties between Israel and Judah. Jehoshaphat goes along with Ahab’s scheme. Watch out family loyalty does not compromise loyalty to the Lord Jesus. The loyalty to Jesus is higher. We must do what is right.

2 – Ingratiation

They put on a great feast – but Ahab is married to Jezebel. When Ahab wines and dines he always has an agenda. Watch out when you sit down to eat with a ruler! Jehoshaphat allows himself to become further seduced by Ahab through his stomach. Watch out for those false teachers who invite you to their parties and conferences in order to seduce you. The spiritual food will poison you!

3 – A false appeal to unity

There is an appeal to common ground. The true prophet will always be outnumbered 400 to 1. The hype is there. (vs. 10). Micaiah is told not to go against the grain. They do not want the truth. Do Mormons have the same Jesus as Christians? No! Even when Micaiah says exactly what the others are saying, they know he is not telling the truth. A true prophet will never have to defend himself. It was the false prophet who fought with Micaiah to assert his authority. This is what they do. Micaiah says if it does not happen then don’t trust me. People accept false teachers who are 50% right. How many prophets today do you hear saying what Micaiah said? Watch out for indications of God’s judgment:-

• He stops correcting. You will hear whatever you want to hear. It is only the true children who are corrected. E.g. The church at Laodicea.
• There is no shepherd for the sheep. God removes pastors and you are left with hirelings. Sheep wander off when they are not fed.
• God sends a delusion. See 2 Thessalonians 2:11ff.

4 – Cooperation

Jehoshaphat goes into battle on Ahab’s chariot. Ahab has a “fall guy” in Jehoshaphat! Ahab had no credibility. Ahab knew he was backslidden but he expected God to bless him for the sake of Jehoshaphat. You don’t throw the grain in the stew unless they admit the stew is poisoned. God has mercy on Jehoshaphat when he cries out to God for help. Why do people align themselves with those who do wrong? Jehoshaphat did not learn from his mistakes and was later removed from office. Good people should not stay in churches where false teaching is being preached and encouraged.

Categories: 1 Kings