Sermon Outline April 20, 2008 Morning Service

Topic: Athaliah  

Text:      2 Kings 11:13-20 (see also 2 Chronicles 22-24)                                                                        

Introduction

I.        Athaliah was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel and the wife of Jehoram.

A.       Jezebel was fully dedicated to the worship of Baal.

B.       Athaliah proved to be as dedicated to paganism as her mother.

II.       Why is her wickedness recorded in scripture?

A.       It must be for us to learn from her mistakes.

B.       Our goal is to better understand and learn from her mistakes.

Text

I.        Lesson 1 - Parents Set The Course Of Their Children’s Lives (2 Kings 11:1; 2 Chronicles 22:3-4)

A.       Athaliah’s wickedness reminds us that parents often set the course of their children’s lives.

B.       Parents usually pass their values and principles on to their children.

C.      What can we take from Athaliah’s life; as parents and even grandparents, what valuable lesson could possibly come from such a wicked family?

C.      Athaliah stands as a sobering reminder for us today regarding parental influence.

II.       Lesson 2 - Choosing A Godly Spouse Should Be High On Our Checklist (2 Kings 8:16-18; 11:18; 2 Chronicles 21:5-6; 12-15; 24:7)

A.       Athaliah’s husband, Jehoram, was raised in a godly home.

B.       Athaliah appears to have been a totally self-centered individual.

C.      Choosing a godly spouse should be a high priority.

D.      The union of Jehoram and Athaliah reminds us that regardless of parental upbringing, a weaker spouse can be wrongly influenced and pulled away from God.

III.      Lesson 3 - Selfish Ambition Brings Certain Destruction (2 Kings 11:1; 16)

A.       In the ancient world it was common practice to appoint a regent to rule on behalf of an under-age heir to the throne.

B.       Ambition can be a positive thing.

1.       This great country we live in today was built by ambitious, honest, hard working people.

2.       We encourage our children to be ambitious and strive for success in every aspect of life.

3.       However, Athaliah is an example of ambition run amuck!

C.      Whenever we consider doing wrong to achieve a personal goal or gain, we need to remember this wicked queen’s fate.

1.       Our business dealings and transactions with people on a daily basis should be trustworthy and even godly.

2.       When we do err we need to be honest, apologetic and penitent (Colossians 3:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

Conclusion

I.        Athaliah was every young man’s dream (young, vibrant, beautiful, rich).

II.       Athaliah’s life teaches us the importance of a godly upbringing.

III.      Athaliah has also taught us the importance of choosing a godly spouse.

IV.      Athaliah’s rise to the throne was accomplished by selfish ambition.

V.       Our conduct and dealings should always be “Christ-like.”