Unholy Alliances Series

UNHOLY ALLIANCES – The risk of joining hands with unbelievers in ungodly ventures

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Chronicles 18:1-4; Judges 2:1-3

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 13:20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Psalm 1:1-3; Amos 3:3; Joshua 23:11-13; 1 Kings 11:1-11

INTRODUCTION

There are moments in life when the decisions we make about people determine the journey we take and the destiny we eventually fulfil. Not every hand that reaches for us is meant to be held. Not every invitation is meant to be accepted. Not every partner is meant to be embraced. Scripture is filled with stories of people who began well, but their relationships ruined them. They were not destroyed by famine, sickness, or enemies but by alliances.

The Bible uses different words for alliances: “yoking”, “joining”, “making leagues”, “mixing seed”, “joining affinity”. In every case, the message is clear: God cares about who you join yourself with.

The story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 18 and the warning of the Angel of the Lord in Judges 2 highlight one truth:

Unholy alliances do not look dangerous at first, but they always end in loss, regret, and spiritual decline.

This sermon explores how believers unintentionally walk into ungodly alliances, why God warns against them, and how we can walk in wisdom to avoid disaster.

1. WHEN GOOD PEOPLE MAKE BAD FRIENDSHIPS

(2 Chronicles 18:1-3)

King Jehoshaphat was a righteous king, a reformer, a man whose heart sought after God. He removed idols, restored worship, and brought Judah back to the Lord. But even good men can make dangerous choices.

Jehoshaphat “joined affinity with Ahab”—one of the most wicked kings in Israel’s history. This alliance began softly: first through marriage, then through a state visit, and finally through military partnership.

Jehoshaphat did not fall in a day. His downfall began with affinity: a soft spot, a small admiration, a link he did not break early enough.

That is how unholy alliances begin:

You admire what you should flee from.

You excuse what you should confront.

You tolerate what you should reject.

You call “wisdom” what God calls “danger.”

Jehoshaphat travelled to Samaria. Ahab welcomed him with feasting. A great meal can soften a great danger.

Ahab said, “Come with me to Ramoth-Gilead.”

Jehoshaphat answered, “I am as thou art.”

A dangerous sentence.

A covenant of similarity between light and darkness.

2. THE SLOW POISON OF COMPROMISE

(Judges 2:1–3)

In Judges 2, the Angel of the Lord reminded Israel of the covenant God made with them. God warned them never to make alliances with the idol-worshipping nations around them. But Israel reasoned, “These are harmless relationships… nothing more.”

God responded:

“You have not obeyed My voice… therefore they shall be thorns in your sides.”

Unholy alliances begin with small agreements:

A little partnership

A little assistance

A little tolerance

A little silence

A little compromise

But every tolerance becomes a bondage. Every compromise becomes a trap. Every ungodly agreement becomes a thorn.

Some people became spiritually weak not because of witches, enemies, or curses, but because of connections that God warned them against.

3.  WHY GOD WARNS US AGAINST UNHOLY ALLIANCES

The warnings of Scripture are consistent. God does not hate relationships; He designed them. But He warns because:

1. Wrong alliances corrupt spiritual purity (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Ahab worshipped Baal. Jehoshaphat worshipped Jehovah.

Two altars cannot be joined.

2. Wrong alliances influence decisions (Proverbs 13:20)

Jehoshaphat entered battles God never sent him to fight.

3. Wrong alliances open spiritual doors (Joshua 23:11–13)

God warned that ungodly associations become snares, traps, and whips.

4. Wrong alliances weaken convictions

Israel began to marry, trade, and worship like the nations around them.

5. Wrong alliances bring unnecessary battles

Jehoshaphat nearly died in a battle designed for Ahab.

4.  THE MASK OF FRIENDSHIP: HOW UNHOLY ALLIANCES PRESENT THEMSELVES

Ungodly alliances rarely appear evil. They often come as:

A business proposal

A friendly invitation

A harmless collaboration

A family relationship

A strategic opportunity

A marriage connection

A political partnership

A financial rescue

Ahab did not present his wickedness; he presented a feast.

The devil does not tempt with bitterness; he tempts with sweetness.

Some doors are wide, beautiful, and decorated, but behind them are traps.

5.  WHEN GODLY PEOPLE IGNORE GODLY WARNINGS

Jehoshaphat asked for a prophet. Micaiah prophesied defeat. Yet Jehoshaphat still went to battle.

Many believers do the same:

They feel uneasy, but they continue.

They see red flags, but they overlook them.

They hear counsel, but they dismiss it.

They sense danger, but they push ahead.

They know the partnership is spiritually unhealthy, but they remain.

Because the alliance gives benefits…

Ahab offered Jehoshaphat horses, soldiers, land, honour, influence.

People remain in dangerous connections because they receive:

Money

Opportunity

Emotional support

Position

Approval

Benefits

But every benefit obtained through compromise carries a hidden cost.