Elijah: A Journey of Faith and Transformation
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's a joy to see you all here today. As we gather to worship, let's take a moment to pray over our tithes and offerings. We give not out of obligation, but as an act of worship to our God who loves, cares, and provides for us. May our hearts be fully surrendered to Him today as we worship through giving, singing, and hearing His word.
Today, we are kicking off a new series called "Summer Road Trip," where we will explore the lives of three significant Old Testament figures: Elijah, Elisha, and Jonah. Our focus today is on Elijah, and I've subtitled this message "The Making of a Man of God." Elijah's story begins in a time of great darkness in the Northern Kingdom, which had endured 19 consecutive evil rulers over 200 years. The worst of these was King Ahab, who, along with his wife Jezebel, led the people into deeper idolatry and evil practices.
Elijah's name means "My God is Jehovah," a bold declaration in a time when the true God was being forsaken. In 1 Kings 17:1, Elijah confronts King Ahab, declaring that there will be neither dew nor rain for the next few years except at his word. This proclamation would have been shocking, as the society was heavily dependent on agriculture. No rain meant no crops, leading to widespread famine and chaos.
After delivering this message, Elijah goes into hiding as instructed by God. This begins a period of preparation for Elijah, which I want to break down into three seasons: isolated pain, total dependence, and unconditional obedience.
First, Elijah experiences isolated pain. God sends him to the Kirith Ravine, a place that literally means "cut off." Here, Elijah is cut off from everything familiar and comfortable, a time of breaking down so that God can build him up. It's a reminder that sometimes God allows us to go through difficult, isolating experiences to humble us privately before He can use us publicly.
Second, Elijah learns total dependence on God. In the ravine, God provides for Elijah through a brook for water and ravens that bring him bread and meat. This daily provision teaches Elijah to rely completely on God, trusting Him for his needs one day at a time. It's a powerful lesson in faith, showing that God often provides just enough for today, teaching us to depend on Him continually.
Third, Elijah is taught unconditional obedience. After some time, the brook dries up, and God instructs Elijah to move to Zarephath. This would have been challenging, as it meant leaving the place where God had been providing for him. Yet, Elijah obeys without hesitation, demonstrating his trust in God's plan. Sometimes, God allows our "brooks" to dry up to push us into new steps of faith and obedience.
Elijah's journey continues as he meets a widow in Zarephath. Despite the severe drought, Elijah asks her for water and food. The widow, preparing for her last meal with her son, shares her meager resources with Elijah. Miraculously, her supplies do not run out, showcasing God's provision and building Elijah's faith even further.
Through these experiences, Elijah transforms from being known merely as a man from Tishbe to being recognized as a man of God. This transformation is a powerful reminder that God often takes us through difficult seasons to prepare us for greater purposes. Our identity should not be tied to where we are from but to who we serve.
As we reflect on Elijah's story, let's ask ourselves: Are we known for where we are from, or are we known as people of God? May we strive to be identified by our faith and our relationship with God, allowing Him to work in us so that He can work through us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Worship Through Giving: Giving should be an act of worship, not an obligation. When we give, we acknowledge God's provision and express our trust in Him. It's a way to surrender our hearts to God, recognizing that everything we have comes from Him. [10:19]
2. God Uses Isolation for Preparation: Elijah's time in the Kirith Ravine, a place of isolation and pain, was a period of preparation. God often uses difficult, isolating experiences to humble us and prepare us for greater purposes. These times teach us to rely on God and trust His process. [30:25]
3. Total Dependence on God: In the ravine, Elijah learned to depend completely on God for his daily needs. God provided water from a brook and food from ravens, teaching Elijah to trust Him one day at a time. This total dependence is crucial for our spiritual growth and faith. [35:13]
4. Unconditional Obedience: When the brook dried up, Elijah obeyed God's command to move to Zarephath without hesitation. This step of faith demonstrated his trust in God's plan, even when it meant leaving a place of provision. Sometimes, God allows our "brooks" to dry up to push us into new steps of obedience. [39:40]
5. Transformation Through Trials: Elijah's journey transformed him from being known as a man from Tishbe to being recognized as a man of God. This transformation came through the trials and preparation he endured. Our identity should be rooted in our relationship with God, not in our circumstances or where we are from. [46:15]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[10:19] - Worship Through Giving
[22:06] - Introduction to Summer Road Trip Series
[23:19] - Background on Elijah and the Northern Kingdom
[25:40] - Elijah's Bold Declaration to King Ahab
[29:15] - Elijah's Isolation and God's Preparation
[35:13] - Learning Total Dependence on God
[39:40] - Unconditional Obedience and Moving to Zarephath
[46:15] - Transformation Through Trials
[49:14] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 17:1-24
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of Elijah's name, and how did it contrast with the spiritual state of the Northern Kingdom? ([26:13])
2. Describe the three seasons of preparation that Elijah went through as outlined in the sermon. ([29:44])
3. How did God provide for Elijah during his time in the Kirith Ravine? ([35:13])
4. What was the widow's initial reaction to Elijah's request for food, and how did God demonstrate His provision through this situation? ([43:24])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to isolate Elijah in the Kirith Ravine, and what might this teach us about God's methods of preparation? ([30:25])
2. How does Elijah's experience of total dependence on God challenge our modern-day reliance on material security and self-sufficiency? ([35:53])
3. What does Elijah's unconditional obedience in moving to Zarephath, despite the dried-up brook, reveal about his faith and trust in God? ([39:40])
4. How did the trials and preparation Elijah faced transform his identity from being known as a man from Tishbe to being recognized as a man of God? ([46:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you gave out of worship rather than obligation. How did that experience affect your relationship with God? ([10:19])
2. Have you ever experienced a season of isolated pain similar to Elijah's time in the Kirith Ravine? How did that season prepare you for future challenges or opportunities? ([30:25])
3. In what areas of your life do you need to practice total dependence on God? Identify one specific area and discuss how you can trust God more in that aspect. ([35:53])
4. Think about a situation where you had to obey God unconditionally, even when it was difficult. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith? ([39:40])
5. Elijah's identity shifted from being known for where he was from to being recognized as a man of God. How do you want to be identified, and what steps can you take to align your identity with your faith? ([46:50])
6. The widow in Zarephath shared her last meal with Elijah, demonstrating faith and obedience. Is there a resource or talent you have that God is calling you to share with others? How can you act on this calling this week? ([43:24])
7. Reflect on a "dried-up brook" in your life—an area where you once found provision but now feel a lack. How might God be using this situation to push you into new steps of faith and obedience? ([40:33])
Devotional
Day 1: Worship Through Giving
Giving should be an act of worship, not an obligation. When we give, we acknowledge God's provision and express our trust in Him. It's a way to surrender our hearts to God, recognizing that everything we have comes from Him. This act of worship through giving is a tangible expression of our faith and gratitude. It reminds us that our resources are not our own but are gifts from God to be used for His purposes. By giving, we participate in God's work and demonstrate our reliance on His continued provision.
[10:19]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: How can you make your giving an act of worship today? Consider one way you can give joyfully and intentionally, acknowledging God's provision in your life.
Day 2: God Uses Isolation for Preparation
Elijah's time in the Kirith Ravine, a place of isolation and pain, was a period of preparation. God often uses difficult, isolating experiences to humble us and prepare us for greater purposes. These times teach us to rely on God and trust His process. In the ravine, Elijah was cut off from everything familiar and comfortable, allowing God to break him down and build him up. This period of isolated pain was crucial for Elijah's development as a man of God, reminding us that our own seasons of isolation can be times of significant spiritual growth.
[30:25]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt isolated or in pain. How might God have been using that experience to prepare you for something greater? What did you learn about relying on Him during that time?
Day 3: Total Dependence on God
In the ravine, Elijah learned to depend completely on God for his daily needs. God provided water from a brook and food from ravens, teaching Elijah to trust Him one day at a time. This total dependence is crucial for our spiritual growth and faith. By relying on God's daily provision, Elijah's faith was strengthened, and he learned to trust in God's timing and methods. This lesson of daily dependence is a powerful reminder that God often provides just enough for today, encouraging us to trust Him continually.
[35:13]
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to depend on God daily? How can you practice trusting Him for your needs one day at a time?
Day 4: Unconditional Obedience
When the brook dried up, Elijah obeyed God's command to move to Zarephath without hesitation. This step of faith demonstrated his trust in God's plan, even when it meant leaving a place of provision. Sometimes, God allows our "brooks" to dry up to push us into new steps of obedience. Elijah's willingness to follow God's direction, even when it was challenging, shows the importance of unconditional obedience. It reminds us that God's plans are always for our good, even when they require us to step out of our comfort zones.
[39:40]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to step out in faith and obedience? What would it look like to trust His plan and follow His direction unconditionally?
Day 5: Transformation Through Trials
Elijah's journey transformed him from being known as a man from Tishbe to being recognized as a man of God. This transformation came through the trials and preparation he endured. Our identity should be rooted in our relationship with God, not in our circumstances or where we are from. Elijah's story is a powerful reminder that God often takes us through difficult seasons to prepare us for greater purposes. As we endure trials, we are shaped and refined, becoming more aligned with God's will and purpose for our lives.
[46:15]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How have the trials in your life shaped your identity and faith? What steps can you take to ensure your identity is rooted in your relationship with God rather than your circumstances?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God, we thank you for just the way that you care for us in ways we never even realized. God, we pray that this morning as we give of our tithes and our offerings, not out of obligation, God, I'm feeling like we're supposed to do this, but God, just simply an act of worship to you, our great God who loves us, who cares for us, who provides for us. God, we pray that we can just give a portion of what you've given us back to you, not because you need it, but because you want our hearts surrendered to you." [10:19]
2. "God sometimes provides by what he doesn't provide. He may cause the brook to dry up and force you to take a step of unconditional obedience. It's kind of like the Karate Kid, one of my favorite movies. I don't know if you like the Karate Kid. But in the Karate Kid, you remember Daniel comes to Mr. Miyagi and he's like, teach me to fight. Teach me to fight. And he goes, okay, here, wax my car. And so he's like, okay, I'll wax your car. And he goes, no, no, no. Like this, wax on, wax off." [41:12]
3. "God sometimes provides by what he doesn't provide. He may cause the brook to dry up and force you to take a step of unconditional obedience. It's kind of like the Karate Kid, one of my favorite movies. I don't know if you like the Karate Kid. But in the Karate Kid, you remember Daniel comes to Mr. Miyagi and he's like, teach me to fight. Teach me to fight. And he goes, okay, here, wax my car. And so he's like, okay, I'll wax your car. And he goes, no, no, no. Like this, wax on, wax off." [41:12]
4. "God sometimes provides by what he doesn't provide. He may cause the brook to dry up and force you to take a step of unconditional obedience. It's kind of like the Karate Kid, one of my favorite movies. I don't know if you like the Karate Kid. But in the Karate Kid, you remember Daniel comes to Mr. Miyagi and he's like, teach me to fight. Teach me to fight. And he goes, okay, here, wax my car. And so he's like, okay, I'll wax your car. And he goes, no, no, no. Like this, wax on, wax off." [41:12]
5. "God sometimes provides by what he doesn't provide. He may cause the brook to dry up and force you to take a step of unconditional obedience. It's kind of like the Karate Kid, one of my favorite movies. I don't know if you like the Karate Kid. But in the Karate Kid, you remember Daniel comes to Mr. Miyagi and he's like, teach me to fight. Teach me to fight. And he goes, okay, here, wax my car. And so he's like, okay, I'll wax your car. And he goes, no, no, no. Like this, wax on, wax off." [41:12]
### Quotes for Members
1. "God's saying, I'm going to break you down so I can build you up. I'm going to humble you privately so that I can use you publicly. That's what he's doing with him here. These are times. There's times when we feel like. Like, where's God? Any of us ever feel that way? That, like, you're in the midst of something and you're like, where? Where is God? Where is God in this? Why would he let this happen? How could this happen? How could this happen to me?" [31:10]
2. "The more God breaks you, the more God may be preparing you. And that's what we see with Elijah. The second thing that I see with this preparation is number two is total dependence. That God is teaching him this total dependence. Look at this. Going on in verse 4 through 6 of 1 Kings 17, it says, You will drink from the brook. So that alone is a big deal. Because he said there's no water, no rain, no dew, but yet there's this brook. It springs up in the midst of this drought, right there for him, in this cut-off, kind of God-forsaken valley in the middle of nowhere." [34:30]
3. "God sometimes provides by what he doesn't provide. He may cause the brook to dry up and force you to take a step of unconditional obedience. It's kind of like the Karate Kid, one of my favorite movies. I don't know if you like the Karate Kid. But in the Karate Kid, you remember Daniel comes to Mr. Miyagi and he's like, teach me to fight. Teach me to fight. And he goes, okay, here, wax my car. And so he's like, okay, I'll wax your car. And he goes, no, no, no. Like this, wax on, wax off." [41:12]
4. "God sometimes provides by what he doesn't provide. He may cause the brook to dry up and force you to take a step of unconditional obedience. It's kind of like the Karate Kid, one of my favorite movies. I don't know if you like the Karate Kid. But in the Karate Kid, you remember Daniel comes to Mr. Miyagi and he's like, teach me to fight. Teach me to fight. And he goes, okay, here, wax my car. And so he's like, okay, I'll wax your car. And he goes, no, no, no. Like this, wax on, wax off." [41:12]
5. "God sometimes provides by what he doesn't provide. He may cause the brook to dry up and force you to take a step of unconditional obedience. It's kind of like the Karate Kid, one of my favorite movies. I don't know if you like the Karate Kid. But in the Karate Kid, you remember Daniel comes to Mr. Miyagi and he's like, teach me to fight. Teach me to fight. And he goes, okay, here, wax my car. And so he's like, okay, I'll wax your car. And he goes, no, no, no. Like this, wax on, wax off." [41:12]
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