Elijah: A Journey of Faith and Transformation

### 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.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. qLmM5gfs&t=619s'>[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.
  
  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.
  
  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.
  
  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.
  
  ### [10:19]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - 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

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])