Elijah: The Power of Persistent Prayer and Confession
Summary
### Summary
Elijah was a firekeeper for God, much like the firekeepers in ancient North American tribes who ensured the flame in their longhouses never went out. Elijah's role was to keep the spiritual fire of Israel burning, especially during times of apostasy and idolatry. The sermon delves into the significance of Elijah's actions, particularly his confrontation with the prophets of Baal and his fervent prayers for rain. Elijah's story teaches us about the importance of maintaining our spiritual fervor, the necessity of confession before petition, and the power of persistent prayer.
Elijah's prayer life is highlighted as a model for us. He prayed with a confident yet humble posture, showing both his faith in God's promises and his awareness of his own limitations. His prayers were not just about asking for rain but were deeply rooted in seeking God's forgiveness for Israel's sins. This reflects a fundamental principle: before we ask God for blessings, we must first confess and repent of our sins.
The sermon also addresses modern misconceptions about ancient practices, emphasizing that Elijah's actions were in obedience to God's commandments and not acts of senseless violence. The story of Elijah running ahead of King Ahab's chariot symbolizes his submission to God's authority and his role as a servant leader, calling others to follow God.
The final emphasis is on the power and necessity of persistent prayer. Elijah's repeated prayers for rain, despite initial silence, teach us that true prayer is persistent. The pastor shares his personal commitment to increasing his prayer life, urging the congregation to prioritize prayer in their lives and church activities. The ultimate message is that prayer is not just a spiritual exercise but a vital connection to God's power and mercy.
### Key Takeaways
1. Elijah as a Firekeeper: Elijah's role was to keep the spiritual fire of Israel burning, much like ancient firekeepers who ensured the flame in their longhouses never went out. This teaches us the importance of maintaining our spiritual fervor and dedication to God, especially in times of spiritual drought. [03:17]
2. Confession Before Petition: Elijah's prayers were deeply rooted in seeking God's forgiveness for Israel's sins before asking for rain. This reflects a fundamental principle: before we ask God for blessings, we must first confess and repent of our sins. Confession prepares our hearts to receive God's blessings. [09:53]
3. Confident Yet Humble Prayer: Elijah's posture of prayer—confident in God's promises yet humble in his own limitations—teaches us the balance we must maintain in our spiritual lives. We are confident because of who God is, and humble because of who we are. [12:17]
4. Persistent Prayer: Elijah's repeated prayers for rain, despite initial silence, teach us that true prayer is persistent. G.K. Chesterton said, "If a thing is worth doing, it's worth doing repeatedly." This applies to prayer, which requires persistence even in the face of apparent failure. [23:04]
5. Submission to God's Authority: Elijah running ahead of King Ahab's chariot symbolizes his submission to God's authority and his role as a servant leader. This act of humility and service calls us to submit to God's will and lead others to do the same. [35:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:17] - Elijah as a Firekeeper
[05:14] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[05:48] - Misconceptions About Ancient Practices
[06:18] - The Fair Contest
[07:12] - Modern vs. Ancient Warfare
[08:09] - Obeying God's Commandments
[09:22] - Confession Before Petition
[10:25] - Preparing Our Hearts
[11:50] - Confident Yet Humble Prayer
[13:17] - Elijah's Instructions to Ahab
[14:06] - Ears of Faith
[15:56] - Elijah's Desperate Prayer
[17:29] - Solomon's Prayer
[18:38] - Magnitude of God's Forgiveness
[22:05] - Persistent Prayer
[23:39] - True Prayer is Persistent
[25:18] - Jesus on Persistent Prayer
[26:11] - The Challenge of Prayer
[28:24] - Prayer and Revival
[29:22] - The Necessity of Prayer
[30:27] - Personal Commitment to Prayer
[32:11] - Prayerlessness as Sin
[33:33] - Vision for the Church
[34:27] - Conclusion and Call to Prayer
[35:18] - Elijah Running Ahead of Ahab
[39:07] - The Power of Persistent Prayer
[40:14] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 18:36-39 (NIV)
> "At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: 'Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.' Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, 'The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!'"
2. James 5:16-18 (NIV)
> "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."
3. Deuteronomy 13:1-5 (NIV)
> "If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, 'Let us follow other gods' (gods you have not known) 'and let us worship them,' you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. That prophet or dreamer tried to turn you from the way the Lord your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Elijah's role in Israel, and how is it similar to the role of ancient firekeepers? [03:17]
2. How did Elijah demonstrate both confidence and humility in his prayer life? [12:17]
3. What was the significance of Elijah's repeated prayers for rain, and what does this teach us about the nature of true prayer? [23:04]
4. How did Elijah's actions symbolize his submission to God's authority, especially in the context of running ahead of King Ahab's chariot? [35:18]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to confess and repent before asking God for blessings, according to Elijah's example? [09:53]
2. How does Elijah's posture of prayer reflect the balance between confidence in God's promises and humility in our own limitations? [12:17]
3. What does Elijah's persistence in prayer, despite initial silence, teach us about the nature of true prayer and our relationship with God? [23:04]
4. How does Elijah's act of running ahead of King Ahab's chariot serve as a model for servant leadership and submission to God's will? [35:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually dry. How did you or how can you reignite your spiritual fervor like Elijah did for Israel? [03:17]
2. Before asking God for something in prayer, do you take time to confess and repent? How can you incorporate this practice more consistently in your prayer life? [09:53]
3. Think about your current prayer posture. Do you approach God with both confidence in His promises and humility in your own limitations? How can you improve this balance? [12:17]
4. Elijah prayed persistently for rain despite initial silence. Is there something you have been praying for that you feel discouraged about? How can you renew your commitment to persistent prayer? [23:04]
5. Elijah's act of running ahead of King Ahab's chariot was a sign of submission and servant leadership. In what ways can you demonstrate submission to God's authority in your daily life? [35:18]
6. The pastor shared his personal commitment to increasing his prayer life. What specific steps can you take to prioritize prayer in your own life and within your small group? [30:27]
7. How can you encourage and support each other in your small group to maintain a persistent and fervent prayer life, especially during challenging times? [28:24]
Devotional
### Day 1: Keeping the Spiritual Fire Burning
Elijah's role as a firekeeper for God teaches us the importance of maintaining our spiritual fervor and dedication to God, especially in times of spiritual drought. Just as ancient firekeepers ensured the flame in their longhouses never went out, Elijah's mission was to keep the spiritual fire of Israel alive during periods of apostasy and idolatry. His actions, particularly his confrontation with the prophets of Baal, serve as a powerful reminder of the need to stay spiritually vigilant and committed to God.
Elijah's story encourages us to be steadfast in our faith, even when the world around us seems to be turning away from God. In times of spiritual drought, it is crucial to keep our spiritual fire burning through prayer, worship, and obedience to God's commandments. By doing so, we can be a light to others and help guide them back to God. [03:17]
1 Kings 18:21 (ESV): "And Elijah came near to all the people and said, 'How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.' And the people did not answer him a word."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively keep your spiritual fire burning this week? Identify one specific action you can take to strengthen your faith and commitment to God.
### Day 2: Confession Before Petition
Elijah's prayers were deeply rooted in seeking God's forgiveness for Israel's sins before asking for rain. This reflects a fundamental principle: before we ask God for blessings, we must first confess and repent of our sins. Confession prepares our hearts to receive God's blessings and aligns us with His will. Elijah's example shows us that true prayer involves humility and a recognition of our need for God's mercy and forgiveness.
Confession is an essential part of our spiritual journey. It allows us to acknowledge our shortcomings and seek God's grace. By confessing our sins, we open ourselves up to God's transformative power and create space for His blessings to flow into our lives. Before making any requests to God, take time to reflect on your actions, seek forgiveness, and align your heart with His will. [09:53]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on any unconfessed sins in your life. How can you seek God's forgiveness and prepare your heart to receive His blessings today?
### Day 3: Confident Yet Humble Prayer
Elijah's posture of prayer—confident in God's promises yet humble in his own limitations—teaches us the balance we must maintain in our spiritual lives. We are confident because of who God is, and humble because of who we are. Elijah's prayers were marked by a deep faith in God's ability to fulfill His promises, coupled with an awareness of his own dependence on God's grace and mercy.
This balance of confidence and humility is essential in our prayer lives. We can approach God with boldness, knowing that He is faithful and powerful, but we must also recognize our own limitations and need for His guidance. By maintaining this balance, we can pray effectively and align ourselves with God's will. [12:17]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a balance of confidence and humility in your prayer life? Identify one area where you need to trust more in God's promises and one area where you need to acknowledge your dependence on His grace.
### Day 4: Persistent Prayer
Elijah's repeated prayers for rain, despite initial silence, teach us that true prayer is persistent. G.K. Chesterton said, "If a thing is worth doing, it's worth doing repeatedly." This applies to prayer, which requires persistence even in the face of apparent failure. Elijah's persistence in prayer demonstrates his unwavering faith in God's promises and his determination to seek God's will.
Persistent prayer is a vital aspect of our spiritual lives. It shows our commitment to seeking God's guidance and our trust in His timing. Even when we don't see immediate results, we must continue to pray with faith and perseverance. By doing so, we demonstrate our reliance on God and our belief in His faithfulness. [23:04]
Luke 18:1 (ESV): "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart."
Reflection: Think of a prayer request you have been waiting on for a long time. How can you renew your commitment to persistent prayer for this request, trusting in God's timing and faithfulness?
### Day 5: Submission to God's Authority
Elijah running ahead of King Ahab's chariot symbolizes his submission to God's authority and his role as a servant leader. This act of humility and service calls us to submit to God's will and lead others to do the same. Elijah's actions demonstrate that true leadership involves humility, obedience, and a willingness to serve others.
Submission to God's authority is a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey. It requires us to set aside our own desires and ambitions and align ourselves with God's will. By doing so, we can lead others by example and encourage them to follow God's path. Elijah's story reminds us that true greatness comes from serving others and submitting to God's authority. [35:18]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to submit more fully to God's authority? How can you demonstrate humility and a servant's heart in your interactions with others this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Confession is to prepare our heart. You know confession is actually you can broaden into the way that anytime anything in your life is not aligned with the God's will to receive his blessing then you confess and you prepare." [10:25] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When God created the universe it didn't cost him much. At least when we read a scripture God just said it and it was so. That's Genesis 1. Creation came to exist upon God's speaking. But when God forgave our sin and redeemed us it cost God dearly. Our salvation came at the sacrifice of God's only son." [19:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When Christians get to the end of their prayer we say in Jesus' name Amen. I want you to know that's more than a custom or a conclusion. It is a huge honor. We have to recognize it's a huge honor. Sometimes I feel like Christians just say in Jesus' name at the end because they don't know what to say. It's like a cliche." [19:37] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Prayer always goes before God's blessings. Now, I'm honest, you know, I want to be honest with you. So far, as your pastor, I've done almost everything that a pastor can do. I can tell you, I work hard. I think I work above the average pastor's hours. I barely have one evening free for I taught several classes, several Bible studies a week, and, you know, host a house churches and all that." [29:22] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Prayerlessness is not just spiritual weakness. It's a sin. You know why it's a sin? It comes our confidence in ourselves that I can live life without prayer. I can handle my life. I can do, I can serve, I can do, I can lead a church without prayer. I'm smart. I have a PhD. People like my personality whatever, I can do. Prayerlessness is a sin based on your self-confidence." [32:11] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Elijah's prayer on the mountain was more about more than it's more about God's forgiveness than the water. He knew the rain would signal when it comes that God has forgiven his people's sin. What Elijah was trying to do is what King Solomon actually prayed in his temple dedication few hundred years ago." [17:16] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "True prayer in the Bible is a persistent prayer. It's a persistent prayer. G.K. Chesterton once said if a thing is worth doing it's worth doing repeatedly. Is eating is a thing worth to Eating? One bad meal you stop eating? No! You come back and you eat doubly right? You know things are worth we do repeatedly even badly even through the failure." [23:30] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want to tell you prayer is worth repeating. And the key to prayer is persistence. Even our Lord Jesus emphasized a persistence of prayer. You know we all know the Matthew 7 7 in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus asked it shall be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will open to you. The emphasis is a persistency." [24:40] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When they come to pray some house churches, they say, okay, it's late. Let's let, you know, we all share the prayer. Would you pray for one another? Let me just close in prayer. That is a horrible house church. Because you talk to everybody except to God. My, you know, especially I understand when there's a BIP, maybe you have to be not so too intimidating because, you know, they don't know about praying to God." [27:28] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to write a prayer manifesto and live by it. I want to call you to live by it. And then I want to say, listen to me, prayerlessness, prayerlessness is not just spiritual weakness. It's a sin. You know why it's a sin? It comes our confidence in ourselves that I can live life without prayer. I can handle my life. I can do, I can serve, I can do, I can lead a church without prayer." [31:57] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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