Faith, Obedience, and God's Sovereignty in Our Lives
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the powerful narrative from 1 Kings 18, where Elijah confronts King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. This story is a testament to God's omnipotence and the importance of obedience and faith in His word. As we prepare for the new school year, we prayed for our students, teachers, and administrators, asking for God's protection and guidance. We are reminded that our world is ever-changing, and we need God's presence more than ever.
The story of Elijah is a profound example of faith and obedience. Elijah, despite being hunted by Ahab, obeys God's command to present himself to the king. This act of obedience sets the stage for God to demonstrate His power by sending rain after a long drought. Elijah's unwavering faith and obedience are lessons for us all. We must be willing to face our challenges head-on, trusting that God is with us and will guide us through.
Elijah's encounter with Obadiah, a man of great faith serving in Ahab's court, highlights the importance of standing firm in our beliefs, even in difficult circumstances. Obadiah's faith allowed him to overcome his fears and act in obedience to God's will. This story encourages us to trust in God's plan and to be bold in our faith, knowing that God can do anything.
As we reflect on this narrative, we are reminded that God desires to reign in our lives. He wants to be the sovereign power guiding us through every situation. We are called to open our hearts to Him, allowing His presence to fill us and guide us. Whether it's for the first time or a renewal of our commitment, we are invited to let God reign in our lives, bringing His peace, wisdom, and power.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith and Obedience: Elijah's story teaches us the importance of faith and obedience. Despite the danger, Elijah obeyed God's command to confront Ahab, demonstrating that true faith requires action. We must be willing to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide us and provide for us. [19:34]
- Facing Challenges Head-On: Elijah's encounter with Ahab shows us that sometimes we must face our challenges directly. By confronting our fears and obstacles, we allow God to work through us and bring about His will. This requires courage and trust in God's plan. [22:19]
- The Power of Prayer: Elijah's persistent prayer for rain is a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer in our lives. We must be persistent in our prayers, trusting that God hears us and will answer in His time. Prayer is a vital part of our relationship with God. [57:25]
- Standing Firm in Faith: Obadiah's faith in the midst of a corrupt court is an example of standing firm in our beliefs. We must not compromise our faith, even when faced with difficult circumstances. Our faith should be a guiding light in our lives. [40:26]
- God's Sovereignty: The story of Elijah and the rain reminds us that God is sovereign and can do anything. He desires to reign in our lives, bringing His peace, wisdom, and power. We are called to open our hearts to Him and allow Him to guide us. [01:01:55]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:07] - Prayer for Students and Educators
[06:07] - Introduction to 1 Kings 18
[08:05] - Elijah's Encounter with Obadiah
[10:29] - The Challenge to Ahab
[11:54] - God's Promise of Rain
[12:59] - The Power of Persistent Prayer
[14:33] - Elijah's Faith and Obedience
[19:34] - Facing Challenges Head-On
[22:19] - Obadiah's Faith and Courage
[27:38] - The Role of Obadiah
[31:17] - Respect for God's Servants
[35:25] - Staying on Task
[40:26] - Obadiah's Obedience
[46:38] - The Showdown on Mount Carmel
[53:25] - God's Anointing and Reign
[01:01:55] - Invitation to Let God Reign
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1 Kings 18:1-46
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did God give to Elijah in 1 Kings 18:1, and how did Elijah respond to these instructions? [19:34]
2. How did Obadiah demonstrate his faith when he encountered Elijah, and what was his initial reaction? [29:24]
3. What was the significance of the showdown on Mount Carmel, and how did Elijah prepare for it? [47:46]
4. How did Elijah's prayer demonstrate persistence, and what was the outcome of his prayer? [57:25]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Elijah's willingness to confront King Ahab reveal about his faith and obedience to God? How might this apply to modern challenges believers face? [22:19]
2. How does Obadiah's fear and subsequent obedience illustrate the tension between personal safety and faithfulness to God's commands? [40:26]
3. In what ways does the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal highlight the power of God compared to false idols? How can this be relevant to contemporary issues of faith? [46:38]
4. How does the persistent prayer of Elijah serve as a model for believers today in their prayer life? What can be learned from his example? [57:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Elijah faced his fears and challenges head-on by trusting in God's plan. What is a current challenge in your life that you need to confront with faith and courage? [22:19]
2. Obadiah stood firm in his faith despite being in a difficult environment. How can you maintain your faith in challenging situations, such as at work or in social settings? [40:26]
3. Elijah's persistent prayer led to a miraculous outcome. How can you incorporate persistence in your prayer life, and what specific situation do you need to pray persistently about? [57:25]
4. The story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal shows God's sovereignty. How can you allow God to reign in your life, especially in areas where you struggle to relinquish control? [01:01:55]
5. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between personal safety and obedience to God. How did you handle it, and what would you do differently now? [40:26]
6. Elijah's obedience was immediate and without excuses. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to act, but you have been hesitant? What steps can you take to respond obediently? [23:18]
7. Consider the idols or distractions in your life that may be taking precedence over your relationship with God. What practical steps can you take to remove these and focus on God's sovereignty? [46:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action
Elijah's story in 1 Kings 18 is a powerful testament to the necessity of faith coupled with action. Despite the imminent danger posed by King Ahab, Elijah obeyed God's command to confront him. This act of obedience was not just a passive belief but an active demonstration of faith. Elijah's willingness to step out in faith, even when the odds seemed insurmountable, shows that true faith requires us to act, trusting that God will guide and provide for us. This narrative encourages believers to move beyond mere belief and to take bold steps in obedience to God's word, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. [19:34]
"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." (1 Kings 18:21, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a step of faith? How can you act on this today, trusting in His guidance and provision?
Day 2: Confronting Challenges with Courage
Elijah's encounter with Ahab illustrates the necessity of facing challenges head-on. By directly confronting Ahab, Elijah allowed God to work through him to bring about His will. This act required immense courage and trust in God's plan. In our own lives, we often encounter obstacles and fears that seem insurmountable. However, by facing these challenges directly, we open ourselves to God's transformative power. This narrative encourages believers to trust in God's plan and to confront their fears with courage, knowing that God is with them every step of the way. [22:19]
"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can you confront this challenge with courage, trusting that God is with you and will guide you through it?
Day 3: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Elijah's persistent prayer for rain is a profound reminder of the power of prayer in our lives. Despite the long drought, Elijah continued to pray, trusting that God would answer in His time. This narrative highlights the importance of persistence in prayer, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their communication with God. Prayer is not just a ritual but a vital part of our relationship with God, allowing us to align our hearts with His will. This story encourages believers to be persistent in their prayers, trusting that God hears them and will answer in His perfect timing. [57:25]
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you have been praying for a breakthrough. How can you continue to be persistent in prayer, trusting in God's timing and faithfulness?
Day 4: Standing Firm in Faith
Obadiah's faith in the midst of a corrupt court is a powerful example of standing firm in one's beliefs. Despite the challenges and fears he faced, Obadiah remained obedient to God's will. This narrative encourages believers to hold fast to their faith, even in difficult circumstances. Our faith should be a guiding light in our lives, leading us to act in accordance with God's will. This story challenges believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God will honor their obedience and courage. [40:26]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel pressure to compromise your faith? How can you stand firm in your beliefs, trusting that God will honor your obedience?
Day 5: Embracing God's Sovereignty
The story of Elijah and the rain is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty. Despite the long drought, God demonstrated His power by sending rain, showing that He is in control of all things. This narrative encourages believers to open their hearts to God's reign in their lives, allowing His peace, wisdom, and power to guide them. Whether it's for the first time or a renewal of commitment, believers are invited to let God reign in their lives, trusting in His perfect plan. [01:01:55]
"The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in God's sovereignty? How can you invite Him to reign in this area, allowing His peace and wisdom to guide you?
Quotes
Here are the selected quotes from the sermon transcript:
1. "God can do anything, but we sometimes, oftentimes, most times, every time need to lift our voice up in prayer. Amen. And I asked you a question along the way. I said, are you desperate enough to trust the word of the Lord? And that point of desperation oftentimes comes when we get down to the place where we just got a little. We got a little bit of this and we got a little bit of that." [00:14:46] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so we learned that the blessing of Elijah has now become the blessing for this widow and her son. See, God can do anything, but we sometimes, oftentimes, most times, every time need to lift our voice up in prayer. Amen. And I asked you a question along the way. I said, are you desperate enough to trust the word of the Lord?" [00:15:15] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so today in today's message we pick up here in chapter number 18 verse number one where the scripture says and it came to pass that after many days the word of the Lord came to Elijah once again God speaks to Elijah and scripture tells us that it's been been many days and then it goes forward just a little bit more and it tells us specifically how long it's been says it's been about three years that we're in the third year now and now God tells Elijah he says listen go present yourself to Ahab now I can't think of a more clear instruction that one could get under these circumstances go he says and present yourself to Ahab God sends Elijah directly to the enemy king Ahab and as I mentioned earlier Elijah was considered in in king Ahab's kingdom he was considered as public enemy number one and we read that specifically today in verse number 10 where it was reported that there was quote no nation or kingdom where Ahab had not sent someone to hunt for Elijah but yet God directs Elijah public enemy number one to present himself to Ahab now I gotta ask you a question because I asked myself this question so if I ask myself the question I'm gonna ask the question of you does God know what he's doing" [00:19:34] (96 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I believe that this word of the Lord to Elijah is instructive and beneficial for you and I. Why do you say that, Pastor Ed? Well, because I believe that there are those times when we need to face our modern enemies head on. I mean, we need to face our adversaries head on. We need to face our obstacles head on. We need to face our challenges head on. We need to face them directly. Don't send a delegate. No, don't send a delegate to deal with your issues. Don't send a delegate to deal with your issues. Don't send a delegate to deal with your issues. Don't send an emissary or a surrogate in your place." [00:21:37] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And why would he do that? Because God says, you go to Ahab and I will send the rain on the earth. Hallelujah. Listen, God's getting ready to make it happen. It is about to jump off right now. I mean, the time has come. It's getting ready to rain. We are in year number three and there ain't been no dew. There ain't been no rain on the earth, just like God said. But he needs Elijah to be obedient one more time. Go, he says, present yourself to Ahab and I will send rain." [00:22:55] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And so, for Elijah, he's presenting himself to Ahab, and his presentation of himself to Ahab is like walking through the valley of the shadow of death. But in this case, Elijah isn't walking, he's walking through the valley of the shadow of death. He's walking to the valley of the shadow of death. He's walking directly in the presence of Ahab. And why do I keep landing on this? I keep landing on this because I want to say to you this morning this, that we have no reason to fear either the known or the unknown evil that can befall us, because God is with us. And knowing that God is with us, he will give us what we need, especially when we are living in the presence of God. We are living and walking in obedience to his word and to his way. Somebody say amen up in here this morning." [00:26:15] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And Obadiah is in a real special place. He's a person who's in charge of King Ahab, Ahab's house, meaning that he was known as a palace official, a minister of the state, if you will, and he's serving as the king's personal representative. But then almost as an aside, they throw in this phrase, and that is that Obadiah feared the Lord greatly. In other words, Obadiah was a great man of faith. This man, the personal representative of the king, this palace official, was a person of great faith. Man, that ought to be encouraging for you. You can be in some very tough situations, but don't back up on your faith. Don't give up on who you are, even when you're standing in the midst of real darkness. Stand tall for the Lord where he is. He has planted you. Amen?" [00:28:19] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Obadiah decided there was a better choice to trust in his longstanding faith in the Lord than in his own emotions and in his own fears. Mount Olivet, I come to tell you this morning, I want you to be people of good faith in God. I want you to allow your faith in God to rise above your own fears and your own emotions. Have faith in God. Walk in the power of his love. His might. As I said earlier, push past your fears and push past your circumstances and trust in God." [00:39:40] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And Israel at this point, they're on the fence with regard to whether or not they're going to worship God or worship Baal. And David put it like this in Psalm 23, verse 5. He said, you prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. You anoint my head with oil. And my cup runs over. I mean, this showdown here is nothing but a big banquet table that God has prepared. And when God shows up and does his thing, that's like a great anointing for Elijah where God anoints him in the presence of his enemies and his cup runs over. I couldn't think of a better banquet table to be at than one where God is going to show up and he's going to do his thing. And then this oil just overflows. It overflows in abundance. Amen?" [00:49:05] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "But as the sons and daughters of the most high God, we must walk in obedience and we must walk in faith to the word of God that is spoken into and over our lives. I want to encourage you this morning to be fully committed to your relationship with Jesus Christ. I mean, we just sung that song about him. What a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus. And nothing compares to him. He has no rivals. He has no equals. Amen. He is God and God alone. So be committed fully to your relationship with Jesus, just like Elijah was fully committed to his relationship with God. Be like Obadiah. May it be said of you that you are a great man and you are a woman and you are a man of great faith." [00:53:36] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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