Rekindling Faith Through Godly Relationships
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Living Faith. Today, we continue our series on the life of Elijah, focusing on the theme "Faith Under Fire." We've been exploring Elijah's journey, from his confrontation with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel to his miraculous experiences with God's provision. Last week, we discussed Elijah's burnout and how God rekindled his faith. Today, we delve into the relationship between Elijah and Elisha, emphasizing the importance of godly relationships in rekindling our faith.
Elijah, after being encouraged by God, is tasked with commissioning Elisha as his successor. This relationship between the prophet and his trainee becomes a model for us, showing how godly relationships can reignite our passion and faith. We looked at the story of Derek Redman from the 1992 Olympics, where his father helped him finish a race despite an injury. This story mirrors how godly relationships can support us in our weakest moments.
In 1 Kings 19, God instructs Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor. Elisha, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, leaves his prosperous life to follow Elijah. This act of leaving everything behind signifies the commitment required in discipleship. We see similar patterns in the Bible, such as Moses and Aaron, Jesus and Peter, and Jesus and His disciples. These relationships provide the passion and process needed for spiritual growth.
The process of discipleship involves commitment and resilience. Elisha's unwavering support for Elijah, even when Elijah tries to send him away, highlights the importance of sticking together in godly relationships. This resilience is crucial for rekindling our faith and ensuring we don't face burnout alone.
Barna Research shows that resilient disciples have strong, meaningful relationships within the church. These relationships are vital for spiritual growth and maintaining a strong faith. As a church, we must strive to build and nurture these relationships, ensuring that we support each other in our spiritual journeys.
In conclusion, godly relationships are essential for rekindling our faith. Whether it's through formal discipleship programs or informal connections, we need to invest in relationships that will help us grow spiritually. Let's commit to building these relationships and supporting each other as we walk the Christian life together.
### Key Takeaways
1. Godly Relationships Rekindle Faith: Just as Elijah's faith was rekindled through his relationship with Elisha, our faith can be reignited through godly relationships. These relationships provide the support and encouragement we need during times of burnout and spiritual stagnation. [05:08]
2. Commitment in Discipleship: Elisha's decision to leave his prosperous life and follow Elijah demonstrates the level of commitment required in discipleship. True discipleship involves leaving behind our comfort zones and fully committing to the journey of spiritual growth. [13:39]
3. Resilience in Relationships: The repeated instances where Elisha refuses to leave Elijah highlight the importance of resilience in godly relationships. This resilience ensures that we have the support we need to face challenges and continue our spiritual journey. [23:15]
4. The Process of Discipleship: Discipleship is a process that involves learning, growing, and building relationships. This process is essential for multiplying our ministry and ensuring that our faith is passed on to the next generation. [21:49]
5. The Importance of Community: Barna Research shows that resilient disciples have strong, meaningful relationships within the church. These relationships are crucial for maintaining a strong faith and ensuring that we don't face spiritual challenges alone. [28:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:40] - Elijah's Burnout and God's Encouragement
[04:18] - Elijah Commissions Elisha
[05:08] - Rekindling Faith Through Relationships
[06:07] - Derek Redman's Olympic Story
[09:40] - Godly Relationships Provide Passion
[10:34] - Elijah and Elisha's Journey
[13:39] - Elisha's Commitment
[16:01] - The Process of Discipleship
[19:03] - Elijah's Continued Ministry
[21:49] - Multiplying Ministry Through Discipleship
[23:15] - Resilience in Godly Relationships
[26:26] - Personal Testimony on Relationships
[28:07] - Barna Research on Resilient Disciples
[31:11] - Building Relationships in the Church
[32:55] - Invitation to Build Godly Relationships
[35:32] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 19:15-21 - Elijah Commissions Elisha
2. 2 Kings 2:1-6 - Elisha's Commitment to Elijah
3. John 21:15-17 - Jesus Reinstates Peter
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Elijah in 1 Kings 19:15-16 regarding Elisha? ([09:40])
2. How did Elisha respond to Elijah's call in 1 Kings 19:19-21? What actions did he take to show his commitment? ([13:39])
3. In 2 Kings 2:1-6, how many times did Elisha refuse to leave Elijah, and what does this indicate about their relationship? ([22:32])
4. What was the significance of Jesus asking Peter three times if he loved Him in John 21:15-17? How does this relate to Peter's earlier actions? ([12:03])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God instructed Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor? What does this tell us about the importance of mentorship in spiritual growth? ([09:40])
2. Elisha left a prosperous life to follow Elijah. What does this teach us about the sacrifices involved in true discipleship? ([13:39])
3. How does the repeated refusal of Elisha to leave Elijah in 2 Kings 2:1-6 demonstrate the resilience needed in godly relationships? ([22:32])
4. In John 21:15-17, why was it important for Jesus to reaffirm Peter's commitment? How does this act of reinstatement help rekindle Peter's faith? ([12:03])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when a godly relationship helped rekindle your faith. What specific actions did that person take to support you? How can you be that person for someone else? ([09:40])
2. Elisha left his comfort zone to follow Elijah. Is there something in your life that you need to leave behind to fully commit to your spiritual growth? What steps can you take this week to start that process? ([13:39])
3. Elisha's resilience in staying with Elijah despite being told to leave multiple times is a powerful example. How can you cultivate resilience in your own relationships? Are there specific relationships you need to invest more in? ([22:32])
4. Jesus' reinstatement of Peter shows the importance of forgiveness and second chances. Is there someone in your life who needs a second chance from you? How can you extend grace to them this week? ([12:03])
5. Barna Research highlights the importance of meaningful relationships within the church. Do you feel connected to a community of believers? If not, what steps can you take to build those connections? ([28:07])
6. Think about the process of discipleship in your own life. Who has been a mentor to you, and who are you mentoring? How can you be more intentional in these relationships? ([21:49])
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of community in maintaining a strong faith. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your involvement in your church community? ([31:11])
Devotional
Day 1: Godly Relationships Rekindle Faith
Godly relationships are essential for rekindling our faith, providing the support and encouragement we need during times of burnout and spiritual stagnation. Elijah's relationship with Elisha serves as a powerful example of how these connections can reignite our passion for God. When Elijah was at his lowest, God instructed him to anoint Elisha as his successor. This relationship not only provided Elijah with a sense of purpose but also offered him the companionship and support he needed to continue his ministry. Just as Derek Redman's father helped him finish his race despite an injury, godly relationships can help us persevere through our weakest moments. [05:08]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Think of a godly relationship in your life that has supported you during a difficult time. How can you invest more in this relationship to ensure it continues to be a source of encouragement and faith?
Day 2: Commitment in Discipleship
Elisha's decision to leave his prosperous life and follow Elijah demonstrates the level of commitment required in discipleship. True discipleship involves leaving behind our comfort zones and fully committing to the journey of spiritual growth. Elisha was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen when Elijah called him, and he immediately left everything to follow. This act of leaving behind a prosperous life signifies the commitment and sacrifice required in discipleship. It is a reminder that following God often means stepping out of our comfort zones and making significant sacrifices. [13:39]
Luke 9:62 (ESV): "Jesus said to him, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from fully committing to your spiritual growth? What steps can you take today to surrender this area to God and embrace the journey of discipleship?
Day 3: Resilience in Relationships
The repeated instances where Elisha refuses to leave Elijah highlight the importance of resilience in godly relationships. This resilience ensures that we have the support we need to face challenges and continue our spiritual journey. Elisha's unwavering support for Elijah, even when Elijah tries to send him away, underscores the importance of sticking together in godly relationships. This resilience is crucial for rekindling our faith and ensuring we don't face burnout alone. [23:15]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. Who was there to support you, and how did their resilience impact your journey? How can you be a resilient support for someone else in your life today?
Day 4: The Process of Discipleship
Discipleship is a process that involves learning, growing, and building relationships. This process is essential for multiplying our ministry and ensuring that our faith is passed on to the next generation. Elijah and Elisha's relationship exemplifies this process, as Elisha learns from Elijah and eventually takes on his mantle. This process of discipleship is not just about personal growth but also about preparing others to continue the work of the ministry. It is a reminder that our faith journey is not just for ourselves but for the benefit of others as well. [21:49]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: Who in your life can you invest in as a disciple? What steps can you take to begin or deepen this discipleship relationship, ensuring that your faith and ministry are passed on to the next generation?
Day 5: The Importance of Community
Barna Research shows that resilient disciples have strong, meaningful relationships within the church. These relationships are crucial for maintaining a strong faith and ensuring that we don't face spiritual challenges alone. As a church, we must strive to build and nurture these relationships, ensuring that we support each other in our spiritual journeys. The community within the church provides the passion and process needed for spiritual growth, helping us to remain resilient in our faith. [28:07]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to building a stronger community within your church? What specific actions can you take this week to encourage and support someone in your church family?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Like Elijah, godly relationships can provide us the passion and the process for the rekindling of our faith. If you need a little rekindling of your faith today, maybe you're experiencing burnout like Elijah. Maybe you're just sort of stagnant. And you're saying, I'd like to experience more. I want to suggest to you today this model of relationship between Elijah. Elijah and Elisha will help us understand how we can also have our faith rekindled." [05:08] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Godly relationships can give us the passion that we need for the rekindling of our faith. Look at how the story. The story continues in 1 Kings chapter 19, beginning in verse 15. Remember after the Lord shows his presence to Elijah and he encourages him and helps him change his mind and thinking about himself and refocus back on the Lord. Now he gives him, in a sense, a commission to go back." [09:40] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Think about how God has used people in the lives of people of the Bible. There's Elijah and Elisha, as we'll see. But remember Moses and Aaron? Remember when Moses said, I can't do it, Lord. I don't know how to speak. And what does God say? I'm going to bring someone beside you. I'm going to bring Aaron to your side. He's going to be the one who's going to help you and walk with you." [11:22] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God calls us where we are at our moment and it says to us, I want you to follow me. And we have to decide whether we're going to say, no, I like this too much to give up anything. Or whether we'll say, yes, I will follow. That's the process of discipleship. We see it there in the Old Testament. We see it in the New Testament. And it's this process of discipleship of growing in a relationship with another person, Jesus Christ, yes, but with other believers that help us grow, that give us this rekindling of our faith that allow us to move strong." [18:19] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We cannot have a rekindled faith without godly relationships. Let's pray. Our Father, we thank you for your word, which teaches us through the lives of your people what you want to teach us today. I pray that the words that I shared from your word will touch lives and my life and on all of our lives in ways that we need. Help us, Lord, to understand the ways in which you have provided for us to grow in our faith, through the lives of others." [35:32] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so encouraged by God, Elijah is reignited from ministry. His faith is rekindled, if you will. And he commissions Elisha and they continue the ministry that God has called them to do. And we're going to focus in today on that relationship between the prophet trainer and the prophet in training. We're going to focus on that relationship. And I want to apply it to my life. And to yours." [04:18] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Derek said, he said about his dad, he was telling me that I had nothing to prove and I didn't need to do it, but I told him I was going to finish. Then he said that they would finish together. So we did. And I limped over the line in tears. Wonderful moment. But it describes for us a relationship that helps us in a weak time. And I think what we see here with the life of Elijah is exactly that kind of relationship. A godly relationship that gave him the passion that he needed to finish well." [08:40] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In training others, Elijah ensured that his ministry would multiply rather than simply add results. You see, the process of discipleship is about multiplying relationships and effectiveness. That's the process. Jesus started with 12. But those 12 led to how many more thousands and millions today? And that's the process of discipleship. It's the way God works." [21:49] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "This is the importance of resilience in godly relationships. It continues in verse 3. The company of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and asked, Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master from you today? Yes, I know. Elisha replied, So be quiet. Some of your translations had shut up. But verse 4, Then Elijah said to him, Stay here, Elisha. The Lord. Has sent me to Jericho. And he replied, As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you. So they went to Jericho third time." [23:51] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I believe that it is, but I believe it can be more and more in the days ahead. Because in the end, let's remember, we cannot have a rekindled faith without godly relationships. Let's pray. Our Father, we thank you for your word, which teaches us through the lives of your people what you want to teach us today. I pray that the words that I shared from your word will touch lives and my life and on all of our lives in ways that we need. Help us, Lord, to understand the ways in which you have provided for us to grow in our faith, through the lives of others." [34:44] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 30, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?