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The Faith of Elijah - 3
Introduction:
1. In Hebrews 11:32 "the prophets" are mentioned in connection with their faith. 2. One of the greatest prophets was Elijah. 3. We read about his activities in 1 Kings 17 - 2 Kings 2. 4. Review (1 Kings 17-18): a. God had cared for Elijah by sustaining him through various means. 1) (17:2-7) Ravens fed Elijah. 2) (17:8-16) A widow sustained Elijah. b. God had performed some great works through Elijah. 1) (17:17-24) The widow's son was raised. 2) (18:17-40) The prophets of Baal were destroyed. 3) (18:41-45) A severe drought was ended. c. Elijah was a man of great strength, courage, and faith. 1) (17:1) He announced the drought to Ahab. 2) (18:1-16) He obeyed God's instructions to appear before Ahab. 3) (18:46) He ran before Ahab's chariot from Mount Carmel to Jezreel. 5. After he won a great victory over the prophets of Baal Elijah's faith was tested, and he became a victim of discouragement. 6. Thankfully, Elijah overcame his discouragement so he could accomplish the work that God had for him to do. Discussion: I. (1 Kings 19:1-4) ELIJAH FLED FROM JEZEBEL A. (vs.1) Ahab informed Jezebel that Elijah had destroyed the prophets of Baal. 1. Jezebel was a wicked queen (1 Kings 16:31-32). 2. She had attempted to destroy the Lord's prophets (1 Kings 18:4). B. (vs.2) Jezebel threatened to take Elijah's life. C. (vs.3) Elijah fled for his life, leaving his servant at Beersheba. D. (vs.4) Elijah went into the wilderness alone. 1. He sat under a juniper tree and asked God to take his life. 2. Similar requests were made by other discouraged men, including: a. Job (Job 3:1-6) b. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:14-15). II. (1 Kings 19:5-8) GOD PROVIDED FOOD AND WATER FOR ELIJAH A. God had sustained Elijah earlier. B. God was still present to provide Elijah's needs. III. (1 Kings 19:9-14) GOD CONFRONTED ELIJAH IV. (1 Kings 19:15-18) GOD GAVE INSTRUCTIONS TO ELIJAH AND REASSURED HIM V. (1 Kings 19:19-21) ELIJAH CALLED ELISHA TO SUCCEED HIM AS PROPHET VI. (2 Kings 2:1-11) ELIJAH WAS EVENTUALLY TAKEN INTO HEAVEN BY A WHIRLWIND | ||