1. In Hebrews 11:32 "the prophets" are mentioned in connection with their faith. a. The prophets served in the past as God's spokesmen (Hebrews 1:1). b. God sent many prophets to reveal His Word to the Israelites. c. The Israelites were given guidelines for dealing with the prophets in: 1) Deuteronomy 13:1-5 2) Deuteronomy 18:20-22. 2. Elijah was one of the greatest prophets. a. Elijah "went up by a whirlwind into heaven" (2 Kings 2:11). b. Elijah appeared with Moses when Jesus was transfigured (Matthew 17:3). c. Elijah demonstrated great faith on several occasions. 3. This lesson is the 1st of a 3-part study of Elijah's activities that are recorded in 1 Kings 17 - 2 Kings 2. Discussion: I. (1 Kings 17:1) ELIJAH IS INTRODUCED
A. He was known as "Elijah the Tishbite." B. He was from Gilead. C. At the time Ahab was king of Israel (see 1 Kings 16:29-33). D. Elijah revealed to Ahab that there would be no rain unless he first announced it [James referred to this point as an illustration -- James 5:16b-18]. II. (1 Kings 17:2-7) GOD DIRECTED ELIJAH TO GO TO A PLACE WHERE HE WOULD BE SUSTAINED BY THE RAVENS III. (1 Kings 17:8-16) GOD DIRECTED ELIJAH TO GO TO ZAREPHATH WHERE HE WOULD BE SUSTAINED BY A WIDOW IV. (1 Kings 17:17-24) ELIJAH RAISED THE WIDOW'S SON V. (1 Kings 18:1-6) GOD DIRECTED ELIJAH TO APPEAR BEFORE AHAB WHO SENT OBADIAH TO SEARCH FOR A PLACE THAT WOULD SUSTAIN THE LIVESTOCK VI. (1 Kings 18:7-16) ELIJAH SENT OBADIAH TO TELL AHAB THAT HE WAS PRESENT
