1 Kings 18: Knowing God's Power
IMAGINE YOURSELF LIVING in a country where everyone is following other gods. There are no churches, no Bible studies, no fellowship, no Christian literature. As far as you know, you are the only Christian in the land. How would you respond? The prophet Elijah faced such odds. Israel had abandoned the Lord for another god, Baal. They had rejected Elijah in favor of the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal. Yet in spite of these odds, Elijah challenged Baal and his prophets to a contest with God.
Warming Up to God
How would you feel if every Christian you know abandoned the faith and you had to stand alone in your commitment to Jesus? Consider this prayerfully and honestly before God.
Read 1 Kings 18. »
Discovering the Word
- Describe the difficult position Obadiah finds himself in (vv. 9-15).
- Why do you think Ahab agrees to Elijah's demand for a contest?
- Elijah challenges the people of Israel at Mount Carmel (vv. 20-21). What does their failure to answer indicate?
- What is pathetic about the frenzied activities of Baal's prophets and the taunts of Elijah (vv. 26-29)?
- What do Elijah's actions indicate about his knowledge of God's reality and power (vv. 30-37)?
- Summarize the dramatic outcome of the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal (vv. 38-40).
Applying the Word
- In what ways are you or the people around you wavering between two gods? (For example, wavering between materialism, personal desires or ambitions and the Lord Jesus Christ.)
- What are the "Mount Carmel" situations in which you face overwhelming odds today? (For example, at work, at school, in your family or neighborhood.)
- How can you, like Elijah, rely on God's power in that situation? (Take into account what your part and God's part might be.)
Responding in Prayer
Spend time in prayer, committing your situation to God's powerful care.
For Further Study
Elijah by Douglas Connelly