Elijah’s showdown with the prophets of Baal highlights God's supremacy and calls Israel to abandon idolatry and follow the one true God. Through a powerful display, God answers Elijah's prayer with fire, proving His unmatched authority and presence. This story is a reminder that, whether in moments of triumph or despair, God remains faithful, and we are called to fully commit our lives to Him.
REVIEW: Choosing Whom to Serve
- READ: 1 Kings 18:21 – "Elijah went before the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.' But the people said nothing."
- DISCUSS: Elijah asked, "How long will you waver between two opinions?" In what ways do we, like the Israelites, sometimes struggle to fully commit to following God? How can we strengthen our resolve to follow Him wholeheartedly?
REVIEW: The Power of Prayer
- READ: 1 Kings 18:36-37 – "At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: 'Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.'"
- DISCUSS: Elijah prayed for God to show His power and turn Israel’s hearts back to Him. What can we learn from Elijah’s prayer about how we should approach God in times of need or spiritual drought?
REVIEW: Faith in God's Timing
- READ: 1 Kings 18:24 – "Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.” Then all the people said, “What you say is good.'"
- DISCUSS: Elijah was confident that God would answer by fire, but the moment came only after prolonged waiting. How can we develop the patience and trust that God will move according to His perfect timing, even when we feel like nothing is happening?
REVIEW: Tearing Down Idols
- READ: 1 Kings 18:40 – "Then Elijah commanded them, 'Seize the prophets of Baal. Don’t let anyone get away!' They seized them, and Elijah had them brought down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered there."
- DISCUSS: Elijah destroyed the prophets of Baal after God’s victory. What are some idols or distractions in your life that need to be removed in order to deepen your relationship with God? How can we help each other identify and address these idols?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
Lord, we thank You for revealing Your power and faithfulness in every season of our lives, both in moments of victory and times of challenge. Help us to turn away from anything that competes with our devotion to You, and to follow You wholeheartedly. Strengthen us to trust Your leading and walk in Your truth, as we encourage one another in faith today. Amen.