180 likes | 306 Views
Men of Whom the World was not Worthy. Hebrews 11:38 Elijah. Matthew 17:3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 2 Kings 1:8 They answered him, “He wore a garment of hair, with a belt of leather about his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”.
E N D
Men of Whom the World was not Worthy Hebrews 11:38 Elijah
Matthew 17:3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 2 Kings 1:8 They answered him, “He wore a garment of hair, with a belt of leather about his waist.” And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.”
Elijah was courageous 1 Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, …said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”
Elijah was courageous 1 Kings 21:19-20 And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Have you killed and also taken possession?”’ And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood.”’” 20 Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord.
What made Heroes Great? They had settled convictions. No wavering. Samson tired David was discouraged Elijah was depressed Yet they never seemed to doubt the Lord or turn back on Him.
What made Heroes Great? They had settled convictions. No wavering. They used opportunities that were present to them. Do we?
Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:18-19 …having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
Hebrews 1:14 Are they (angels, sic) not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Elijah was usually able to see and address the truth 1 Kings 18:17-18 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” 18 And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father's house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals.
Evil men are intent on defending themselves… 1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (intimidation) 1 Peter 4:4-5 … they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. (accusations)
It is shameful when the children of God believe… • You believe in water salvation • You’re just narrow minded • You’re a legalist • You think you’re the only ones • It’s the churches fault… • They hurt my feelings • Not what you said, but how… • They treated me badly… Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding. John 8:32 …you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Elijah was direct, simple, not simplistic 1 Kings 18:20-21 So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. Most problems have definite solutions
Some examples of simplistic thinking Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. • John 3:16 is the whole plan • No punishment for ignorance • Heb. 13:8 means spiritual gifts are for today also • Can’t expect one to leave an adulterous relationship • Can’t expect one to live a single life • One body? One faith? Unbelievable! Matthew 19:11-12 But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. 12 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”
Elijah was a prophet of prophets • Courageous • With a vision for truth • And direct James 5:17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. • He was also • Tired • Afraid • Depressed • Lonely • Overwhelmed
We can learn from Elijah • That we must expect difficulty 2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted • But remember there is no shrinking back Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Have the courage of Elijah • To believe God’s word whatever friends or other might say • Have the vision of truth • That would lead you to repent of serving self and determine to serve the one who died for you • Have the directness of Elijah • If you know what you must do, do it, and be baptized for the remission of your sins