June 29 2025 // 1 Kings 18
APPLICATION: Read & watch/listen to 1 Kings 18
Sermon Choose Whom You Will Serve!
1.Confronting a Compromised Culture vv17-1
Life Application:
In 1 Kings 18, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a test on Mount Carmel to prove the true God. Despite being outnumbered and facing a hostile crowd, Elijah trusts God, boldly calls for fire from heaven, and demonstrates God’s unmatched power when He consumes the offering. This chapter teaches us to stand firm in our faith, trust God’s power over worldly pressures, and courageously uphold truth in the face of opposition or doubt.
Imagine you’re in a workplace or social setting where your faith or values are challenged—perhaps colleagues mock your beliefs, or cultural trends pressure you to compromise your convictions. Like Elijah, who stood alone against 450 prophets of Baal, you may feel isolated or intimidated. 1 Kings 18 encourages you to trust God’s strength, speak truth with love, and rely on His power to work through your faithfulness, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Practical Steps
Suppose you’re a student in a classroom where peers and a professor openly dismiss your faith, promoting ideas that contradict your beliefs. Inspired by 1 Kings 18, you pray for courage and wisdom. During a discussion, you respectfully share how your faith shapes your perspective, citing personal experiences of God’s faithfulness. Though some scoff, a few classmates ask questions, sparking meaningful conversations. You trust God to work in their hearts, even if the results aren’t immediate, and you stay connected to a supportive church group to remain grounded.
Reflection
1 Kings 18 reminds us that God is greater than any opposition we face. Like Elijah, we may encounter moments where standing for truth feels daunting, but God equips us with His strength and works through our faithfulness. By knowing our faith, speaking boldly yet lovingly, and trusting God’s power, we can reflect His truth in a world that often wavers.
Key Verse: “Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” (1 Kings 18:37, ESV)
Digging Deeper:
Obadiah - who was in charge of the palace. Lit., “Obadiah who was over the house” (‘al-habbayith [5921/1004, 6584/1074]); he was certainly a high royal official, possibly the prime minister or the like (see the first note on 4:6). This Obadiah (whose name probably means “worshiper of Yahweh”) is not to be confused with the later minor prophet of the same name who prophesied mainly against Edom. Sweeney (2007:224) suggests that the prophetic figure may have been named after this ninth-century northern court official. In the Talmud (b. Sanhedrin 39b), the two individuals are indeed considered to be one and the same, and probably to be identified as a proselyte from Edom.[1]
Fire from heaven was all well and good, but the persistent problem was the lack of rain. Yahweh was originally described as a desert God. Moses first encountered him in the land of Midian, a wilderness region (see Exod 3:1–6); and the famous image of Yahweh numbering the stars (Isa 40:26) is best understood as depicting the clear nighttime sky found in the desert. This “desert God” could certainly be expected to bring about fire and drought, but it was cloud and moisture that were needed desperately at this time in Israel (as well as in Baal’s home turf of Phoenicia; cf. 17:8–24). Baal Hadad was the rain and fertility god of Phoenicia, and the fact that he could not bring life-giving moisture either to Israel or to Phoenicia was of little help to those who were waiting for any deity to do anything to bless the land. Earlier, the fire came down from heaven “immediately” (18:38), but this time the rain would not come until Elijah’s servant was asked to go and look seven times, seemingly in vain. Of course, Yahweh could cause rain to fall immediately (cf. 1 Sam 12:16–18, where Samuel the prophet presumably prayed only once for “thunder and rain” to be heard and felt by the people during what was normally the dry harvest season). But our God works in his own ways, sometimes responding to prayer immediately, sometimes requiring persistent faith for his sovereign will to be effected. It is commonplace to point out that these great, faith-building stories are not meant to be recipes for how to bring about God’s miracles of healing and prosperity, but such a point should still be stressed here: Sometimes God heals, sometimes he does not; sometimes God makes prosperous, sometimes he does not. Sometimes, a simple prayer of faith is all it takes; sometimes, seven steps of faith. But, sure enough, if it is God’s will, a “terrific rainstorm” (18:45) will break the extended drought, and God’s showers of blessing will fall on the just and the unjust alike (cf. Jesus’ comments in Matt 5:45).
The Jezebels of the world will probably only renew their persecution (see 19:1–2), but the Elijahs of the church may still respond with supernatural strength (cf. 18:46), as Elijah ran roughly 17 miles before the king’s chariot. Times are rarely boring for the person of faith—alternately facing times of triumph and times of trial, but rarely times of tedium! Elijah’s time of testing will continue again (see 19:1–18), but for now let us celebrate his tremendous triumphs in the present chapter of his life—once and for all putting an end to any doubts about who is truly God in Israel, and finally bringing to an end that debilitating three-year drought which had ravaged the land. Our God is a powerful God, and his servants can certainly accomplish mighty exploits in his name.[2]
Questions to Consider:
1. How does Elijah's boldness in facing Ahab inspire your own faith journey?
2. How would you have reacted as a bystander on Mount Carmel?
3. What do you think the silence of Baal symbolizes in the contest?
4. How does the outcome of the showdown impact your understanding of the true God?
5. Why do you think Elijah drenched his sacrifice in water before praying to God?
6. How does Elijah's prayer differ from the prayers of Baal’s prophets?
7. How does the miracle of fire from heaven strengthen your faith in God's power?
Prayer Time:
[1] William H. Barnes, 1-2 Kings, ed. Philip W. Comfort, vol. 4b, Cornerstone Biblical Commentary (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2012), 155.
[2] William H. Barnes, 1-2 Kings, ed. Philip W. Comfort, vol. 4b, Cornerstone Biblical Commentary (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2012), 160–161.
Sermon Choose Whom You Will Serve!
1.Confronting a Compromised Culture vv17-1
- Accusation of Ahab
- Rebuke of Elijah
- Challenge for the People
- Select!!
- Stand!!
- With Confidence (vv23-29)
- With Conviction (vv30-37)
Life Application:
In 1 Kings 18, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a test on Mount Carmel to prove the true God. Despite being outnumbered and facing a hostile crowd, Elijah trusts God, boldly calls for fire from heaven, and demonstrates God’s unmatched power when He consumes the offering. This chapter teaches us to stand firm in our faith, trust God’s power over worldly pressures, and courageously uphold truth in the face of opposition or doubt.
Imagine you’re in a workplace or social setting where your faith or values are challenged—perhaps colleagues mock your beliefs, or cultural trends pressure you to compromise your convictions. Like Elijah, who stood alone against 450 prophets of Baal, you may feel isolated or intimidated. 1 Kings 18 encourages you to trust God’s strength, speak truth with love, and rely on His power to work through your faithfulness, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Practical Steps
- Know Your Faith: Elijah was confident in God’s power because he knew Him intimately. Strengthen your faith through prayer, studying Scripture, and reflecting on God’s past faithfulness in your life.
- Speak Truth Boldly but Lovingly: Elijah challenged the people’s indecision (“How long will you waver between two opinions?”) but did so to lead them to truth. Share your beliefs with courage and kindness, aiming to draw others to God rather than to win arguments.
- Trust God’s Power: Elijah trusted God to answer with fire, despite the impossibility. When facing skepticism or opposition, pray for God to reveal His truth through your actions, words, or circumstances.
- Persevere in Faith: Even after the victory, Elijah faced threats and fled. Opposition may persist, but continue trusting God, seeking His guidance, and finding support in a faith community.
Suppose you’re a student in a classroom where peers and a professor openly dismiss your faith, promoting ideas that contradict your beliefs. Inspired by 1 Kings 18, you pray for courage and wisdom. During a discussion, you respectfully share how your faith shapes your perspective, citing personal experiences of God’s faithfulness. Though some scoff, a few classmates ask questions, sparking meaningful conversations. You trust God to work in their hearts, even if the results aren’t immediate, and you stay connected to a supportive church group to remain grounded.
Reflection
1 Kings 18 reminds us that God is greater than any opposition we face. Like Elijah, we may encounter moments where standing for truth feels daunting, but God equips us with His strength and works through our faithfulness. By knowing our faith, speaking boldly yet lovingly, and trusting God’s power, we can reflect His truth in a world that often wavers.
Key Verse: “Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” (1 Kings 18:37, ESV)
Digging Deeper:
Obadiah - who was in charge of the palace. Lit., “Obadiah who was over the house” (‘al-habbayith [5921/1004, 6584/1074]); he was certainly a high royal official, possibly the prime minister or the like (see the first note on 4:6). This Obadiah (whose name probably means “worshiper of Yahweh”) is not to be confused with the later minor prophet of the same name who prophesied mainly against Edom. Sweeney (2007:224) suggests that the prophetic figure may have been named after this ninth-century northern court official. In the Talmud (b. Sanhedrin 39b), the two individuals are indeed considered to be one and the same, and probably to be identified as a proselyte from Edom.[1]
Fire from heaven was all well and good, but the persistent problem was the lack of rain. Yahweh was originally described as a desert God. Moses first encountered him in the land of Midian, a wilderness region (see Exod 3:1–6); and the famous image of Yahweh numbering the stars (Isa 40:26) is best understood as depicting the clear nighttime sky found in the desert. This “desert God” could certainly be expected to bring about fire and drought, but it was cloud and moisture that were needed desperately at this time in Israel (as well as in Baal’s home turf of Phoenicia; cf. 17:8–24). Baal Hadad was the rain and fertility god of Phoenicia, and the fact that he could not bring life-giving moisture either to Israel or to Phoenicia was of little help to those who were waiting for any deity to do anything to bless the land. Earlier, the fire came down from heaven “immediately” (18:38), but this time the rain would not come until Elijah’s servant was asked to go and look seven times, seemingly in vain. Of course, Yahweh could cause rain to fall immediately (cf. 1 Sam 12:16–18, where Samuel the prophet presumably prayed only once for “thunder and rain” to be heard and felt by the people during what was normally the dry harvest season). But our God works in his own ways, sometimes responding to prayer immediately, sometimes requiring persistent faith for his sovereign will to be effected. It is commonplace to point out that these great, faith-building stories are not meant to be recipes for how to bring about God’s miracles of healing and prosperity, but such a point should still be stressed here: Sometimes God heals, sometimes he does not; sometimes God makes prosperous, sometimes he does not. Sometimes, a simple prayer of faith is all it takes; sometimes, seven steps of faith. But, sure enough, if it is God’s will, a “terrific rainstorm” (18:45) will break the extended drought, and God’s showers of blessing will fall on the just and the unjust alike (cf. Jesus’ comments in Matt 5:45).
The Jezebels of the world will probably only renew their persecution (see 19:1–2), but the Elijahs of the church may still respond with supernatural strength (cf. 18:46), as Elijah ran roughly 17 miles before the king’s chariot. Times are rarely boring for the person of faith—alternately facing times of triumph and times of trial, but rarely times of tedium! Elijah’s time of testing will continue again (see 19:1–18), but for now let us celebrate his tremendous triumphs in the present chapter of his life—once and for all putting an end to any doubts about who is truly God in Israel, and finally bringing to an end that debilitating three-year drought which had ravaged the land. Our God is a powerful God, and his servants can certainly accomplish mighty exploits in his name.[2]
Questions to Consider:
1. How does Elijah's boldness in facing Ahab inspire your own faith journey?
2. How would you have reacted as a bystander on Mount Carmel?
3. What do you think the silence of Baal symbolizes in the contest?
4. How does the outcome of the showdown impact your understanding of the true God?
5. Why do you think Elijah drenched his sacrifice in water before praying to God?
6. How does Elijah's prayer differ from the prayers of Baal’s prophets?
7. How does the miracle of fire from heaven strengthen your faith in God's power?
Prayer Time:
[1] William H. Barnes, 1-2 Kings, ed. Philip W. Comfort, vol. 4b, Cornerstone Biblical Commentary (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2012), 155.
[2] William H. Barnes, 1-2 Kings, ed. Philip W. Comfort, vol. 4b, Cornerstone Biblical Commentary (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2012), 160–161.