Sermon Study Guide

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Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

1 Kings 18 (Part 1) Bible Study (Elijah Confronts Ahab) | Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Saturday, May 11, 2024

Scripture References

1 Kings 18:1-181 Kings 17:32 Samuel 21:1Isaiah 9:13Isaiah 42:25Acts 28:3-8Deuteronomy 3:241 Kings 17:1

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh explores the first 18 verses of 1 Kings 18, focusing on Elijah's return to public ministry. The sermon contrasts the courageous faith of Elijah and the secret service of Obadiah against the spiritual blindness of King Ahab.

Key Takeaways

1Obedience is not measured by the size of the audience but by the sincerity of the heart toward God.
2A 'great' fear of the Lord involves prioritizing God's honor above life itself, even in hostile environments.
3External crises and hardships are designed to drive us to seek God, but they require a humble heart to be effective.
4Believers should never use past spiritual service as an excuse for current inactivity or disobedience.
5The most powerful stance a believer can take is living continually in the presence of God ('before whom I stand').

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Pastor Daniel notes that Elijah obeyed both when told to 'hide' and when told to 'show' himself. Which type of obedience do you find more difficult and why?
2How does Obadiah’s secret rescue of the prophets challenge our understanding of what it means to be a 'witness' in a secular or hostile workplace?
3Compare Ahab's reaction to the famine with David's reaction in 2 Samuel 21. What does this tell us about the condition of the human heart under pressure?
4Of the three 'reservations' to obedience discussed (excusing oneself, fear of harm, justifying via the past), which one do you see most often in your own life?
5Elijah used the phrase 'before whom I stand' at the beginning of his ministry and three years later. How can we maintain that same consistency in our walk with Christ over many years?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Identify if you are currently in a 'hidden' season and practice contentment by focusing on pleasing God rather than seeking a platform.
Examine your response to personal 'famines' or trials—are you searching for temporary relief (grass) or the face of God?
Commit to a humble task this week (like Paul picking up sticks in Acts 28) to guard against the pride of feeling 'too qualified' for certain service.
Pray for the children and youth in your sphere to develop a 'history with God' that prevents them from drifting in later years.
When faced with a daunting task, remind yourself of the 'Lord of Hosts' (the Lord of angel armies) who stands with you.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

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