Session 2 Sermon 11

Keeping the Battle on the Proper Field

Text: 1 Kings 18:17-26

The Spirit of Elijah—understanding the operation of this spirit as we prepare for the coming of the Lord.

It is not personal—earthly—but spiritual; that is, heavenly. Elijah wasn't out to prove to Ahab or to the people who were the "troublers" of Israel; rather, he was out to prove that Jehovah, not Baal, was God.

Not Elijah versus Ahab

It was not Ahab versus Elijah, or the king's words against the prophet's, because ultimately it will not be a battle of words but of power.

1. 1 Corinthians 4:20, "For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power."
   
   1. Real religion, does not consist in words, but in the power of God ruling the heart—Wesley
      
      1. "The people did not answer him a word" (1 Kings 18:21)
         
      2. "But when they heard it, they went away one by one…" (John 8:9).
         
      3. Luke 24:32—hearts burned as He opened up the Scripture
         
         1. Words—Elijah began the "proof" with a question whose principle was in Scripture (1 Kings 18:21 compared to Exodus 20:3)
            
         2. Deeds—Continued with the practice of the Scripture as he rebuilt the altar, time of sacrifice
            

Not a Personal Vindication

"Vindication or defense or whatever reaction there may be should come from God, not from man" (Watchman Nee) (1 Kings 18:36).

1. No self-justification
   
   1. Personal—Luke 10:29
      
      1. Overcoming the need to justify ourselves by our own works
         
         1. Luke 7:4, 5
            
         2. Luke 18:10-14
            
      2. Embracing the fact that only by faith can we be justified; and through His mercy and grace can we do His works—for without Him we can do nothing
         
         1. Typified by Baal's prophets (1 Kings 18:21, 26)
            
         2. God is found not in outward expressions but in the secret place
            
   2. Corporate—Luke 16:15
      
      1. No desire for Elijah to exalt himself before the people
         

It was Proper Fear

The courage of the Lord's messenger is founded on the conviction that, whatever happens, he cannot drift beyond the love of God. He knows that his times are forever in God's hands; that God will not leave him or forsake him; that he is surrounded forever by God's care. If that is so—of whom then shall we be afraid?

1. No fear of man, but God
   
   1. 1 Kings 18:22
      
      1. Standing alone
         
         1. Moses, Exodus 6:9—God is looking for those who will be obedient to His Word regardless of what others will say
            
   2. Matthew 10:26-31
      
      1. Verses 26, 27—double fearlessness
         
         1. Truth will triumph
            
         2. Speak with boldness that which was received
            
            1. He who would teach and preach must first in the secret place listen and learns.
               
      2. Courage of the "Right"
         
         1. No punishment of man can compare to the ultimate punishment prepared for the unbeliever
            
            1. 1 John 4:18
               
      3. God "Cares"
         
         1. Much more than the sparrow
            

Close

Time of prayer