Session 3 Sermon 2

Text: 1 Kings 19:1-3

The Gate

It is important to remind ourselves of just where Elijah stood as we enter into Chapter 19. For some 42 months God had directly, though sporadically, spoken to him with both directions and provision; and, then, ultimately with fire from heaven. God's hand was placed on him with such power that he outran Ahab's chariot to Jezreel, where he stopped at its entrance—it's gate—and there, dripping wet from the blessings of the Lord, Elijah waited to see what would happen next.

While many things were done at city gates, three are noteworthy and applicable here.

Sin was judged

"Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment." (Deuteronomy 16:18 KJV)

1. Would Elijah's burden for Israel's sin be lifted and restoration continued?
   
   1. It had begun in prayer months before
      
   2. It had endured in isolation and famine
      
   3. It had been revealed in a mighty move of God
      

Prophets delivered their message

Thus said the LORD unto me; Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people, whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem; And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates: (Jeremiah 17:19-20 KJV)

1. Would Elijah's message be truly heeded?
   
   1. Spoken to Ahab (1 Kings 18:18)
      
   2. Spoken to the people (v. 37)
      

Land was redeemed

"Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria." (2 Kings 7:1 KJV)

1. Would the rain
   
   1. Remind Israel that their God is sovereign
      
   2. Redeem the land from the dearth to one that flows with milk and honey?
      

As Elijah waited a figure emerged through the downpour—a messenger was coming towards him. Elijah's mind would surely be spinning now: Would Ahab indeed continue Israel's restoration that had just begun, by his prayer, just a few short hours ago on Mt. Carmel? Would the falling rain be witness enough that God desired to bless His people through their repentance? Would he see the reformation he so longed for?

The Messenger Speaks

"Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, 'So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.'" (1 Kings 19:2 ESV) The LXX adds even more emphasis on Jezebel's oath: "As surely as thou art Elijah and I am Jezebel, so let the gods…." Such emphasis said, As surely as thou art the one who says Yahweh is God and I am the one that says Where is Baal, so let the gods….Jezebel was not going to surrender to the Mt. Carmel event, Ahab continued under her demonic influence, and though he had killed 450 prophets of Baal, Elijah feared for his life—and he ran.

Application

In my study time so many commentators had opinions as to why Elijah ran, and I will comment on that more fully in another message, but suffice it to say today that I believe Elijah did what most people do throughout their lives: there are times we really don't know why we do the things we do. However, as a place of restoration, we must also learn from the other players in this passage as well.

Ahab

As we pray for restoration, there will be those individuals like Ahab who will witness the presence and power of God, so much so that others (as well as ourselves) will be crying out "The Lord He is God, the Lord He is God" and we will wait, outside the gate for their sin to be repented of, and thinking, "how can anyone who sat through His Presence not acknowledge the Lord" and then only to learn that there will be no personal change. And we wonder, "How can that be" and discouragement sets in so that we want to run as far away as we can, even though we are dripping wet with His blessings.

The Apostle Paul said it this way, "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV)

1. Receiveth—Not, does
   not
   understand, but does
   not
   admit
   them
   into
   his
   heart (Vincent)
   
2. Know—He is not able to get a knowledge (Robberson)
   

(Scofield) Paul divides men into three classes:

1. Greek, "psuchikos", meaning "of the senses" (Jam_3:15); (Jud_1:19) or "natural," that is, the Adamic man, unrenewed through the new birth (Joh_3:3); (Joh_3:5);
   
2. Greek, "pneumatikos", meaning "spiritual," that is, the renewed man as Spirit-filled and walking in the Spirit in full communion with God (Eph_5:18-20);
   
3. Greek, "sarkikos", meaning "carnal," "fleshly," that is, the renewed man who, walking "after the flesh," remains a babe in Christ (1Co_3:1-4).
   

The "natural" man may be learned, gentle, eloquent, fascinating, but the "spiritual" content of Scripture is absolutely hidden from him; and the "fleshly", or "carnal", Christian is able to comprehend only its simplest truths, "milk" (1Co_3:2).

We must not yoke the characteristics of one onto another, expecting results that they are simply not capable of; rather, our prayers much continue on even after the event and praying that their hearts would have received from the Spirit.

Secondly, there needs to be a real testimony as to what God has done and not just what man accomplished. Notice how the Scripture records Ahab's event rehash to Jezebel: "Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword." (1 Kings 19:1 ESV) But unfortunately we read nowhere of Ahab speaking hoe God answered from heaven with fire.

Jezebel

As we pray for restoration there will be Jezebels who will simply refuse to be converted and others who will speak words desiring for us run—even as we are drenched with the blessings of the Lord.

Reprobates

"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient" (Romans 1:28 KJV)

Lit., did not approve. Rev., refused. They did not think God worth the knowing. There is a play upon the words. As they did not approve, God gave them up unto a mind disapproved. The word reprobate is from re-probare, to reject on a second trial, hence, to condemn. (Vincent)

See also 2 Timothy 3

Making threats

1. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3
   
   1. always some who want to put us down
      
   2. the need to pray for one another
      

Elijah

The patience of a reformer; no death—fear—but just a lack of "being there"

Patience in restoration

Ahab ultimately showed repentance: "And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly" (1 Kings 21:27 KJV); however, it wasn't following the mighty move of God on Mt. Carmel.

We must remember the words of Paul as we persevere in individual restorations: "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life." (1 Timothy 1:15-16 ESV)

Fleeing

1. 2 Timothy 1:7—God has not given us the spirit of fear, but there is one that is around.
   
   1. There is a spirit of fear
      
      1. The adversary uses it to intimidate, discourage, and torment us. He often uses fear in ways that keep us from doing the right thing.
         
      2. Manifested in variety of ways
         
         1. anxiety and worry
            
         2. fear of the unknown
            
         3. fear of saying no
            
         4. fear of rejection
            
         5. fear of evil and violence
            
         6. fear of persecution
            
         7. fear of not "doing right"
            

            
             

2. Psalm 55:1-7—sometimes saints tempted to fear
   
   1. Answer is to stop and pray
      
   2. While there are a variety of Scriptures to answer the spirit of fear Proverbs 29:25 states a general principle, "the fear of man brings his snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe."
      

Close

Just as Elijah was standing at the gate, drenched with the blessings of God; so too are we all standing at a personal gate this evening.

At the gate

Not flee for fear, but indeed "die" at a "gate-time" of personal judgment

1. Personal sin
   
2. Truth of the Word
   
3. Redeemed land
   
   1. Physical
      

Your personal spiritual inheritance

Session 3 Sermon 1

Text: 1 Kings 18:41-46

Introduction

The conversations of rain:

1. Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, 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." (1 Kings 17:1 ESV);
   
2. After many days the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, "Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth." (1 Kings 18:1 ESV);
   
3. And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain." (1 Kings 18:41 ESV);
   
4. And at the seventh time he said, "Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea." And he said, "Go up, say to Ahab, 'Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.'" (1 Kings 18:44 ESV)
   

Sequence of "rain talk"

Sin—Elijah speaks to Ahab (1)…Lord speaks to Elijah (2)…Elijah speaks to Ahab (3)…servant speaks to Ahab (4)—rain

1. nor rain, except by my word
   
2. Show yourself and I will send rain
   
3. Sound of the rushing of rain
   
4. Go up, lest the rain stop you
   

Unwritten "rain talk"

Revealed initially in verse 41

1. And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain." (1 Kings 18:41 ESV)
   
2. Sound: From an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound (Strong's)
   
   1. Elijah just didn't hear the sound of rain; rather he heard the call for rain—first his and then heavens.
      
   2. Used as voice in verse 29
      
   3. It wasn't just Elijah speaking to Ahab that there was going to be rain (17:1); rather, it was Elijah speaking to God in prayer that would then bring the deluge.
      
      1. Sound: sound (of an instrument)(BDB)
         
      2. Elijah just wasn't hearing the notes played (rain itself) but the person who played the instrument
         

Practiced in verse 42:

1. So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. (1 Kings 18:42 ESV)
   

Finishing

Cannot put natural timing on a spiritual promise

1. 1 Kings 18:1—show yourself and I will send rain
   
   1. Jesus: So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. (John 11:6 ESV)
      
   2. The Apostles:
      So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" (7) He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. (Acts 1:6-7 ESV)
      
      1. Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (James 5:7-8 ESV)
         

         
          

2. Giving God (Holy Spirit) the chance to work: convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment
   
   1. Curse lifted to Ahab (v.42)
      
      1. I believe that God continually spoke to Ahab during draught as leader of His people, but he refused to listen
         
      2. Elijah spoke directly to Ahab's sin in verse 18
         
      3. One reason Elijah ran ahead of Ahab the 18 miles into Jezreel
         
         1. Rain came because Elijah followed the Lord, and if Ahab would continue to follow him, as his carriage did now, the blessing of God could return. But Ahab failed in carrying it through in 19:1.
            

         
          

Cannot let the event be an end to itself

1. 1Kings 18:38—fire consumed the offering
   
   1. Hours of "prayer" by Baal's prophets; 63 English words and about 20 seconds for Elijah's. Why? The way had been prepared!
      
      1. Prayer beginning 42 months before
         
      2. The rebuilding of the altar; that is, obedience to the Word
         
2. Fire prayer was the preparation for the rain prayer
   
   1. Done nothing thinking it was over and that God would send rain
      
   2. Bask in the limelight as the "man of God"
      

Finishing through prayer

There are two things we can learn from Elijah's actions in order to finish through prayer: separation and determination.

Separation

Elijah had to put himself in a position to be with God and see the results

Determination

And he prayed seven times.

Close

Praying the promises of God

1. Promises are like a written check…but must be personally deposited
   
2. Promises are like a mold that requires us to pour ourselves into

Session 2 Sermon 14

Introduction
Message/Interpretation of August 17, 2009 --
I have called you and I have sealed you. And you have been faithful and I have blessed you. You have been faithful to me. You have been faithful to me. And I have prepared you. I have prepared you for this time. I have prepared you. I have prepared you. I have prepared you. In you there will be no lack, for I am your God. I am your God, mighty in battle, and I am with you. And I have called you and I have prepared the road, I have prepared the way. And I have called you to be a place of restoration. I have called you for that purpose. It is my will, it is my will for this to be a place of restoration. It is my desire to pour out upon you the Spirit of Elijah. Elijah prepared the way for me to bring restoration to a nation. Even so, I wish to prepare you and to pour the Spirit out on you, that my way will be made; that I can bring restoration to those who will come into this place.

Oh, but that same spirit, that same spirit that roamed in the day of Elijah has risen in this place. You have done battle before. You have done battle before, but you were ignorant and you did not know what you were up against. But I have made you wise and you are prepared.

The enemy is subtle, the enemy is subtle, the enemy is subtle. I say, the enemy is subtle. Do not be deceived by what you see. I will give you spiritual ears for what they speak, and you will know and you will be able to discern if it is of me or if it is of the enemy. It is not my will for you to remain in ignorance or for you to be in confusion or for your spirits to be in chaos. For all things will come to light, (all?) will be revealed.

I say, be faithful. You must continue to seek my face. The enemy has sought you. He has pursued you to weary you, to make you weary, to keep you from my presence. But I call you to me, I call you to come to me. Oh, stay on your faces before me. Seek me, seek me, seek me--seek my fire. For once my fire comes, I will send the rain. I see the difficulty, but I say, do not be perplexed! Look to me. For with me, this is but a little thing. I say, I say, prepare the sacrifice in prayer, offer it unto me, and see what I will do. I will send my fire and I will consume your sacrifice, and I will send the rain! Oh, but you must continue to seek my face. You must come upon the mount and you must spend time with me, knowing my voice and hearing my voice. You must know me, and you must bow the knee to no other, but continually bow your heart to me. For I see the hearts of all men, and for the righteous I do make a difference! I have always made a difference. I have always been faithful to those who are faithful to me. I will not fail you now. Do not worry about tomorrow, for I will provide your needs. Do not listen to the enemy when he whispers to you. He is a liar! Everything that I have promised you is true, everything I have promised you stands. I am God and I lie not. Give yourselves to me, give yourselves to me wholly, for in the time of shaking you will stand. Come to me in prayer. Ask me! Ask me! Ask me! Ask me! Ask me! Ask me! Ask me! I say: ask me! Ask me! Ask me! Ask me! Ask me! You receive not because you ask not! I say, ask me! Ask me! Ask me! Ask me! Ask me!I am your God who loves you and I fail not.

Applications
2 Corinthians 1:22: "Stamping his image on our hearts, thus marking and sealing us as his own property" (Wesley)

2 Peter 1:3: (granted) This is the only word which Peter and Mark alone have in common in the New Testament; All the effects of the gospel on the human heart are, in the Scriptures, traced to the power of God.

2 Corinthians 13:9-11
(ESV) The idea of restoring, putting in order, fitting, repairing, is involved in the word “always,” and hence, the idea of making perfect; that is, of completely restoring anything to its proper place.

The importance of where we are; the importance of the Word; the importance to what we do--it's cost was the life of the Father's Son.

Jezebel--3 things
Make quit
Feel inadequate
Squash the Voice

And after the revelation? The prophets of Baal were killed; so to must this spirit be removed.

1 Kings 18:33--
Rebuilt with stones (unity)
Covered with wood
Properly cut-up the sacrifice
Head and fat on altar
Wash entrails and legs
Burn all.

Three types of burnt offerings (ability to offer, application):
Bullock--The strong One
Goat--the One killed for sin
Fowl --His peace