God Is Victorious

1 Kings 18:41–46 (ESV)

41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” 42 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. 43 And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go again,” seven times. 44 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.’ ” 45 And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. 46 And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

DT: Elijah displays his total trust in God’s Word and his Ability.

Introduction: There are lessons still to be learned form God’s victory on Mt. Carmel. Things that Ahab seems not to have learned but Elijah proved through his own faith and trust in God. Firstly, we learn . . .

God’s Word is True (Elijah is faithful to God)vv.41-42a “41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink.” Elijah is faithful to God’s Word. He does not back down or change course with this evil king. Elijah continues to place his confidence in what God has already said.

⁃ Tells Ahab that God is going to send rain.

⁃ Tells Ahab to prepare for the rain.

⁃ Tells Ahab he hears rain.

Application: Stand firm on what God says. There will be doubters and even haters and enemies but stand firm. God's Word never fails. God’s Word is true! No matter what it looks like, trust the Word of God. You can bank on what God says. You can be assured of God’s ability.

God Deserves Worship (Elijah Prays and Worships God)vv.42b-44

“42b 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. 43 And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go again,” seven times. 44 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.’ ”

Elijah reaches Mount Carmel, and when he arrives, the Bible shows us that he is posturing himself for prayer and worship.

⁃ For what he has already done

⁃ For what is about to happen.

⁃ He sends his servant.

⁃ His servant sees nothing.

⁃ He sends his servant seven times. The servant sees a little cloud.

Application: Worship God on His terms. God's terms are, Worship Him always. See, Elijah didn't just wait until he saw rain; he praised God before the rain. In fact, he sent his servant to the sea seven times after the first. God deserves our praise even when we can't see what's happening. Praise God completely because you know God can do it. And if he doesn't do anything, He is still able. How many of you know that worship also includes prayer? It includes praise, but it also calls for prayer. You and I must talk to God. When was the last time you and God talked?

God Has All Power (vv.45-46)

“45 And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. 46 And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.”

Ahab placed his trust in idols that could not produce rain and cost the lives of those who stupidly worshipped them.

⁃ Elijah proves that God is the true God of Israel and God must be honored.

⁃ God controls the clouds and everything on Earth. In fact, the universe is under God's authority.

⁃ God placed Elijah in Jezreel before Ahab made it. God’s power is unmatched.

God’s hand (yod/power) was on Elijah

Application: Do not place your trust in men and things. Place your trust in the one true God. It does not matter what the problem or predicament is God has the power to make a way.