1 Kings 16:29-17:1; 18:1-2, 17-46

1. Recognize There is Only One True God

2. Recognize that Only God has Ultimate Power

3. Recognize Only God Deserves Worship

Intro:

4 corners

what if …

wouldn’t focus in one direction … your attention and energy would be divided

PP: Follow God alone because he is God

if not you are going to follow something else

Problem ——> idolatry

God sent a prophet to make Israel see their sin of idolatry

Elijah means “The LORD is my God”

He warned the God was about to punish them them for their idolatry by stopping the rain … causing a drought

Humiliating for Baal (rain god)

(18:19) - to prove who was right, Elijah set up this contest

was a fair test bc Baal was believed to have control over the rain, thunder, lightning, and storms

kinda like he challenged him to a race

(18:21) - calls Israel to fully commit to following the Lord

(18:26) - Baal’s prophets prayed all morning and there “was no answer”

why? … there was not Baal

then they cut themselves hoping to get their god to act out of pity

(18:27) Elijah mocks their god … maybe he is busy, traveling, or asleep

false gods cannot hear!

(18:33-35) - he puts water on the wood and altar

(18:36) - prays

1. Recognize There is Only One True God

How did the Lord show that he is the true God

predicting the future

by stopping and starting the rain

sending fire to burn up Elijah’s sacrifice

Isaiah 46:9–10 “remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’”

Show the foolishness of idolatry

DO YOU GUYS KNOW I HAVE AN IMAGINARY FRIEND

Pablo - shake his hand … give him a hug

they are worthless

Psalm 115

like scarecrows

2. Recognize that Only God has Ultimate Power

he burned up not just the offering … but the wood, stones, dust, and water

so he clearly shows that has ultimate power

they then recognize that God is all powerful (v.39)

Turn to Matthew

Jesus calming the sea

healing the sick

resurrection

3. Recognize Only God Deserves Worship

we see 2 different groups of people worshiping different gods

IT WOULD BE LIKE IF I WAS WEARING A YANKEES AND DODGERS JERSEY AT THE SAME TIME

REAL FANS SUPPORT BOTH SIDES EQUALLY

but only one was worthy of worship

as Elijah prayed … he depended on God

God does not promise to answer every prayer … but loves to answer prayer

Jesus

What is worship?

life

obedience

not just half … but everything

cannot be divided

cannot have two masters