Courageous Faith in God

1 Kings 18:21–40 NLT

21 Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. 22 Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only prophet of the Lord who is left, but Baal has 450 prophets. 23 Now bring two bulls. The prophets of Baal may choose whichever one they wish and cut it into pieces and lay it on the wood of their altar, but without setting fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood on the altar, but not set fire to it. 24 Then call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God!” And all the people agreed. 25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “You go first, for there are many of you. Choose one of the bulls, and prepare it and call on the name of your god. But do not set fire to the wood.” 26 So they prepared one of the bulls and placed it on the altar. Then they called on the name of Baal from morning until noontime, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no reply of any kind. Then they danced, hobbling around the altar they had made. 27 About noontime Elijah began mocking them. “You’ll have to shout louder,” he scoffed, “for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs to be wakened!” 28 So they shouted louder, and following their normal custom, they cut themselves with knives and swords until the blood gushed out. 29 They raved all afternoon until the time of the evening sacrifice, but still there was no sound, no reply, no response. 30 Then Elijah called to the people, “Come over here!” They all crowded around him as he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down. 31 He took twelve stones, one to represent each of the tribes of Israel, 32 and he used the stones to rebuild the altar in the name of the Lord. Then he dug a trench around the altar large enough to hold about three gallons. 33 He piled wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid the pieces on the wood. Then he said, “Fill four large jars with water, and pour the water over the offering and the wood.” 34 After they had done this, he said, “Do the same thing again!” And when they were finished, he said, “Now do it a third time!” So they did as he said, 35 and the water ran around the altar and even filled the trench. 36 At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. 37 O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” 38 Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, “The Lord—he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!” 40 Then Elijah commanded, “Seize all the prophets of Baal. Don’t let a single one escape!” So the people seized them all, and Elijah took them down to the Kishon Valley and killed them there.

Lesson Title: Courageous Faith on Mt. Carmel

Text: 1 Kings 18:21–40

Lesson Abstract

This study of 1 Kings 18:21-40 reveals how Elijah displayed courageous faith by confronting the prophets of Baal and calling God's people back to true worship. In a time of national apostasy, Elijah stood alone to challenge false god worship (v. 21-29), construct an altar in obedience and faith (v. 30-34), and call on the LORD who answered by fire (v. 36-40). His boldness teaches us that spiritual courage arises from absolute confidence in God’s power and presence. As believers, we are called to forsake double-mindedness (James 1:8), trust in God's sovereignty (Daniel 3:17-18), and stand for truth even when outnumbered (Romans 8:31; Psalm 27:1). When God is glorified, fire falls, hearts return, and evil is defeated (Jeremiah 20:11; Hebrews 11:6; Acts 4:31).

Introduction: Courageous Faith on Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:21-40)

In a season when Israel had turned away from Jehovah and embraced the idolatrous worship of Baal, God raised up one man—Elijah—to confront the spiritual compromise of an entire nation. Elijah’s confrontation on Mount Carmel was not merely a contest between prophets but a dramatic declaration that the LORD alone is God. The nation of Israel had vacillated between allegiance to Jehovah and attraction to Baal, but Elijah’s courage called for a decisive choice. This moment became a defining example of spiritual boldness grounded in deep faith.

Courageous faith is never born in comfort. It rises in times of crisis. Elijah had no earthly assurance of support—only the invisible hand of Almighty God. His faith drove him to stand against 450 prophets of Baal, defy a wicked king, and call down fire from heaven. This wasn’t spiritual arrogance, but confidence rooted in a personal walk with the Living God (1 Kings 17:1). The fire that fell was not merely a spectacle—it was a divine confirmation that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel still reigns.

This lesson encourages us to walk in the same kind of courageous faith in our time. Our generation battles with spiritual idolatry, wavering devotion, and cultural compromise. But like Elijah, we are called to stand for God, build our altar of worship, and call on the Lord in faith. May God use this study to ignite in us a fresh fire of commitment and boldness for His glory.

I. Elijah Challenged False God Worship (1 Kings 18:21–29)

Elijah Challenged False God Worship

Elijah begins his confrontation with a piercing question: “How long halt ye between two opinions?” (v. 21). The people’s silence revealed their spiritual apathy and confusion. Elijah's courageous challenge exposed the duplicity of trying to serve both Baal and Jehovah. His words called for decisive faith, not divided loyalty. James 1:8 reminds us, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” In the face of overwhelming opposition, Elijah dared to stand alone because his confidence rested in God alone.

In verses 22-24, Elijah set the terms of the contest: two altars, two sacrifices, and two prayers—but only one true God. The prophets of Baal cried, leapt, and cut themselves in vain because false gods cannot answer (Psalm 115:4-7). Elijah mocked them not out of pride, but to highlight the absurdity of trusting in lifeless idols (v. 27). His sarcasm was theological—it exposed the impotence of Baal to deliver or respond. This scene demonstrates the emptiness of idol worship and the futility of depending on anything other than the Living God.

From morning until noon, the false prophets cried, but “there was no voice, nor any that answered” (v. 26). The silence of Baal contrasts with the power of God that would later fall. This teaches us a powerful truth: God’s power is not manipulated by ritual or noise—it is released by faith and obedience. Elijah’s boldness wasn’t in his ability, but in his trust in a God who hears and acts (Psalm 34:17; Jeremiah 33:3).

Elijah Challenged False God Worship

Elijah’s confrontation on Mount Carmel boldly challenged the spiritual indecision of Israel and the fraudulent worship of Baal. His faith-filled declaration exposed the inability of false gods to answer or act, calling God’s people to make a clear and courageous commitment to the one true God (1 Kings 18:21-29; Joshua 24:15; James 1:8; Matthew 6:24).

Five Truths About Challenging False God Worship

Idolatry leads to Spiritual Confusion (1 Kings 18:21)

Matthew 6:24 “24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

Faith must be Decisive (1 Kings 18:21)

Joshua 24:15 “15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

God honors bold Witnesses. (1 Kings 18:22)

Romans 1:16 “16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

God demands exclusive worship. (1 Kings 18:24)

Exodus 20:3 “3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

False gods cannot Answer (1 Kings 18:26,29)

Psalm 115:4–7 “4 Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands. 5 They have mouths, but they speak not: Eyes have they, but they see not: 6 They have ears, but they hear not: Noses have they, but they smell not: 7 They have hands, but they handle not: Feet have they, but they walk not: Neither speak they through their throat.”

II. Elijah Constructed an Altar in Faith (1 Kings 18:30–34)

Elijah, undeterred by the noisy failure of Baal’s prophets, begins his demonstration of faith by rebuilding the altar of the Lord that had been broken down (v. 30). This act was not merely physical—it was deeply symbolic. The broken altar represented the broken covenant relationship between God and His people. By repairing the altar, Elijah was calling Israel back to true worship and reminding them of the covenant made with their forefathers (Genesis 12:2-3). Worship begins with restoration.

In verses 31-32, Elijah uses twelve stones—one for each tribe of Israel—signifying unity in God's covenant people. Even in their divided state, God still viewed them as one people under His divine authority. Elijah's careful obedience to God's instructions shows that faith is not careless—it reveres the holy pattern of God's Word. The trench dug around the altar (v. 32) and the water poured on the sacrifice (vv. 33-34) further demonstrated Elijah’s faith: he made the impossible even more impossible so that God alone could receive the glory.

The pouring of water was not just theatrical—it was theological. It ensured that there would be no natural explanation for the fire that would fall. When we trust God fully, we don’t have to help Him perform. Elijah teaches us that faith prepares the altar, honors God's Word, and makes room for God to show His power (Hebrews 11:6). God’s power responds to faith, not manipulation. The altar was not a stage—it was a place of surrender.

Elijah Constructed an Altar in Faith

Elijah’s faithful construction of the altar with twelve stones and his act of saturating the sacrifice with water displayed his deep trust in God’s power. It was a declaration that only the true and living God could send fire, and it reminded Israel of their covenant identity and responsibility to worship God alone (1 Kings 18:30–34; Romans 12:1; Hebrews 11:6).

Five Truths About Constructing an Altar in Faith

Worship begins with Restoration (1 Kings 18:30)

 Joel 2:13 “13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, And turn unto the Lord your God: For he is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness, And repenteth him of the evil.”

Unity matters to God (1 Kings 18:31) 

Psalm 133:1 “1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!”

True faith honors God's Pattern (1 Kings 18:31-32) 

Exodus 20:25 “25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.”

Faith expects the Impossible (1 Kings 18:33-34)

Matthew 19:26 “26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

Worship requires Sacrifice . (1 Kings 18:33).

Romans 12:1 “1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

III. Elijah Called on God in Faith (1 Kings 18:36–40)

At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah approached the altar, not with shouting or performance, but with a simple, reverent prayer (v. 36). He identified himself as God's servant and prayed that the people would know the LORD as the only true God. Elijah’s prayer was not self-centered but God-centered. His desire was for God to be glorified and for hearts to be turned back to Him. This is the essence of courageous faith—it seeks God's fame, not personal gain (John 3:30; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

Elijah’s faith-filled prayer was answered instantly. “Then the fire of the LORD fell” (v. 38). God responded to Elijah's humility, obedience, and faith with supernatural power. The fire consumed not only the sacrifice but also the stones, dust, and water—leaving no doubt about who was truly God. This divine response revealed that God hears the prayers of the righteous (James 5:16-18) and acts in power to validate His truth.

The people fell on their faces and cried, “The LORD, he is the God” (v. 39). Elijah then ordered the false prophets to be seized and executed in obedience to God’s law (v. 40; Deuteronomy 13:5). This act was not personal revenge but divine judgment against idolatry. Courageous faith ends with obedience, even when it's unpopular. Elijah’s bold prayer and God’s fiery answer reveal that true revival comes when God is exalted, sin is judged, and the people respond in repentance and worship.

Elijah Called on God in Faith

Elijah’s sincere and faith-filled prayer invited the fire of God to fall and confirm His lordship over Israel. His confidence in God’s response and obedience to God’s commands demonstrate that courageous faith prays boldly, trusts completely, and obeys fully (1 Kings 18:36-40; James 5:16-18; Hebrews 11:33).

Five Truths About Calling on God in Faith

Prayer must be God-Centered (1 Kings 18:36).

Matthew 6:9 “9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”

God answers Faith-Filled prayers (1 Kings 18:37).  

James 5:16–18 “16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”

God sends fire where He is Honored (1Kings 18:38).

Leviticus 9:24 “24 And there came a fire out from before the Lord, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.”

Obedience follows true worship (1 Kings 18:39).

Deuteronomy 13:5 “5 And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the Lord thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.”

Revival comes when God is glorified (1 Kings 18:39). 

Psalm 85:6 “6 Wilt thou not revive us again: That thy people may rejoice in thee?”

Discussion Questions

In what ways do believers today “halt between two opinions” (1 Kings 18:21), and how can we cultivate a bold, unwavering commitment to God in a culture of compromise?

(Consider Matthew 6:24; Joshua 24:15; James 1:8)

What does Elijah’s act of rebuilding the altar with twelve stones teach us about restoring worship and spiritual unity in the church?

(Consider Romans 12:1; Joel 2:13; Psalm 133:1)

Why do you think Elijah poured water on the altar before asking God to send fire? What does this teach us about having faith in impossible situations?

(Consider Matthew 19:26; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Corinthians 5:7)

How does Elijah’s prayer in 1 Kings 18:36–37 model the kind of prayer that moves the heart of God? How can we pray with that same faith and focus today?

(Consider James 5:16-18; John 15:7; Philippians 4:6-7)

After God answered with fire, Elijah acted in obedience by removing the false prophets. What does this teach us about following through after a spiritual victory, and how do we remove lingering idols or sins from our own lives?

(Consider Colossians 3:5; Romans 6:12-13; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5)