True Obediance

Introduction: Obedience Takes Courage

Illustration: In 1521, Martin Luther stood before the Roman Catholic Church and Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms. They demanded he recant his teachings about salvation by faith alone and the authority of Scripture. If he obeyed them, he’d save his life. If not, he faced death. Luther responded:

“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason, I cannot and will not recant anything. For to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I can do no other. So help me God. Amen.”

This wasn’t just boldness—it was obedient faith, even in the face of fear. Obedience takes courage. Sometimes God calls us into situations where logic fails and only faith remains.

Text Introduction: In 1 Kings 17, Israel is drowning in sin. King Ahab has led the people into idolatry and rebellion, but God raises up Elijah, a prophet who must first learn obedience and dependence. God sends Elijah to the wilderness—and later to a widow with nothing. Why? Because God is teaching that obedience is not always logical, but it is always necessary.

I. God’s Provision Often Comes in Unexpected Ways (1 Kings 17:4–9)

Observation:

God tells Elijah he’ll be fed by ravens, unclean animals (Lev. 11:15).

Then He sends Elijah not to a rich patron, but to a destitute widow.

Key Truth: God uses what seems unfit, unclean, and incapable to provide. Why? Because He confounds the wise with the weak (1 Cor. 1:27).

Application:

We often expect help to come through jobs, people, or specific answers.

But God’s provision may show up in unconventional forms:

A check from someone you least expect

Encouragement from a stranger

A trial that prepares you before the breakthrough

Exhortation: Don’t reject what God is sending just because it doesn’t look like what you expected. Ravens don’t make sense—but they can still carry your blessing.

II. True Sacrifice Goes Beyond Surface-Level Obedience (1 Kings 17:10–12)

Observation:

Elijah asks for water—the widow goes.

Then he asks for bread—and she says, “This is all we have left.”

She’s preparing her last meal before death.

Key Truth: Giving water was easy. Giving her last meal was real sacrifice.

But when she obeyed, her flour and oil never ran out.

Application:

It’s easy to give God what’s comfortable.

Real sacrifice is giving what you can’t imagine losing:

Bitterness

Lust

That relationship

The idol in your heart

Illustration: Another widow in Mark 12:41–44 gave her two coins—and Jesus said she gave more than the rich because she gave out of her lack.

Exhortation:

What’s the one thing you say, “Lord, You can have everything… except this”? That’s where obedience gets real. That’s where transformation begins.

III. Obedience Sets the Stage for Restoration—But Only in Christ (1 Kings 17:13–16)

Observation:

The widow’s obedience didn’t just bless her—it preserved her household.

Her obedience became part of Israel’s greater restoration story.

Key Truth: God’s restoration is for those who walk in obedience. Romans 8:28 is not a blanket promise. It applies to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

Application: Two Types of People

Those under Christ’s Lordship, walking in provision

Those still in spiritual famine, separated from God

Real Talk:

No guidance? No peace? No provision? Maybe it’s not a drought—it’s disobedience.

The world is starving—but there’s Bread of Life in Christ.

Call to Salvation: 📖 Romans 10:9 —

“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

If you’re not in Christ—today is the day. Don’t stay in famine.

Conclusion

Closing Reflection:

Elijah obeyed, and a nation was stirred.

The widow obeyed, and a family was saved.

Luther stood, and a reformation was launched.

Today, you stand at the same crossroads:

Will you obey, even when it’s costly?

Will you trust, even when it’s unclear?

Closing Charge to Believers:

Who in your life needs this message?

Will you be the Elijah, bringing the Word in a time of famine?

Tie-In to Luther:

“Here I stand, I can do no other.” Can that be your testimony today?