A Life of Power: A Life of Victory

A Life of Power: A Life of Victory

Text 1 Kings 21.1-10; 15-20; 23-25; II Kings 2.9-13

Introduction:

Review—Elijah—drought—fire---rain—weakness—restored---great place to end a book.

But evil continues in the land! God is not through with Elijah.

This event with Naboth---an example of the evil of King Ahab and Jezebel. Can you think of anything as wicked as what happened to good old Naboth?

Recap the story.

See Elijah---

I. Life is victorious when we do God’s will, whether it appears to be or not.

Elijah’s presence was a victory already won, no matter what happened.

Daniel

Shadrack, meeshack and abednigo

Peter

Paul

Dr. Maston: Life is too short to spend one moment outside the will of God.

Important: If you are where God wants you, life is already victorious whether it appears to be or not.

II. Life is victorious as God accomplishes His will through us.

1. Ahabs death came soon.

Tell the story

You can’t hide from God.

2. Jezzebel’s death came much later

2 Kings 9.36 When they came back and told him, he said, “This is the word of the Lord, which he spoke by his servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘In the territory of Jezreel the dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel,

A. What was God’s primary purpose for Elijah?

Elijah’s job was to rid Israel of Baalism in such a way that they would turn back to Jehovah.

Remember his prayer for fire?

B. What is our primary task?

Our task is to lead people to Jesus Christ—to know Him—to Glorify Him—to magnify Him—to attract people to the Gospel of Jesus

III. Life is victorious as we receive our reward (2 Kings 2:9-13).

Read II Kings 2.9-13.

Describe the scene.

Double portion---rights of the first born---all God has for me.

Chariot comes and swept him away to heaven.

That’s what happens.

Night Dad died.

Swing low sweet chariot.

Describe reception for Elijah. I want to see the one:

Who stopped the rain.

Who cared for me and fed me at the brook Cherith.

The one who multiplied the meal and oil and raised that little boy to life.

The one sent fire from heaven.

The one who was with me even as I ran. The one who cared for me in my time of weakness and failure.

The one who restored me to service to him.

What we would say----

I want to see the one who died on the cross for me proving His unlimited love for me.

I want to see the one who was raised to life proving His unlimited power.

I want to see the one who sought me out and drew me to himself and has forgiven me all my sins!

I want to see the one who has cared for me, even when I have let Him down.

I want to see my savior Jesus Christ most of all!

It will be worth it all.

Sounds like a place to quit.

No.

IV. Life continues to be victorious as those we have influenced serve God.

Elisha-picks up the mantle of Elijah. Serves God in amazing ways—but that would be a whole different sermon series. But all Elisha did---is a direct result of Elijah’s faithfulness to God.

Every Sunday school teacher

Salt Jones

Mark Collins

Employee

A. B. Rawlinson picked up David Bush—pastor---Sanford Jones (Builder)---one pastorate---5 preachers!

Went on to build churches for the SBC. Dad preached in many of those churches and people were saved in every building.

The beat goes on and on and on.

Hey there Mr. Rawlinson—what did you do to serve the Lord---I brought a snotty nosed to kid to Sunday school.

When my life’s work has ended and I cross the swelling tide—

When the bright and glorious morning I shall see,

I shall know my redeemer when I reach the other side---

And His smile shall be the first to welcome me.

I shall know Him, I shall know him

And, redeemed, by his side I shall stand.

I shall know Him, I shall know Him

By the print of the nail in His hand.

V. 3: Oh the dear ones in glory, how they beckon me to come,

and our parting at the river I recall.

To the sweet vales of Eden, they will sing my welcome home,

But I long to see my Savior first of all.