December 13, 2020
Pastor Philip Harike

Sermon Notes

I. Covenant that was broken

1 Kings 18:17-18
17 When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” 18 And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father’s house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals.

II. Covenant that was defended

1 Kings 18:19-24
19 Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” 20 So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.

Ephesians 6:13
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore…

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

1 Kings 18:22-24
22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. 24 And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.”

III. Covenant that was restored

1 Kings 18:36-39
36 And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37 Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.”

Seeing the mighty work of God should lead us to worship Him

Next Steps

• I put my trust in Jesus as my King for the first time.
• I commit to stand firm as I follow Jesus.
• I repent of my sin of putting my trust in other things instead of Jesus alone.

Deep Dive

1. 1 Kings 18:17-39 tells us a story of Elijah defending Israel’s covenant relationship with God. When was the last time you’ve defended something that was right?
2. At this time, Israel was blending two religious belief systems (Jehovah and Baal) into a new system. How do you see our culture encourages the mixture of two competing worldviews?
3. Reflect on God’s redemptive work in your life. Who can you share your story with to offer peace and hope in Jesus?

Springboard

1. During the Christmas season, it becomes very common to hear just about everyone sing songs that contain really important truths about God. What Are your favorite Christmas songs, and more importantly what are your favorite truths we sing about in those Christmas songs
2. Read Luke 1:1-4. Why did Luke write this letter? Is the title “most excellent” used anywhere else in Luke’s writing?
3. Continue reading Luke Chapter 1. Who is the main character of this story? Why do you think so?
4. The angel’s proclamation to Zachariah is very similar to the proclamation of Jesus’ birth to Mary, with some key differences. How are they similar, and how are they different?
5. After all is said and done in Luke 1, what is the most prevalent emotion mentioned?