Elisha Series

I. INTRODUCTION:

A. Elijah at the end of the trail

1. A mighty prophet of God neared the close of his ministry.

a. He challenged wicked King Ahab.

b. He prayed with such power that he stopped the rain for six months!

c. He became the second man in space—after Enoch.

d. He was so important that he met Moses and Jesus at the transfiguration.

2. Elijah was commissioned to choose Elisha as his successor.

B. Elisha as a successful farmer.

1. He was plowing with 12 yoke of oxen when Elijah arrived.

2. He was evidently successful and loved doing things in a big way.

3. Now his life would be turned around and he would never be the same.

II. ELISHA’S CALL FROM THE LORD—19

A. The Lord knew Elisha before Elijah arrived (v.16)

B. The Lord called Elisha before Elijah announced it. (Ephesians 1:4)

C. The Lord used Elijah to tell Elisha of His call.

1. God uses His servants to fulfill His will.

2. We should be open to the ministry of the servants of God.

D. The Lord called Elisha to service when he was busy.

E. God’s call often demands that we leave worldly success behind to serve Him.

III. ELISHA’S CONFLICT AS HE CONSIDERED GOD’S CALL—20

A. The call of God always creates conflict in our lives.

1. God’s call demands a decision to follow Him.

2. Moses had to leave his sheep; Peter had to leave his boats.

B. Elisha had many problems as he considered God’s call:

1. PARENTS--Loved ones are often involved in a decision.

2. POSITION--Who will tend the farm?

3. PASSION for power—He loved that field full of hired hands.

C. This is a battle that many people lose.

1. The rich young ruler lost this battle (Luke 18:18-23)

2. Will you choose worldly things and lose God’s best for your life?

IV. ELISHA’S CONSECRATION THAT EMERGED FROM HIS CONFLICT—21

A. Elisha decided that God would be first in his life.

1. God’s call was more important than position or power.

2. Elisha’s surrender would give him the position of a prophet of God.

3. Elisha would ultimately be even more powerful than Elijah.

B. Elisha made his commitment public.

1. He burned his plow in the field and had a Bar-B-Q for his workmen.

2. The neighborhood would know that there was a new prophet on the block!

V. CONCLUSION:

A. How will you respond to God’s call on your life?

B. Will you count all things as loss for Christ?

C. Will you publicly declare your surrender to Him?