Following the Will of God
Central Text------1 Kings 17:1-16
Ro 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1Pe 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
1Pe 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
An Example: Elijah (Elías)
I. An ordinary man with family and homeland. (vs. 1)
-we are told a little of his lineage and his homeland
-called out to boldly proclaim a prophesy to the evil king
-he probably had the feeling that his ministry was starting off in a big way
II. Sometimes the Will of God seems Inconvenient (vs. 2,3)
Surely he was now going to get a lot of attention and public exposure.
But no, God tells him to go hide. Instead of great crowds to preach to, he is secluded to a lonely, non-inhabited place.
-probably questioning the calling of God
III. The Will of God does not always make Sense (vs. 4)
Unclean birds (ravens) are sent by God to feed the prophet.
Don't disdain the resource that God uses to bless and provide for you.
IV. The Will of God may Appear to come to a Dead End
"the brook dried up"
-a result of his own prophecy
-now he was going to suffer for it
-the devil will try to convince you that you blew it
V. The Will of God is not about your Personal Preference (vs. 9)
Location, specific ministry, duration, etc. are all in the hands of God. They can and will change as God desires.
Oh how we need to remain pliable (flexible) in His hands.
-a new assignment
-a widow woman (lowest on totem pole) is to provide for the esteemed prophet (high on the totem pole)
-a tough lesson in humility
Elijah lets his feelings show in his attitude with her:
"fetch me" "bring me" (vs. 10,11)
VI. The Perfect Timing of God's Will (vs. 12)
She was at the end of her rope.
If Elijah had delayed a day or two, she probably would have been dead.
When she says that just has a little bit, she is not exagerating.
-a handful of meal, a little oil, and 2 sticks
Lessons:
Obedience even in the most difficult times--she was to feed the prophet first (vs. 13)
Importance of the Oil (Holy Ghost)
Prov. 21:20
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
Mt. 25:4
But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Realize the Value of the Holy Spirit--it was one of the last things that the widow had in her house.
