A. ELIJAH ON HIS WAY TO THE FINISH LINE: 2 KINGS 2:1-10
1. About to finish. “The LORD was about to take Elijah to heaven” (v. 1):
a. Everyone seemed to know (vv. 3, 5, 7).
b. Many will see (2:15).
c. Some did not think Elijah went to heaven, but to a mountain (vv. 16-18).
2. Note the progression journey from Gilead, to Bethel, to Jericho, to Jordan, to heaven:
a. Moving away from a nation of idols that provoked God.
b. Crossing Jordan, a symbol of physical death.
3. A secret that everyone knew. “Did you know the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?” (v. 3). “Yes … be quiet” (v. 3).
4. Jordan a well-known figure of death.
a. Elijah walked through death without harm.
b. Chariot to heaven, pictures your future rapture. You can go to heaven the way of Elijah.
5. Why did Elijah say to young Elisha, “stay here?” To test.
6. Why did Elisha ask? (v. 9). “Let a double portion of your spirit be on me” (v. 9, NKJV).
a. His inner character.
b. His influence.
c. His miracles.
7. What is a double portion?
a. Center stage of God’s miracle
b. Leadership of the prophets
c. Twice the miracles.
8. “You have asked a hard thing” (v. 10). Why hard?
a. Not for God to give.
b. Hard for Elijah to teach or give.
c. Hard to learn.
9. Angels take us to heaven at death (Luke 16:22). Seraphim means fiery. “God makes His angels flaming fire” (Psalm 104:4).
10. Just as Elijah was alone in serving in life, he was alone in the chariot heading to heaven.
11. Today’s question is not, “where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” We know that answer. But, where are the “Elijah’s of the LORD God?”
B. TEN APPLICATIONS FOR FINISHING WELL
1. Life is more than faithfully running your race, it is important how you finish. God gave Elijah a great departure that expanded God’s power.
2. As you spend a life walking with God, serving God and trusting His power, your finish should experience God’s favor and God’s reputation.
3. Elijah told Elisha three times, “stay here” to test him. Did Elisha mean it when they first met? (1 Kings 19:19-21).
4. Sometimes you must minister without help just as Elijah. “Fifty … sons of the prophets … stood … at a distance” (v. 7).
5. Preparing to finish. “Elijah folded his cloak … struck the water … the river divided … across on dry land” (v. 8).
6. If you could ask for a double portion, whom would you ask? _________________________. How must you live. and what must you do to finish well ____________________________ __________________________________________________.
7. “You have asked a hard thing” (v. 10). Why hard?
a. Overcome self-pride.
b. Overcome, lust of flesh.
c. Hard to get God’s vision, lust of eyes.
d. “If you …” (v. 10). The greatest challenge to you “if.”
8. Elijah who had continuing battle with kings, goes out as a conqueror. God does not send his chariot to a land filled with idols, but to other side of Jordan.
9. It is good God doesn’t answer all your selfish prayers. “Elijah prayed, ‘take my life’” (1 Kings 19:4).
10. In Elijah’s departure we have a picture of Christ coming for us, and we have His assurance He can do it.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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