CHARACTER STUDY OF ELIJAH – PROPHET WHO CHALLENGED BAAL
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Kings 18:21
"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word."
Supporting Texts:
1 Kings 17-19, 2 Kings 1-2, James 5:16-18
INTRODUCTION
Elijah was one of the most powerful prophets in Israel’s history. He emerged during a time of deep spiritual apostasy, when King Ahab and Queen Jezebel led the nation into Baal worship. Through his ministry, God demonstrated His supremacy over false gods and called Israel to repentance.
Elijah was known for his boldness, miracles, and unwavering faith. He declared a drought, confronted the prophets of Baal, and called down fire from heaven. However, he also faced moments of fear and discouragement. His life teaches us about God's power, the need for perseverance, and the importance of trusting in divine strength rather than our own.
1. ELIJAH’S CALL AND MINISTRY BEGINNING
a) Elijah appeared suddenly as God’s messenger (1 Kings 17:1)
He came from Tishbe in Gilead, and little is known about his background.
b) He boldly declared a drought in Israel (1 Kings 17:1)
He confronted King Ahab and prophesied a three-year famine.
c) God sustained him through supernatural provision (1 Kings 17:2-6)
He was fed by ravens at the Brook Cherith.
d) He performed a miracle for the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16)
God multiplied her flour and oil during the famine.
e) Biblical Example: Like Elijah, Moses also confronted a wicked ruler and performed miracles (Exodus 7-12).
2. ELIJAH AND THE CONFRONTATION ON MOUNT CARMEL
a) He challenged the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:19-21)
He called for a showdown to prove who was the true God.
b) He mocked Baal’s prophets and exposed their falsehood (1 Kings 18:27)
He told them to call louder, suggesting their god was asleep.
c) He rebuilt the broken altar of the Lord (1 Kings 18:30-32)
He restored true worship in Israel.
d) He called down fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:36-38)
God responded to his prayer, proving His power.
e) Biblical Example: Daniel also stood firm in a pagan nation and demonstrated God’s power (Daniel 6:16-23).
3. ELIJAH’S STRUGGLE WITH FEAR AND DEPRESSION
a) Jezebel threatened to kill him (1 Kings 19:1-2)
After his victory, he fled in fear.
b) He became discouraged and wanted to die (1 Kings 19:4)
He felt alone and exhausted after his great triumph.
c) God provided for him in his weakness (1 Kings 19:5-8)
An angel brought him food and strength for his journey.
d) He encountered God in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:11-13)
God reassured him that he was not alone.
e) Biblical Example: Jonah also struggled with discouragement after a great mission (Jonah 4:3-9).
4. ELIJAH’S ROLE AS A MENTOR TO ELISHA
a) God commanded him to anoint Elisha as his successor (1 Kings 19:16)
He passed on his prophetic calling.
b) He threw his mantle on Elisha (1 Kings 19:19)
This symbolised the transfer of leadership.
c) He trained Elisha for the prophetic ministry (2 Kings 2:1-6)
Elisha followed him closely and learned from him.
d) He performed his final miracles before departing (2 Kings 2:8)
He parted the Jordan River with his mantle.
e) Biblical Example: Paul also mentored Timothy for ministry (2 Timothy 2:2).
5. ELIJAH’S TRANSLATION TO HEAVEN
a) He knew his time on earth was ending (2 Kings 2:9)
He asked Elisha what he desired before he left.
b) Elisha requested a double portion of his spirit (2 Kings 2:9-10)
Elijah told him it was a hard request but possible if he witnessed his departure.
c) He was taken up in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11)
God did not allow him to taste death.
d) His mantle fell on Elisha (2 Kings 2:13)
This confirmed Elisha as his prophetic successor.
e) Biblical Example: Enoch also walked with God and was taken without dying (Genesis 5:24).
6. STRENGTHS OF ELIJAH
a) He was fearless in confronting evil (1 Kings 17:1)
He boldly stood against Ahab and Jezebel.
b) He had great faith in God's power (1 Kings 18:36-38)
He trusted God to perform mighty miracles.
c) He was a man of persistent prayer (James 5:17-18)
He prayed earnestly for rain, and God answered.
d) He mentored and empowered his successor (2 Kings 2:9-10)
He prepared Elisha to continue God's work.
e) Biblical Example: The Apostle Peter also demonstrated boldness for God (Acts 2:14-41).
7. WEAKNESSES OF ELIJAH
a) He struggled with fear despite his great faith (1 Kings 19:3)
He fled from Jezebel after calling down fire from heaven.
b) He felt isolated and discouraged (1 Kings 19:10)
He believed he was the only faithful servant left.
c) He sometimes acted impulsively (1 Kings 19:9-14)
He ran to the wilderness without seeking God’s direction.
d) He needed reassurance from God (1 Kings 19:11-12)
God had to remind him that He worked in quiet ways too.
e) Biblical Example: John the Baptist also had moments of doubt (Matthew 11:2-3).
8. LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF ELIJAH
a) Boldness for God brings results (2 Timothy 1:7)
Elijah’s courage led to national revival.
b) Faith and prayer are powerful weapons (James 5:16)
Elijah’s prayers controlled the weather and brought miracles.
c) Even strong believers can experience discouragement (Psalm 42:5)
Elijah’s struggle shows that moments of weakness are normal.
d) God always has a plan beyond our sight (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Elijah thought he was alone, but God had 7,000 faithful followers.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus also prayed and relied on God’s strength during His ministry (Luke 5:16).
CONCLUSION
Elijah was a mighty prophet who stood against idolatry and demonstrated God's power through miracles. His life teaches us to be bold in faith, persistent in prayer, and obedient to God's call. However, he also reminds us that even great men of God can face discouragement, and in those moments, we must trust in God's presence and plan.
Ultimately, Elijah’s life points us to Jesus, who calls us to stand firm in faith, listen to God’s voice, and finish our race strong.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the boldness to stand for You like Elijah.
2. Father, strengthen me in times of discouragement.
3. Help me to be persistent in prayer.
4. Let my life demonstrate Your power and glory.
5. Use me as an instrument of revival in my generation.
