1 Kings 17:8-16

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Elijah and the Widow; The Miracle of the Flour and Oil

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God leads one step at a time.

  2. God provides one way at a time.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Expect to be tested in the domestic area.

  2. Expect to be dependent on others.

QUESTIONS

  1. When Elijah left the Brook Cherith, where did the Lord direct him to go? Who did he meet there?

  2. What was the purpose of this new venture?

  3. Did God provide a complete road map for Elijah? Why or why not?

  4. “God provides one way at a time.” What does this mean?

  5. We should expect to be tested in the domestic area. Why is this so difficult?

ANSWERS

  1. Elijah was led by the Lord to go to Zarephath, on the Mediterranean Coast between Tyre and Sidon, about 75 miles from Cherith. He was directed to a widow, and he was to ask her to provide for him.

  2. Elijah was taught to be dependant on another person, and the widow was taught lessons in faith.

  3. No, Elijah was led one step at a time. God does the same for us. The Bible contains promises that God will guide us as we take the one step He has asked from us. We have lessons to learn from each step of the way (Cherith before Carmel).

  4. God provides physical and spiritual needs one day at a time. The provisions are different in each setting, and the amount of time is different, too. Some lessons take longer to learn than others, and God’s pattern is both the best way and sufficient for each situation.

  5. It is difficult because of our lack of privacy and space. “Our” priorities and activities must give way at times for the sake of harmony and in deference to others. We need to learn sensitivity to the needs of those with whom we live.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Do you respond to God’s directions? Be specific (how, when, how quickly).

  2. Are you willing to be led one step at a time? And in God’s way? Check this out by recalling past experiences.

  3. What happens when you refuse God’s way? (Recall Jonah’s experiences).

CHALLENGE

  1. Are you being tested in the domestic area? How are you doing? What needs to be worked on?

  2. Do you find it difficult to depend on others? Do people tell you that you are too independent? Does this tell you something?

KEY VERSES

  • “Arise, go, and dwell there…so he arose and went…” 1 Kings 17:9-10

  • “Do not fear; go and do…So she went and did…” 1 Kings 17:13, 15

  • “The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.” 1 Kings 17:16

1 Kings, Old Testament, TalksRon Reid1 KINGS 17:8-16