I Kings 19:9
Chuck Smith's sermon explores Elijah's fear and despair, emphasizing God's call to renewed purpose and service despite discouragement.
Chuck Smith explores the profound question God posed to Elijah, 'What are you doing here?' highlighting how even the greatest servants of God can find themselves in despair and fear after significant victories. Elijah, fleeing from Jezebel, was in a place of discouragement, feeling isolated and overwhelmed by his circumstances. Smith emphasizes that God often speaks in a still small voice amidst chaos, urging us to recognize our true state and calling. Ultimately, God redirects Elijah towards a new mission, reminding him that he is not alone and that there is still work to be done.
Text
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?"
Intro: Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal and Ashtoreh to a contest.
Because of his victory, wicked Queen Jezebel has threatened his
life and he has fled in fear all the way to Mt. Horeb.
I. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ELIJAH?"
A. Sometimes God's greated servants are found in places they
should never be.
1. He was in a place of discouragement and despair.
a. Under the juniper tree he had asked the Lord
to take away his life.
1. I don't think he really meant that.
2. If that's what he wanted, he could have
remained in Samaria and Jezebel would
have gladly obliged him.
b. Despair often follows on the heels of great
victories.
1. Satan will always try to keep you from
enjoying victory.
2. He was in a place of fear.
a. He was not afraid to challenge the 850 prophets
of Baal and Ashtoreh.
b. The threats of one woman had him on the run.
B. "I have been jealous for the Lord God of hosts."
1. He spoke of the spiritual apostasy in Israel.
a. They have forsaken Thy covenant.
b. They have torn down Thy altars.
c. They have slain Thy prophets.
d. "I'm the only one left and they are looking for
me to kill me."
2. Amazing how fear and despair can exaggerate a situation.
a. Young girls in Tucson.
b. Your problems are not as bad as you think.
c. You are not as alone as you think.
d. Your husband is not most inconsiderate in world.
II. ELIJAH CALLED TO STAND ON MT. AS GOD PASSED BY.
A. Great wind, God not in wind.
B. Great earthquake, God not in earthquake.
C. Fire, God not in fire.
D. The still small voice of God.
1. Hard to find God when our lives being torn by wind or
shaking with adversity or consumed by fire.
2 "Be still and know that I am God."
III. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ELIJAH?"
A. Elijah did not understand the question the first time.
1. He answered why he was there.
a. That is not what God had asked.
b. God asked what are you doing here.
c. The real answer was nothing.
2. He had been driven by fear and discouragement to doing
nothing. No longer serving God.
B. He still did not understand the question and gave the same
answer.
C. So God ordered him on a new mission of service.
1. Go to Damascus and anoint Hazael king over Syria.
2. Anoint Jehu king over Israel.
3. Anoint Elisha to take your place.
a. There's work to be done, now get busy.
b. Incidentally, it's not as bad as you say, I
have 7,000 in Israel who have not bowed their
knees to Baal.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - '{''A'': {''title'': ''Elijah''s Location'', ''details'': {''1'': ''He was in a place of discouragement and despair.'', ''2'': ''He was in a place of fear.''}}, ''B'': {''title'': ''Elijah''s Jealousy for God'', ''details'': {''1'': ''He spoke of the spiritual apostasy in Israel.'', ''2'': ''Fear and despair can exaggerate a situation.''}}}' - WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ELIJAH?
- II points: - '{''A'': ''Great wind, God not in wind.'', ''B'': ''Great earthquake, God not in earthquake.'', ''C'': ''Fire, God not in fire.'', ''D'': ''The still small voice of God.''}' - ELIJAH CALLED TO STAND ON MT. AS GOD PASSED BY
- III points: - '{''A'': {''title'': ''Elijah''s Misunderstanding'', ''details'': {''1'': ''He answered why he was there.'', ''2'': ''He had been driven by fear and discouragement.''}}, ''B'': ''He still did not understand the question.'', ''C'': {''title'': ''God''s New Mission'', ''details'': {''1'': ''Go to Damascus and anoint Hazael king over Syria.'', ''2'': ''Anoint Jehu king over Israel.'', ''3'': ''Anoint Elisha to take your place.''}}}' - WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE ELIJAH?
Key Quotes
“Sometimes God's greatest servants are found in places they should never be.” — Chuck Smith
“Be still and know that I am God.” — Chuck Smith
“There's work to be done, now get busy.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Reflect on your current situation and identify if fear is holding you back from serving God.
- Seek the still small voice of God amidst life's chaos to find clarity and direction.
- Remember that you are not alone in your struggles; God has a purpose for you.