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Power From On High - Part 1
Joshua Daniel
0:00
0:00 9:33
Joshua Daniel

Power From On High - Part 1

Joshua Daniel · 9:33

Joshua Daniel emphasizes the necessity of divine intervention and warns against spiritual complacency by reflecting on Elijah's experience in 1 Kings 19.
This sermon delves into the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, highlighting the spiritual trough he found himself in after the great exploit on Mount Carmel. It emphasizes the need for divine interventions and works of God in our lives, cautioning against being satisfied with small favors and settling for minimal spiritual growth. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and observations to underscore the importance of maintaining momentum in one's faith journey and not being complacent with shallow gains.

Full Transcript

If you will please turn to 1 Kings and the 19th chapter. Here we see the mighty man of God Elijah in a spiritual trough. Now, how did this happen? After the great exploit on Carmel, it was not just a human exploit. But, God visited the offering with fire from on high. Please remember, that we too should experience such interventions and works of God. But, little minds get satisfied with small favors. And I am so shocked, that people who have tasted so little of Jesus, appear to be supremely satisfied, that they have gone such a long way. In the course of my long life, having been warned by my own mother very early, be careful new brooms sweep well. Be that is faithful to the last, you will be safe. Now friends, I have noticed along this heavenly way, many people did not keep up their momentum. That reminds me of one of my friends, who proclaimed to be a great runner. One on one occasion, we were running on the tracks of our college. By that time, I had lost my speed at run. But, I had expected better things of this companion. After a while, as I surveyed the tracks, I could see no trace of him. He had plunged into the bushes, away from the tracks, unable to complete the course. It was very amusing to me. But you know friend, I do not know what kind of rhythm and momentum you ever gained, and if you retain that momentum. It is very sad that people settle for small gains in spiritual things. If it is money and property, it is very hard for you to stop some of those people. And if in fact you ask someone, what will satisfy them, they will hardly be able to specify some figure which will satisfy them. But let me tell you, if a wife or a husband or a young man, tends to be disgruntled with the work of God, let him humble himself. There is great likelihood that God will reject them forever. You know, many people like the shelter and facilities of big cities. But I had an amazing dad. Whatever he would miss, he would not miss a criminal tribe. There were no facilities there, and our camping in that place began in a very rough and rather crude manner. However, my father kept it. Now think of this, after two hundred centuries, how do we account for the major part of the population being unaware of the supreme, complete sacrifice and salvation of Jesus. I would say, Christians are just lazy people.

Sermon Outline

  1. I
    • Elijah's spiritual trough after Mount Carmel
    • God's divine intervention as a model for believers
    • The danger of being satisfied with small spiritual favors
  2. II
    • The importance of maintaining momentum in faith
    • Personal anecdote of a friend losing pace in a race
    • Warning against complacency in spiritual growth
  3. III
    • Comparison of spiritual satisfaction with worldly desires
    • Call to humility for those disgruntled with God's work
    • The challenge of spreading the gospel effectively
  4. IV
    • Reflection on the historical impact of Christianity
    • Critique of Christian laziness in evangelism
    • Encouragement to pursue deeper commitment and sacrifice

Key Quotes

“God visited the offering with fire from on high.” — Joshua Daniel
“Little minds get satisfied with small favors.” — Joshua Daniel
“If a wife or a husband or a young man, tends to be disgruntled with the work of God, let him humble himself.” — Joshua Daniel

Application Points

  • Seek God's powerful intervention regularly to sustain your spiritual life.
  • Avoid settling for minimal spiritual progress; strive for continual growth.
  • Practice humility especially when feeling discouraged or dissatisfied with your faith journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main lesson from Elijah's story in 1 Kings 19?
Elijah's story teaches the importance of seeking God's intervention and not becoming spiritually complacent after great victories.
Why does the speaker warn against being satisfied with small spiritual favors?
Because settling for minimal spiritual growth can lead to stagnation and a loss of momentum in one's faith journey.
How does the speaker illustrate the concept of losing momentum?
He shares a personal story of a friend who started strong in a race but gave up midway, symbolizing how believers can lose their spiritual drive.
What practical advice does the sermon offer to those feeling disgruntled with their spiritual progress?
The sermon encourages humility and warns that God may reject those who do not remain faithful and humble.
What critique does the speaker make about modern Christians?
He critiques Christians for being lazy in evangelism and not fully committed to spreading the gospel.

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