The Majority Can Be Wrong
The sermon explores how the majority can often be misguided in their beliefs and the importance of true worship over emotional displays.
Theodore Epp emphasizes that the majority can often be wrong, as illustrated in 1 Kings 18:25-29, where the prophets of Baal, despite their numbers and fervor, failed to call down fire from heaven. Elijah's challenge to them highlighted the futility of their idolatry and the importance of true worship. Epp warns that emotional displays and enthusiasm do not equate to spiritual truth, and he uses sarcasm to expose the deception of the Baal worshipers. The sermon reminds us that true strength and salvation come from God, not from the majority or outward appearances.
Text
1 Kings 18:25-29
As the majority group, the worshipers of Baal had been given first chance. Because there were so many of them it took them only a very short time to prepare the sacrifice. As is often the case in matters that pertain to God, however, the majority was on the wrong side.
When Elijah admonished these idolatrous priests not to put any fire under their offering, he was warning them that he would not stand for any tricks. They had often deceived people, but what they were now doing was out in the open with many eyes watching them. There was no opportunity given to these tricksters and imposters to use fire on the altar to Baal.
The frenzy of Baal's prophets reached its height at noon. In the excitement generated by the rhythm and speed of the priests' action, it would not have taken a great deal for the people watching them to have been swept off their feet emotionally and to have joined in the wild orgy. But Elijah was ready for this very thing. He very effectively used the weapon of sarcasm to expose the intentions of these evil men and at the same time to insure emotional stability among the observers.
It is possible that Israel had never seen such earnestness and enthusiasm at any previous time. But such things are no proof that the cause is good and true. Some people assume that such a display of zeal and fervor is evidence of spirituality; however, this can be far from the truth.
"The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength" (Ps. 33:16, NASB).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal
- The significance of the majority's choice
- The dangers of following the crowd
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II
- Elijah's challenge to the prophets of Baal
- The role of deception in their worship
- The importance of sincerity in worship
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III
- The emotional frenzy of the crowd
- The use of sarcasm to reveal truth
- Stability amidst chaos
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IV
- Distinguishing true spirituality from emotional displays
- The lesson from Psalm 33:16
- The ultimate power of God over human strength
Key Quotes
“As is often the case in matters that pertain to God, however, the majority was on the wrong side.” — Theodore Epp
“Such things are no proof that the cause is good and true.” — Theodore Epp
“The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- Be cautious of following the crowd without questioning their beliefs.
- Evaluate your worship practices for sincerity rather than mere emotional fervor.
- Trust in God's power rather than human strength in your life decisions.