Where Do We Stand?
The sermon challenges listeners to check their lives against the obedience of Elijah and the lack of obedience of Obadiah, encouraging them to seek to know God and His power.
Theodore Epp explores the contrasting responses of Elijah and Obadiah to God's commission in 1 Kings 18:7-16. While Elijah obeys God without hesitation, Obadiah's fear and reluctance reveal a lack of faith and moral strength. Epp challenges the congregation to reflect on their own obedience to God and to consider whether they are fulfilling their divine purpose or merely observing God's work through others. He emphasizes the importance of spending time in God's presence to gain true knowledge and strength. The sermon concludes with a call to self-examination and a deeper relationship with God.
Text
1 Kings 18:7-16
Elijah commissioned Obadiah to tell Ahab that he was looking for him. Obadiah's response was one of fear. This man seems to have lacked moral strength and spiritual backbone. When the commission was given, he was reluctant to obey.
The similarities between Obadiah and Elijah are few, and the contrasts are many. They were both God-fearing men, and both had a commission. Elijah had a commission to show himself to Ahab, and Obadiah had a commission to tell Ahab that Elijah was coming. But this was about as far as their similarities went.
These two men contrasted greatly with regard to obedience. When God told Elijah to do something, he did it without hesitation. Obadiah, on the other hand, hesitated, fearing for his life. He lacked faith in the power of God.
Why not check our own lives against the lives of these two men. Where do we stand? Are we where God wants us? Is God able to use us, or are we rejoicing only in what He is doing through others? Let us learn to know Him. Let us take time to do so, for this knowledge does not come overnight. Time spent in the presence of God brings eternal results.
"Search me, 0 God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts" (Ps. 139:23).
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction
- A. The story of Elijah and Obadiah in 1 Kings 18:7-16
- B. The contrast between Elijah and Obadiah
- II. Elijah's Obedience
- A. Elijah's willingness to obey God's commission
- B. The power of faith in God's ability to use us
- III. Obadiah's Lack of Obedience
- A. Obadiah's fear and hesitation in obeying God's commission
- B. The consequences of lacking faith in God's power
- IV. Application
- A. Checking our lives against Elijah and Obadiah
- B. Seeking to know God and His power in our lives
Key Quotes
“Time spent in the presence of God brings eternal results.” — Theodore Epp
“Let us learn to know Him. Let us take time to do so, for this knowledge does not come overnight.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- We should seek to know God and His power in our lives, just as Elijah did.
- We should be willing to obey God's commission without hesitation, trusting in His power.
- Time spent in the presence of God can bring eternal results and help us grow in our faith.