“DO I HAVE FAITH?”
1 Kings 17:8-22 (292)
Introduction
A. Our study is based on the story of the prophet Elijah meeting with a poor widow.
1. Background: 1 Kings 16:30,32-33
B. Read 1 Kings 17:8-22. Brief narration.
C. There are two important lessons that we can learn.
I. God’s ways are sometimes beyond our understanding.
A. God had planned for Elijah to be fed by this widow.
1. The widow’s response to Elijah’s request wasn’t based on understanding (v12),
but at least on a degree of faith vv14-15).
2. Elijah’s request was based on faith (vv9,14)
B. We must accept God’s word by faith. Romans 10:16-21 (836)
1. Questions: “Do you believe?” “Can you explain it?
2. “Haven’t people heard (v18)?” “Do they all believe?” No. Why? You believe.
Why? Because you have faith.
II. When we accept God’s word by faith and obey, God takes care of the results.
A. God had plans to take care of His prophet Elijah. 1 Kings 17: 9,2-5
1. Elijah obeyed. Did God take of the results, of Elijah?
B. We must also obey God’s word, and God will take care of the results.
1. Matthew 28:18-20 (730). “Do I believe that Jesus has all authority in heaven and
in earth?” “That go applies to me?” “That v19 rests on Jesus’ authority?” “Have
I been baptized?”
2. Not as work as some believe. Colossians 2:11-14 (870). Who performs the
circumcision? Man or Christ? Do we have faith in the “working of God?” Would
not by works be contradictory to God’s pattern of salvation (Eph. 2:8-10)? In
baptism who “makes alive?” Who forgives sins?
3. We are to be baptized based on our faith in God, and God will take care of the results.
Conclusion: God calls us and we respond based on our faith. Hebrews 11:6-7 (888)
