SURREY CHAPEL FELLOWSHIP GROUP NOTES – 11th /12th May 2016

1 Kings 16v29 - 17v24
BOOT CAMP

Here we have a change of monarch – reigning for a short while of 22 years. We have been blessed with a monarch who has graciously reigned for a record length of time. However, we do live in a time of continual social, political and economic change. This passage will help us to learn more of God’s authority and faithfulness. How should our belief in the constancy of God’s word help us cope with these changes? (praise the Lord for Hebrews 13v8) Explore Notes for 2008 head this up as ‘Lord of all’. Elijah’s name means ‘the Lord is God’.

Ahab an evil king -- Chapter 16v29 - 34
This is a time of upheaval. The one sure thing is God’s word -see Chapter 16 v34
Ahab - -evil - -whose judgement is this? (v30)
What two ways of his evil are described here? (note- he broke the first 2 commandments)
What warnings do we take from this section for today’s living?

Elijah is thrust on the scene – Chapter 17 v1 - 6
It was believed that Baal was a fertility god with authority over rain. God sends Elijah to confront this Baal worship by announcing a drought. Look up James 5v17 to see how long it lasted.
The Lord and Baal are put in direct confrontation.
Why is it significant that Elijah begins by saying ‘As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives’?
Discus the two ways God provides for Elijah ( before Ahab, and in the drought).
‘Ravens brought’ - reminds us of how God fed the Israelites -Exodus 16v13-36
Does this help to give us confidence in our trust in the Lord (the same God Who provided)?

Kept in Gentile country - - Chapter 17 v7 – 16
v7 – What a disaster - -God had brought Elijah here - now the brook dries up. Any experiences in your life that may have been like that? How have you reacted?
V8 -God now gives direction again. YET – Sidon would not have been the area that Elijah would have chosen, it was Jezebel territory (Ahab’s father in law was in control).
To add to that he is directed to a Gentile woman who is a widow with little food left.
What ways in these verses do you see God’s provision yet again?
V14-16 – What way was the Lord’s promise completely fulfilled? What is the lesson here for us?

Honour of God’s Word - - Chapter 17 v17 – 24
It seems – disaster strikes again. What is the woman’s reaction?
How does Elijah react and act?
Go though the parts of Elijah’s prayer v19-21 – what do you learn from it?
v23-24 - ‘your son lives’ - - It was a Canaanite myth that Baal could revive the dead. Here it is the Lord who bring this boy back to life. The only conclusion is that the Lord was the only true God and therefore Elijah was His prophet.
v24 – ‘man of God’ - a man that has a true word from God. (often used in the Old Testament)
See John 2v11 and 16v29-30 -how the disciples saw that in Jesus. Then see Colossians 1v15-17
										D.J.

PRAYER POINTS:
God’s faithfulness and God’s provision for His people.
Ask the Lord to give us that unshakeable confidence in His Word.
Annual General Meeting – Thursday 19th May