John’s primary PURPOSE is that believers will enter and maintain fellowship with God, with the RESULT of inner joy.“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that our joy may be full … These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1Jo 1:3-4; 1Jo 5:13 (emphasis added)
This compilation of notes represents the truths found in the Epistle of First John.
Gene Cunningham - September 11, 2000
Elijah #1
The life of Elijah illustrates Mercy and Judgment. There was a string of six previous evil kings prior to Ahab. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord to anger than all the kings before him (1Ki 16:30-33, 1Ki 17:1-7). (1) Jeroboam appointed priest not of the tribe of Levi (1Ki 12:28). (2) Nadab perpetuated his father’s evil (1Ki 15:36). (3) Badash was a conspirator who murdered Nadab (1Ki 15:27-29). (4) Elah was a drunk (1Ki 16:8-13). (5) Zimri was a murderer (16:16-20). (6) Omri was worse than those before. (16:25-26, 34). Elijah was God’s choice to combat evil (Isa 59:19). Elijah means “the Lord is my God” (Col 3:17). Tishbe was a little cross-road town in the Gad tribal area (1Co 1:27-29, Gen 49:19). John the Baptizer was prepared in the dessert like Elijah. We need something of the boldness of Elijah (1Ki 17:1, 1Ti 4:10, 1Th 1:9-10). God judges false gods by their claims. The proclaimed drought is a judgment on Baal (Mat 5:45, Act 14:17; Deu 28:24). God’s word in the mouth of Elijah: (1) Elijah saw Israel’s apostasy and knew how God’s word applied (Deu 11:16-17). (2) Elijah applied the word by prayer (Jam 5:17). (3) God’s word told Elijah what to pray and is energized by the Spirit (Jam 5:16, 1Jo 5:14-15). (4) God’s word is a sword that cuts two ways: (a) it cuts to the human spirit of the believer (Heb 4:12); (b) it is reflected in prayer (Eph 6:17-18). (5) Elijah’s made use of God’s word as if it were his own. Baal was supposed to control rain, sun and food (Isa 42:8). God’s word in our mouth won’t have an impact until it has impact in our own lives. Elijah went through the drought with the nation (1Ki 17:7).
Scripture References: Acts 14:17, Hebrews 4:12, Matthew 5:45, John 5:14-15, Genesis 49:19, James 5:16, Colossians 3:17, James 5:17, Isaiah 59:19, Deuteronomy 11:16-17, Isaiah 42:8, Deuteronomy 28:24, Ephesians 6:17-18
From Series: "Elijah"
Elijah's life shows us the keys to spiritual power: the power of God's Word faith prayer revival and failure.