The Scripture makes it very clear that as we focus on purity we experience power from above. Paul stressed this in his final letter to his understudy Timothy. “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter [i.e., “iniquity”], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2Ti 2:21). How? The process is simple: God the Father works through the Son. The Son works through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works through the Word. The Word works through the believer. The believer works through living faith.
1st Thessalonians – The Word Working in You – Uniontown, PA 2007Gene Cunningham - September 11, 2000
Elijah #3
When we see ourselves as the Bible presents us, anyone else looks like a saint unless we are blinded. Prayer takes us into the realm of impossibility (1Ki 17:17-24, Mat 14:26). We want to pray logical prayers. The Bible reveals only those things we need to know (Deu 29:29, Rom 11:33-34). If you are going to mine the riches of the wisdom of God we must step out in faith. There's isolation and condemnation in suffering (1Ki 17:18). Elijah's prayer is bold (1Ki 17:19-23, Heb 4:16). Prayer is secret (Mat 6:6, Psa 91:1, Col 3:1). God performed mighty acts through Moses (Psa 103:7). Elijah recognizes God's sovereignty and human frailty (from the widow's point of view). Jehoshaphat prays this way (2Ch 20:1-30). If Elijah didn't pray the widow's son would not have come back (1Ki 17:22). God has reserved the right to do things based on prayer. The triumph of prayer - inexhaustible giving and inexpressible joy (1Ki 17:23-24, Jam 1:17). Only the intercessor knows the joy of answered prayer. Elijah "prayed earnestly" -- fervent praying includes all the realm of prayer - confession, thanksgiving, supplication, requests, intercession (Jam 5:17, Mat 7:7)
Scripture References: Psalms 91:1, Matthew 6:6, Matthew 7:7, Hebrews 4:16, James 5:17, Romans 11:33-34, James 1:17, Deuteronomy 29:29, Psalms 103:7, Matthew 14:26, Colossians 3:1
From Series: "Elijah"
Elijah's life shows us the keys to spiritual power: the power of God's Word faith prayer revival and failure.