Lessons From Mt. CarmelLessons From Mt. Carmel

(1 Kings 18:20-40)(1 Kings 18:20-40)

Introduction Introduction

• Familiar site–Mediterranean coast of Israel

–Site of contest with false prophets

• Elijah’s experience–Called upon to stand up for God

–What lessons can we learn?

Mountain of Mountain of Choice Choice (vv. 20, 21)(vv. 20, 21)

• Called upon the people to choose–If you believe in God, serve Him

–If you believe in Baal, serve him

–No middle position offered

Mountain of Mountain of Choice Choice (vv. 20, 21)(vv. 20, 21)

• We must go to “Mt. Carmel”–Choose like Joshua (Joshua 24:15)

–Can serve only one (Matthew 6:24)

–With or against Christ (Matthew 12:30)

–Quit going back and forth

Mountain of Mountain of Courage Courage (v. 22)(v. 22)

• Elijah recognized the “odds”–Four hundred fifty to one

–God plus one is a majority (Psalm 118:6)

–“If God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31)

Mountain of Mountain of Courage Courage (v. 22)(v. 22)

• We need courage today–“Act like men” (1 Corinthians 16:13)

–Ashamed of Christ? (Matthew 10:32)

–Ashamed of gospel? (Romans 1:16)

–Strength in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10)

–“Fight the good fight” (1 Timothy 6:12)

Mountain of Mountain of Challenge Challenge (vv. 23, 24)(vv. 23, 24)

• Proposed a test–Each side to prepare the altar

–The “true” god will light the fire

–The people agreed (v. 24)

Mountain of Mountain of Challenge Challenge (vv. 23, 24)(vv. 23, 24)

• We have challenges–Contend for the faith (Jude 3)

–Expose wrong (Matthew 7:15)

–Test the spirits (1 John 4:1)

–Souls are at stake (Matthew 15:14)

–Church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:2)

Mountain of Mountain of Confusion Confusion (vv. 25-29)(vv. 25-29)

• Test was decisive–Elijah mocked the false prophets

–They failed (v. 29)

Mountain of Mountain of Confusion Confusion (vv. 25-29)(vv. 25-29)

• Same happens today–False teachers contradict the Truth

and themselves

–Resort to name calling and slander

–Go to source for authority (Acts 15)

Mountain of Mountain of Conquest Conquest (vv. 30-39)(vv. 30-39)

• God vindicated Himself that day–False prophets’ tricks

–Elijah’s preparation prevented it

–Soaked everything with twenty two gallons

–Fire came from heaven

Mountain of Mountain of Conquest Conquest (vv. 30-39)(vv. 30-39)

• God will do the same for us–Truth still sets men free (John 8:32)

–Strength is in the Lord (Philippians 4:13)

–Can overcome (Romans 8:37)

–He will be with us (2 Timothy 4:16-18)

Mountain of Mountain of Condemnation Condemnation (v. 40)(v. 40)

• Punishment came from God–False prophets killed

–Law was clear (Deuteronomy 13:1-5)

Mountain of Mountain of Condemnation Condemnation (v. 40)(v. 40)

• Greater condemnation today–Must not twist the Scriptures

(2 Peter 3:16)

–Those who pervert the Gospel are accursed (Galatians 1:6-9)

Conclusion Conclusion

• Learn the lessons

• Imitate Elijah’s faith