Scripture Reading: James 5:16–18

Introduction

A. Although the Bible contains no books by Elijah and he only plays a major role in six chapters, he is still a man of great importance.

B. Elijah is a remarkable individual, and yet he was a man with considerable weaknesses.

Discussion

I. Elijah was a man of great zeal and courage.

A. He stood up to King Ahab (1 Kings 18:18).

B. He stood up to the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:22–28).

C. He stood up to soldiers (2 Kings 1:3–4, 13–16).

D. His response to Jezebel’s vow to kill him proves that he was not void of natural fear altogether (1 Kings 19:2–4).

II. How did God use this man to accomplish so much?

A. He taught him humility through poverty (1 Kings 17:1–16).

B. He allowed him to experience the feeling of despair and defeat (1 Kings 17:17–20; 18:42; 19:4).

C. With God’s help he raised the widow’s son (1 Kings 17:17–24), outran a chariot (18:46), parted the Jordan (2 Kings 2:8), and ascended to heaven (2:11).

III. God’s glory stands out best when contrasted with man’s weakness.

A. Paul observed this in his own life (2 Corinthians 12:1–10).

B. We also see this in the lives of characters like Gideon (Judges 7:2–7) and David (1 Samuel 17:34–37).

Conclusion

A. If you are suffering tragedy or sickness or loss, perhaps God is preparing to show His greatness to you or through you: trust Him.

B. If God could accomplish so much with a man who shared so many of our feelings and failings, He can work through us too.