1 Kings 18:25-39

Resound
February 27, 2011

Bryne Palmer

1 Kings 18:25-39

“Smoke Signal”

Everyday our lives sendoff smoke signals of who we devote our lives to.

1.       Preparations Made Vs. 25-26

Alter symbolizes the foundation. Bull symbolizes our lives, what we devote ourselves to. Baal symbolizes idols. People symbolize people who watch us daily. Water symbolizes our sin.
there was no meaning behind the preparations of the prophets of Baal. They didn’t really prepare, they just did it because they had to. There is no purpose for idols.

A)     The Preparations made for God Vs. 30-35

Elijah spent time preparing his alter, his had meaning. -1 Peter 2:4-6- God is our foundation. Every day you sacrifice yourself to either idols or God, and Jesus is the foundation, the alter. How awful is that to think about? Jesus being the alter then we sacrifice ourselves to idols. –Psalm 32:1-5-

B)      A point to prove God’s glory

-Romans 5:20-21- When we confess our sins we are proving God’s glory. –Jeremiah 15:19-

2.       Prayers to the idols

Idols promise so much but demand so much in return. It cost the priests of Baal so much; voices, blood, time, and a tongue lashing from Elijah, and received nothing in return.

A)     Prayers to God Vs. 46-47

The intent of the prayer was to glorify God. He acknowledged God. He was also praying that people’s lives would be changed. This is what our prayer should be like; to glorify God and to lift up others.

3.       The results

A)     Idols Vs. 27-29

Nothing happened. –Isaiah 44:10-20- (Idol worship) Nothing happens in idol worship.

B)      The real God Vs. 38-39

God answers! When God answers it’s in a big way. The fire in our life is the Holy Spirit. If we sacrifice ourselves to God He will take up that sacrifice. Do people see this in your life? Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice. He sacrificed Himself so that we can sacrifice ourselves to Him. Daily, be a living sacrifice. What do your smoke singles say? –Romans 12:1- (Our sacrifice)