Sunday School Lesson August 1, 2021
Subject: Serve With Trust
The Point: Service to God should be fueled by trust in Him.
The Passages: 1 Kings 17:7-16
1). Follow God’s directions, even when it doesn’t make sense.
- After a while, the wadi dried up because there had been no rain in the land.
- Then the word of the Lord came to him;
- “Get up, go to Zarephath that belongs to Sidon and stay there. Look, I have commanded a woman who is a widow to provide for you there.”
- So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering wood. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup and let me drink.”
- As she went to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread in your hand.”
- But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I don’t have anything baked—only a handful of flour in the jar and a bit of oil in the jug. Just now, I am gathering a couple of sticks in order to go prepare it for myself and my son so we can eat it and die.”
Lasting truths from: 1 Kings 17:7-12
* Standing in the enemy’s camp often provide opportunities for greater faith.
* God cares deeply about all people, regardless of their background or social status.
* God has no problem using seemingly unremarkable people to fulfill His remarkable mission.
2). Encourage others to join you in trusting God.
1 Kings 17:13-14
- Then Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid; go and do as you have said. But first make me a small loaf from it and bring it out to me. Afterward, you may make some for yourself and your son,
- for this is what the Lord God of Israel says, “The flour jar will not become empty and the oil jug will not run day until the day the Lord sends rain on the surface of the land.’ “
Lasting truth from: 1 Kings 17:13-14
* We should use what we have learned about trusting God to encourage others to trust Him as well.
* While fears are real, faith in God allows us to move forward and fulfill His plan for our lives.
* God blesses the ones who will trust His leadership—even when it doesn’t make sense.
3). We see God work when we trust His guidance.
1 Kings 17:15-16
- So she proceeded to do according to the word of Elijah. Then the woman, Elijah, and her household ate for many days.
- The flour jar did not become empty, and the oil jug did not run dry, according to the word of the Lord he had spoken through Elijah.
Lasting truth from: 1 Kings 17:15-16
* God blesses those who trust Him and live in obedience to what He says.
* God may not give us everything we want, but He will never leave us lacking for what we need.
* When we put our trust in something other than God, we will always end up disappointed.
Live It Out
As you reflect on this lesson respond to the following questions:
- How has God met your needs in the past? How does that encourage you to trust Him in the future?
- What are some fears you are wrestling with right now? How can you take courage from the example of the widow?
- When has God kept a promise in your life? How did you respond to His work?
- How is your life encouraging others to trust God more deeply? How can you grow in that area of your life?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”