Sunday School Lesson July 25, 2021

Subject: Serve with Courage

The Point: Serving God often calls for courage.

The Passages: 1 Kings 16:29-33, 17:1-6

Study The Bible: 1 Kings 16:29-33

1). Recognize when others oppose God and His authority.

29. Ahab son of Omri became king over Israel in the thirty-eighth year of Judah’s King Asa; Ahab son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.
30. But Ahab son of Omri did what was evil in the Lord’s sight more than all who were before him.
31. Then, as if following the sin of Jeroboam son of Nebat were not enough, he married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and then proceeded to serve Baal and bow in worship to him.
32. He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria.
33. Ahab also made an Asherah pole. Ahab did more to anger the Lord God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him.

Lasting truths from: 1 Kings 16:29-33

* Sin left unchecked today leads to more sin in the future.

*  An individual’s standing with God, rather than earthly accomplishments, is the true measure of success in life.

* God still demands complete loyalty, even in a culture obsessed with tolerance.

2). Stand against the lies and false beliefs of culture.

1 Kings 17:1

1. Now Elijah the Tishbite, from the Gilead settlers, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, in whose presence I stand, there will be no dew on rain during these years except by my command!”

Lasting truth from: 1 Kings 17:1

*  God will always raise up individuals who will stand courageously for Him.

*  God refuse to share His glory and His honor with anyone or anything.

*  Christians are called to demonstrate that God is real and working through His people.

* God’s people have a responsibility to speak His truth to the world around us.

3). God sustains us as we obediently exercise courage.

1 Kings 17:2-6

2. Then the word of the Lord came to him:
3. “Leave here, turn eastward, and hide at the Wadi Cherith where it enters the Jordan.
4. You are to drink from the wadi. I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.”
5. So he proceeded to do what the Lord commanded. Elijah left and lived at the Wadi Cherith where it enters the Jordan.
6. The ravens kept bringing him bread and meat in the morning and in the evening, and he world drink from the wadi.

Lasting truth from: 1 Kings 17:2-6

*  God faithfully supplies the needs of those who faithfully serve Him.

*  God may lead individuals away from the spotlight to  prepare them for greater service.

* As Lord of all, God can use whatever means necessary to protect and provide for His people.

Live It Out

As you reflect on this lesson respond to the following questions:

1. What fears might hold you back form standing up for what’s right? How can you overcome those fears?
2. What does the “word of the Lord” sound life in your life? What are some things you can do to hear His voice more clearly?
3. How has God provided for you in the past? How does that encourage you to trust Him more in the future?

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.”