Sermon Notes + 8.3.2025
Sermon Notes
What Are You Doing Here, Elijah?
1 Kings 19
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: When Jezebel discovers that the prophets of Baal have been defeated, she threatens to take Elijah’s life. Elijah runs away in fear, eventually settling under a tree outside of Beersheba, where, in his weakened state, he asks the Lord to take his life. Instead of taking his life, the Lord provides rest and food to sustain him for forty days and nights as he travels to Horeb. The Lord then prompts Elijah’s thought process by asking, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” In his reply, Elijah states that he alone is zealous for the Lord while all others have forsaken Him. The Lord draws Elijah out of the cave with quietness rather than raw power and instructs Elijah to return to his appointed role of prophet. The Lord also assures Elijah that he is not alone, as seven thousand remain who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Elijah’s subsequent encounter with Elisha confirms that Elijah’s ministry will continue according to the perfect plan of God. The restoration of this faithful but fragile prophet is an encouragement to all who need help persevering for the Lord.
01. Our lowest moments in the Christian life are often caused by our human weakness. Let us be responsible with our bodies by exercising as we can, resting as we should, and maintaining a good diet.
02. Our greatest moments in the Christian life are often attributed to our spiritual discipline. Let us be careful hearers of the Word of God; consistent workers for the kingdom of God; and find constant encouragement with the people of God.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. What was the underlying factor behind Jezebel’s anger toward Elijah? Why did her comments put fear into Elijah, especially knowing, as he did, that the “gods” she references in verse 2 do not exist? What do the two reactions (Jezebel and Elijah) suggest about each one’s personality?
2. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “It might puzzle us to tell why Elijah should get under a juniper bush. … But when we get under the juniper ourselves, we are glad to recall the fact that Elijah once sat there.” What encouragement can we derive from seeing the human side of great men like Elijah? What false conclusions might we draw if we think our spiritual heroes never experience fear, suffering, or doubt?
3. How would you answer the following if it were put to you by the Lord: “What are you doing here?” How would you sum up your life’s purpose at this point in your life? In what ways are you being intentional about living for the Lord? Pray that the Lord will prompt you with that question if you are ever in a place where you do not belong or if you have an attitude you should not have.
4. In what way did the Lord make Himself known to Elijah in verses 11-12? What does this text suggest to us about the nature of our expectations when it comes to God doing something marvelous in our lives? Are we wrong to look for God in the small things? Are you able to hear the “still small voice” as you read Scripture?
5. Why was it important for Elijah to resume his ministry after going through this bout of depression? Does this episode in Elijah’s life encourage you to continue serving the Lord even after you go through a difficult time of doubt? What encouragement can we draw from other believers, as Elijah did when he discovered there were 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed to Baal?
For Further Reading: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Its Cure (Eerdmans, 1965).