Monday, October 14, 2024

Following God | 1 Kings 19:15-21



This Fall our church is preaching through the life of Elijah. We had some great guests start the series out as I was on sabbatical but now that I'm back I want to share these small group questions with you. The life of Elijah is a story of encouragement to life for God when others around you might be living an ungodly life. Elijah learns to deeply depend on God to meet all his needs. His life is a life lived by faith; no retirement plan, no 401K, and no vacation policy. Elijah stands up to point God's people back to their true King during a dark time in the life of Israel. Study these questions by yourself or with others to grow in your faith! 

Small Group Questions | Following God | 1 Kings 19:15-21

Elijah was a prophet in Israel during the terrifying reign of Ahab and Jezebel. Elijah stood up for God when it seemed like many others were bowing to the idols of the day.  In 1 Kings 19 we read how Elijah was disappointed in the spiritual state of Israel. He was exhausted and felt alone. While meeting with God, Elijah is recommissioned to ministry. God gives Elijah clear instructions on his successor. Immediately Elijah goes and invites Elisha to ministry. Elisha is literally willing to burn all his bridges to follow Elijah and this call of God on his life. Study these questions to see where God is calling you to invest in the lives of others for the sake of the Kingdom. 

1) We all have someone who has made a significant impact on our life. This could be a sports coach, an employer, or someone in the church. Looking back, what made this relationship so unique and so impactful in your life?  

2) Read 1 Kings 19:15-18. Elijah was concerned with the spiritual state of Israel and felt alone. We read that God reserved 7000 who had not participated in idol worship. What are some idols that you can easily turn to in your daily life? 

3) We read how God instructed Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor. The Bible has several stories of leadership transitions (read Deuteronomy 31:7-8, 1 Samuel 10:1, and Acts 1:8). What do these transitions teach us about God’s plan for His people? 

4) Read 1 Kings 19:19-20. Elijah is obedient to find Elisha and invite him to become his successor. Elisha is obedient to follow after Elijah. When thinking about the obedience of these two men, who holds you back from fully obeying God? 

5) The word “kiss” is used only twice in 1 Kings. The people would kiss the idol as their way to associate with idol worship. What is the modern day version of this? For example what do we do to signify our allegiance to God? 

6) Read 1 Kings 19:21. Elisha literally burns all his bridges and invites his neighbors so they will know what he is planning on doing. What are some things that hold you back from following Jesus and how can you get rid of them from your life? 

7) Pastor Neal said that we are a church with Elijah’s and Elisha’s. What one of these people do you resonate with more? How will you take the application of the sermon to invest your life into someone or find someone to disciple you? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 



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