1 Kings 19

Go Deep

(1 Kings 19)

If this were school and your assignment was to state the moral of Greg Fowler’s story, what would you say?  

Shayne mentioned a number of biblical characters who failed. Some were restored, some were not. Why is this? Why, for example, was Peter restored after his failure but Judas was not? 

What did G. K. Chesterton mean when he said, “There is nothing that fails like success”? Have you or someone you know experienced this? 

Read 1 Kings 19:1-4. 

Do you think Elijah overreacted by fleeing from Jezebel? Might running away have been the right thing to do? What other steps might Elijah have taken? 

The Hebrew in verse 3 states, “Elijah saw…” What did he see? Was there anything important that he did not see? 

Can you think of any good reasons Elijah may have had for sending his servant away (1 Kings 19:3)? Do you agree with Shayne that seeking solitude when we are spiritually strong can be helpful but isolating ourselves when we are spiritually weak can be harmful? Explain. 

When Elijah tells God (v. 4), “I have had enough,” what was he talking about – enough of what? 

What does Elijah’s statement, “I am no better than my ancestors,” communicate to you? Read 2 Cor. 10:12. Why is it unwise to compare yourself to others? 

What steps are involved in Elijah’s restoration? Which ones appear most meaningful to you? 

What does Elijah’s word for word recitation of his troubles suggest to you? With all this in mind, how would you counsel someone who is ensnared by past failures? What would you suggest they do?