A Look at the Lives of Elijah and Elisha
Throughout Scripture, God has always desired for His people to recognize Him as their ultimate King trusting his power and authority. Yet, the allure of worldly power and idolatry often led His people to stray.
Vision
In this 12-week series, we will journey through 1st and 2nd Kings examining the stories of Elijah and Elisha which are some of the most powerful and dramatic stories in scripture. Two prophets who served as God’s voice in a time of spiritual decline and idolatry, calling the people of God—and their kings—back to His ways. This series invites us to explore how God continues to prophetically speak through his church today, testifying to His justice, and faithfully calling His people to righteousness, even amidst cultural pressure to conform.
Our desire is to unpack the relevance of these ancient texts for our current cultural moment. Through Elijah and Elisha’s stories, we seek to see how God’s prophetic voice challenges societal norms, upholds justice, and empowers His people to live counter culturally for His kingdom. Together, we will seek to understand how we, as God’s people today, are called to be a prophetic witness in our own communities….today!
Series Objectives
- Biblical Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of 1st and 2nd Kings and the historical context surrounding Elijah and Elisha.
- Cultural Relevance: Learn how these stories speak to contemporary issues such as justice, idolatry, leadership, and community development.
- Practical Application: Equip individuals and families to respond to God’s prophetic call in their personal lives, their communities, and the world.
Key Messages
By studying Elijah and Elisha’s interactions with kings, widows, soldiers, and entire nations, we will uncover practical and culturally relevant Implications and applications of these texts that empower us to live out our faith authentically and boldly today.
- God raises prophets to challenge idolatry and injustice, calling His people to align with His kingdom values.
- The tension between prophets and kings highlights the tension between cultures’ definition of power that is false and deceptive versus Gods that is true.
- The same God who worked through Elijah and Elisha is active in our lives, calling us to speak truth and pursue justice today.
- How do we live as faithful witnesses to God’s justice and righteousness in a culture that often pulls us away from Him?
- How does God speak to us and through us as His prophetic people in today’s world?
- What does it mean to align our lives with God’s kingdom vision in our relationships, work, and community involvement?
Sermon Breakdown
- 1/19/25: 1 Kings 16:29–17:24 – Elijah and the Widow
Explore God’s provision in times of scarcity and the faith to trust Him in uncertain seasons. - 1/26/25: 1 Kings 18 – Elijah and the Prophets of Baal
Witness the power of God as Elijah exposes the false Gods of Idol culture and challenges the people to choose who they will serve . - 2/02/25: 1 Kings 19:1–18 – Elijah in the Wilderness
Reflect on God’s care and renewal for His prophets in moments of fear, burnout, and despair. - 2/09/25: 1 Kings 21 – Naboth’s Vineyard Stolen
Examine God’s response to injustice and His call for His people to stand for righteousness in corrupt systems. - 2/16/25: 1 Kings 22:51–2 Kings 1:18 – Elijah and Ahaziah
See how God’s justice prevails even when leaders reject His authority. - 2/23/25: 1 Kings 19:19–21 + 2 Kings 2:1–18 – Elijah Taken to Heaven-
Celebrate God’s faithfulness as leadership transitions from Elijah to Elisha, symbolizing a passing of the prophetic mantle. - 3/02/25: 2 Kings 4:1–36 + 8:1–6 – Elisha and the Widow
Observe God’s compassion and provision through the miraculous ministry of Elisha. - 3/09/25: 2 Kings 5 – Elisha and Naaman
Discover the power of humility and obedience in receiving God’s healing and restoration. - 3/16/25: 2 Kings 6:8–7:19 – Elisha and Armies
See God’s divine protection and provision for His people, even in times of conflict and crisis. - 3/23/25: Elisha Miracle Round-Up –
Reflect on God’s power displayed in everyday situations, revealing His care for every aspect of life. - 3/30/25: 2 Kings 8:7–17 + 9:1–13 – Elisha Weeps and Anoints
Explore the tension of God’s justice and compassion as Elisha anoints a new leader for Israel. - 4/06/25: 2 Kings 13:10–24 + 2 Kings 17:7–23 – Elisha’s Death
Celebrate God’s enduring faithfulness as Elisha’s ministry comes to an end, pointing to the continuation of His mission.
The Invitation
As we walk through Prophets and Kings, I pray we are moved by the Spirit to listen for his voice in our lives and respond courageously. Just as Elijah and Elisha pointed God’s people back to His ways, we are called to be His prophetic voice in a world that desperately needs justice, mercy, and truth. Let’s explore together what it means to follow God’s call, both in our personal lives and as a community united in mission, justice, and love, and let’s commit to being a community that embodies the kingdom of God and bears witness to his rule and reign for his people in the midst of culture today.