Elijah (Week Four) Questions for discussion and reflection

At the end of 1 Kings 19 we find Elijah emerging from the pain of depression with a newfound mission of raising up an apprentice. Elijah obeyed God and passed the torch onto Elisha.

Read 1 Kings 19:19-21.

1. What was the significance of Elijah throwing his cloak over Elisha?

2. Why do you think Elisha was so willing to go with Elijah? Why did he burn the plowing equipment and cook the oxen?

3. What can we learn from Elisha’s example? How can we wholeheartedly pass our faith on to others?

Yesterday we looked at Elijah's response of fear to the threat made against his life by Jezebel (1 Kings 19:3). Check out this video by Max Lucado from the Small Group Exchange. Max Lucado explains how small groups are used by God to help people overcome their fears.

How can we create group environments where people are willing to share their fears?

Elijah (Week Three) Questions for discussion and reflection

Has there been a time in your life when you, like Elijah, experienced feelings of depression following a spiritual breakthrough?

In what ways does fear contribute to loneliness or depression? What are some of your fears?

Read 1 Kings 19:1-18.

1. Describe Elijah’s prayer when he got alone with God. What does this tell you about Elijah? How did God respond?

2. While in the cave, what did God ask Elijah and how did he respond? Does anything strike you as unusual about this question?

3. What did God command Elijah to do?

4. What can be learned from the way in which God spoke to Elijah?

5. Focus on one of the application points in the message, rest, solitude, honest prayer, community and mission. Which one or two of these are you most needful of in your life right now? What is your plan to put this into practice?