The Compass

A Daily Personal Reflection & Small Group Discussion Guide

by John Hay, Jr.
Senior Pastor, West Morris Street Free Methodist Church

Series: 10 Bible Stories that Build Outgoing Disciples
Week's focus: Smackdown on Mt. Carmel
Scriptures: 1 Kings 18:16-39
Week of: July 8, 2007

TRACKING THE WORD IN WORSHIP
What insights can we find in this epic showdown that can build our capacity to be outgoing disciples?

1. DISCERN SPIRITUAL CRISES

Before any showdown occurs, there is evidence of a broad and deep spiritual crisis.

1 Kings 18:16-19

A. What "trouble" had Ahab and his father had brought on Israel?

B. How would you define idolatry? Give some examples.

C. What forms of idolatry do you see expressed today? To what extent do you think idolatry is a pressing spiritual issue?

2. APPEAL TO REASON

Elijah's plea is to return and keep covenant with Yahweh without any demonstrations, showdowns, or fireworks.

1 Kings 18:20-24

A. What are the two options between which the people of Israel are wavering?

B. Why do you think the people did not respond to Elijah's reasonable appeal to their head and heart?

C. What do you think it takes to convince people today of their need of God and God's power to change and fulfill their lives?

3. EXPOSE SPIRITUAL FUTILITIES.

Mount Carmel reveals the pathetic underbelly of man-made attempts to control or conjure up convenient "gods."

1 Kings 18:25-29

A. List the various actions or rituals the prophets of Baal used to try to get Baal to respond to their requests.

B. What kinds of rituals, devotions, or habits do you see people observing in their effort to get their idols to serve them or respond to their desires?

C. What distinguishes the worship of God from the worship of many false deities?

4. PROCLAIM GOD'S RESPONSIVE CARE.

Mount Carmel puts an exclamation point on the readiness of God to provide and guide all who will trust and obey.

1 Kings 18:30-39

A. For what does Elijah pray?

B. What is the response of the people when they see evidence of God's greatness?

C. To what evidences of God's presence, power, and love might we point people today?

MARKINGS FOR THE JOURNEY
Consider the power of worshiping God

WHAT WE BECOME. There's a tendency among worshipers of every religion to take on the character of their god. Ancient worshipers of heartless Molech become heartless as they cast their children into sacrificial fires. Baal worshipers became sexually promiscuous as they begged their god to make the earth fertile. As disciples who want to become more like Christ, we make worship a regular spiritual discipline. Worship changes us--and not merely because we hear messages that teach us about the gospel. The very act of worship changes us. Worship transforms us down deep." - Robert Heerspink

SATISFACTION IN GOD. "If the essence of worship is satisfaction in God, then worship can't be a means to anything else." - John Piper

RESPONSES & OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE
Want to explore The Compass with others? Have questions?

If you'd like to connect with others who are working weekly with The Compass, e-mail me or call the church office (317.632.8311)

If you have questions about Scriptures or some of the questions, or just want to share what your are discovering through The Compass, you are welcome to e-mail me.

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