The Fire Falls
Elijah's prayer was answered because of its earnestness, sincerity, and right motives, demonstrating the power of effective prayer.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the power of sincere prayer through the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 18:30-39, contrasting his brief yet heartfelt prayer with the lengthy, ineffective cries of the prophets of Baal. Epp highlights that true prayer is not about loudness or physical displays but about the condition of the heart and the right motives behind our requests. Elijah's prayer was focused on honoring God, which led to a miraculous response as fire fell from heaven. This sermon encourages believers to examine their own prayer lives and ensure their motives align with God's purposes. Ultimately, Epp reminds us that God is a consuming fire, ready to respond to genuine faith.
Text
1 Kings 18:30-39
By having water poured over the sacrifice as often as he did, Elijah prevented any human counterfeiting or trickery. Then he began to pray.
This short prayer has only 63 English words (even fewer in Hebrew), and it takes about 20 seconds to speak them. But the prophets of Baal had prayed to their idol for several hours and had received no answer at all. Elijah prayed for 20 seconds, and God answered by fire.
Elijah's prayer differed in character and sincerity from that of the prophets of Baal. James described it when he said, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16).
Even some Christians seem to misunderstand what this verse means. They shout in prayer as though God were deaf. They put on a demonstration as though they had to attract God's attention. Earnestness in prayer does not involve physical gestures but a condition of the heart and will with regard to the purposes of God.
Perhaps here we may learn to examine our own prayers. Since Elijah's prayer was motivated by his desire to see God honored, God answered His servant. In writing concerning prayer James said, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts" (4:3). Right motives are essential if our prayers are to be answered.
"For our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:29).
Sermon Outline
- Elijah's Prayer
- Characteristics of Elijah's Prayer
- Earnestness and Sincerity
- Right Motives
Key Quotes
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” — Theodore Epp
“For our God is a consuming fire.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- We must examine our own prayers to ensure they are motivated by a desire to see God honored.
- Earnestness and sincerity in prayer are essential for effective prayer.
- Right motives are crucial for our prayers to be answered.