April 14th Bible Study: 1 Kings 15-17
Read 1 Kings 15-17**or listen to it here:**1 Kings 15-17 Audio
💖 Scripture of the Day
“For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry…” – 1 Kings 17:16
These chapters contrast the reigns of kings in Judah and Israel—highlighting both faithfulness and rebellion. We see how Asa stands out with a heart devoted to the Lord, while Israel continues in idolatry under multiple kings. Amidst the corruption, God raises up Elijah, a bold prophet, to call His people back. God’s miraculous provision for Elijah and the widow in Zarephath shows His faithfulness to those who trust Him. These chapters remind us that even in dark times, God is at work through faithful hearts.
📚 Overview of 1 Kings 15–17
🔹 1 Kings 15 – King Asa’s Reform
Asa leads Judah with a heart for God, removing idols and restoring worship, while Israel continues to spiral into sin.
🔹 1 Kings 16 – Evil Kings and Elijah’s Introduction
A series of wicked kings rule Israel, culminating in Ahab, the most evil yet. Elijah boldly declares a drought as judgment from God.
🔹 1 Kings 17 – Elijah’s Faith and God’s Provision
Elijah is fed by ravens, sustained through a widow’s miraculous jar of flour and oil, and prays life back into her dead son.
📢 Faith Over Fear
In these chapters, we see the stark difference between faithfulness and rebellion. God honors those who seek Him wholeheartedly and trust Him in the midst of trials. Even during times of great sin and judgment, He provides, restores, and breathes life back into what seems lost.
📚 Bible Study Points and Reflections
- 📚 1 Kings 15: Wholehearted Devotion
- 📌 Key Verse: 1 Kings 15:14 – “Although he did not remove the high places, Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life.”
- 💡 Reflection: God values our sincere and enduring devotion, even if our obedience isn’t perfect.
- ❓ Application: What does wholehearted commitment to God look like in your life today?
- 📚 1 Kings 16: Consequences of Corruption
- 📌 Key Verse: 1 Kings 16:33 – “Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to arouse the anger of the Lord… than did all the kings before him.”
- 💡 Reflection: God takes rebellion and idolatry seriously—but He also raises up voices to call people back.
- ❓ Application: Are there influences in your life that may be drawing your heart away from God?
- 📚 1 Kings 17: Trusting God in Uncertainty
- 📌 Key Verse: 1 Kings 17:16 – “For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry…”
- 💡 Reflection: God provides miraculously for those who trust and obey Him, even in the most desperate circumstances.
- ❓ Application: In what areas of your life is God asking you to trust Him more fully?
✨ Encouragement of the Day
When we walk in faith, even in scarcity or confusion, God is faithful to provide exactly what we need—often in ways we never imagined.
🙏 Call to Action
📚 Journal Prompt: Write about a time when God provided for you in an unexpected or miraculous way. How did it impact your faith?
💬 Discussion: What can we learn from Elijah’s boldness and the widow’s trust when facing fear and lack?
🙏 Prayer:
Lord, help me to walk faithfully like Asa and trust You like Elijah and the widow. Teach me to rely on Your provision and follow You with a full heart. Amen.
