THE WIDOW OF ZAREPHATH - An Example of Faith

 
THE WIDOW OF ZAREPHATH - An Example of Faith
 

INTRODUCTION:

Faith is an action word, and it is exemplified and amplified when we put it into action. The Widow of Zarephath stands as a quiet but powerful example of faith and courage in the face of extreme lack. She chose to trust and obey the word of the Lord spoken through Elijah, even when she had only a handful of meal and a little oil left for herself and her son. Her obedience given at the lowest point of her life revealed a faith that acted before it saw provision. God honored that courage by sustaining her household and turning her scarcity into a testimony of His unfailing care.

 

Faith is a necessity in our lives. God had to go outside Israel to find one for whom He could perform a miracle during the drought. God rewarded this faithful widow later in life by raising her son from the dead. Daring faith brings outstanding breakthroughs.

 

QUESTIONS

 

1. Describe the situation that the widow of Zarephath was in when the prophet came to her.

 

KEY POINTS & LESSON INSPIRATIONS:

It is natural to sympathize with the widow and understand that this was, no doubt, the lowest point in her whole life.

 

Critical situation

Internal/external stress - emotional

Spiritual tolerance despite the stress

She had: -eyes that catch the unseen- ears that heard prophetic instructions  -willing and obedient heart

Your situation is not your portion - It will also pass away

Don't give up - There is yet hope

 

What do you do while waiting?

Service:

Use it as time to prepare for future opportunities & prospects

Avoid self-pity:

Psalm 84:6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.

One in Town: -Jesus saluted her faith – God sees your faithfulness in famine

Last Meal: When you are down to nothing, God is up to something

Instructions at the closet: Importance of personal closet with God

Instructions in the open

Lowest point but highest spiritual integrity

 

RELATED SCRIPTURES:

Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Jeremiah 29:10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

IT HAS BEEN SAID:

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains.”

“The same sun that melts the wax hardens the clay.”

“Every trial allowed by God is an opportunity for spiritual advancement.”

 

2. While the widow went to fetch water for Elijah, he called to her with another request which elicited a pitiful response from the widow. What options did his request leave her?

 

KEY POINTS & LESSON INSPIRATIONS:

Either obey through faith in God and in the prophet and live, or return to the same hopelessness that prevailed before the prophet stepped on the scene.

The prophet gave the widow assurance that if she obeyed his request, her needs would be met until the rains came.

God rarely requires us to step out in faith without giving us any support or assurance that He will sustain.

 

Prompt obedience opened the way for her breakthrough

Her initial hospitality response despite the hard situation was Spiritual maturity

Further request could have put her off - Spiritual discipline

She had a tough decision to make - She exhibited faith, obedience and courage

Faith Vs. facts and figures

God’s ways or yours?

Obey God and leave the consequences for Him

God has His own ways and methods:

Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

God moves in mysterious ways:

1 Corinthian’s 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Methodologies, analysis, proven philosophies, professional views, antecedents, precedence…

-All these doesn’t affect/influence the works of God

There is always a difference when God steps in

Allow God, Don’t limit yourself: “Don’t put God in a box”, “Don’t limit God”

Be smart, but follow God like a fool (wholly depending on God)

Time of divine visitation

First step obedience

Next level of obedience leads to next level of opportunities and blessings

Provision for vision and mission

 

RELATED SCRIPTURES:

Hebrews 13:5–6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Matthew. 14:29–31 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

 

IT HAS BEEN SAID:

“God never calls us to a task without first giving the grace to accomplish it.”

“Where God guides, He provides.”

“Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God has promised.”

“God’s commands are God’s enablements.”

“We may confidently trust God’s power whenever we obey His will.”

“God may stretch your faith, but He never removes His support.”

“Every step of faith rests on a promise of God.”

“God does not reveal the whole path, but He always provides enough light for the next step.”

“Faith is not stepping into the dark; it is stepping into the care of God.”

“When God asks you to move forward, He has already planned how to hold you up.”

 

3. What parallel can you draw between this woman’s decision in how to respond to Elijah’s demand and the decision facing every sinner who hears God’s call?

 

KEY POINTS & LESSON INSPIRATIONS:

The sinner must choose to believe that Jesus really is the answer and turn his whole life over to Him or return to his own way and suffer the consequences. Even though the benefits promised to the sinner make his response to God’s call seem obvious, still mankind will often harden his heart to his own destruction.

 

Decision - It begins with you (you have the power to make your own decisions)

Obedience will open the way

Faith will find the way

Excuses will exclude you from the blessings

 

For Sinners:

Importance of the Word

Believe God and believe His prophets:

2 Chronicles 20:20 20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

Trust and obey: “Be merciful unto me a sinner”

Higher level requires higher level obedience

Commitment to service: obeyed daily for daily provision

Jesus is the Answer!

The gospel of the “Whosoever will”

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

 

RELATED SCRIPTURES:

Hebrews 4:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Isaiah 55:6–7 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

 

IT HAS BEEN SAID:

“Delayed obedience is disobedience.”

“God’s call waits for no tomorrow.”

“Obedience is the organ of spiritual knowledge.”

“The moment we obey, we enter into God’s blessing.”

“Faith is obedience put into action.”

“Speed in obedience honors God.”

“Heaven moves when faith responds immediately.”

“A willing heart responds without delay.”

“God speaks to be obeyed, not negotiated.”

 

4. Verse 15 brings out what very important truth concerning faith?

 

15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.

 

KEY POINTS & LESSON INSPIRATIONS:

Faith must be followed with works or it is of no value.

Challenge: Is this still true in our Christian experience?

 

Without faith we cannot come to God or please Him

Faith is good but must be put to good use

Obedience demonstrates Faith

Faith without work is dead

 

Sequence:

Word – Believe – Act – receive

Action is only a trigger

 

RELATED SCRIPTURES:

James 2:14–17 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

James 2:21–23 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Ephesians 2:8–10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

 

IT HAS BEEN SAID:

“We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.”

“Faith without works is like a bird without wings.”

“A faith that does not change conduct has not changed the heart.”

“True faith inevitably expresses itself in obedience.”

“The proof of faith is obedience.”

“Faith that costs nothing does nothing.”

“Belief that never acts is belief in name only.”

“Works do not replace faith; they reveal it.”

“Faith lives, moves, and works.”

“Genuine faith always leaves footprints.”

 

5. What might the consequences have been had the characters in the following verses not exercised faith?

Genesis 6:13-18, Jonah 3:4-5, Matthew 15:22-28

 

KEY POINTS & LESSON INSPIRATIONS:

Noah: Loss of his own and his family’s life and possibly the whole human race.

Ninevites: Certain destruction.

Syrophenician woman: No healing for her daughter.

There are consequences in our day if faith is not exercised: no salvation, healings, etc.

 

Our choices have consequences - input that produces output

Beyond the momentary gratification of the choice, think of the subsequent consequences

We would have to obey without knowing the details

A stitch at time saves nine - Delayed obedience could bring permanent consequences

There are obstacles to overcome - Your breakthrough would be challenged until the final breakthrough moment

Challenging situation is an opportunity for investment in the Kingdom of God

It is in your own interest to obey

It is to the glory of God

God’s Kingdom suffereth violence, only the violent/persistent will take it

 

RELATED SCRIPTURES:

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

James 1:6–7 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Matthew 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

 

IT HAS BEEN SAID:

“Unbelief is the mother of all sin.”

“We limit God by our unbelief.”

“Faith is the foot of the soul; where it does not walk, it stumbles.”

“The tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered faith.”

“Unbelief puts us where God cannot bless us.”

“Missed faith moments lead to missed blessings.”

“Unbelief delays what obedience would deliver.”

“Fear at the crossroads produces regret.”

“When faith hesitates, opportunity passes.”

“The cost of unbelief is always greater than the risk of faith.”

 

6. Give an example from your own life that illustrates how faith sustains a person.

 

KEY POINTS & LESSON INSPIRATIONS:

Our faith has effects on those around us.

One’s personal experience of faith rewarded can be a powerful encouragement to another who is going through a similar test or trial.

This is the basis for testimonies given in Gospel services.

 

Faith is needed every day

Faith must be consistent

Faith must be nourished with the unfailing promises of God

Faith that works must be alive - living Faith

Faith must grow - remembering past victories

Just in time and as at when needed - Beautiful for every situation

 

Corporate faith:

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Faith that brings salvation and relationship with God

Practical faith:

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Precedence, promises,

Personal Faith:

Habakuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Situational, hands-on experiences

He did it for me

He will do it again.

 

RELATED SCRIPTURES:

Romans 1:17 “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

2 Corinthians 5:7 “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)”

Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

1 Peter 1:5 “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Hebrews 10:38–39 “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

Jude 1:20–21 “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

 

IT HAS BEEN SAID:

“Faith does not eliminate questions, but it knows where to take them.”

“Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible.”

“Faith is not the absence of trouble, but confidence in God in the midst of it.”

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

“Faith rests not in feelings but in the faithfulness of God.”

“Faith holds us when strength fails.”

“Faith is the anchor of the soul.”

“Faith supplies courage when circumstances drain it.”

“Faith keeps the heart steady in the storm.”

“What faith leans on, hope stands upon.”

 

7. Luke 18:8 poses a very piercing question. How does it apply to the world in which we live?

 

Luke 18:8 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

 

KEY POINTS & LESSON INSPIRATIONS:

The is a falling away from the true faith in much of Christendom and the growth of humanism which is the very antithesis of faith.

The gradual erosion of such doctrines as divine healing among Christians is startling evidence of a watered-down and declining faith.

 

Our fast world and lifestyles is not faith friendly

Our logic, facts, immediate gratification, self dependence tendencies are anti-faith:

-Faith is not natural - It is spiritual

-Faith requires spiritual relationship with an unseen God

-Faith works when we don't focus on the alternatives - No plan B

-Worldliness is against faithfulness

-Faith believes and wait for God's timing and purpose

 

RELATED SCRIPTURES:

1 Timothy 4:1 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”

2 Timothy 4:3–4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

Hebrews 3:12 “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

Matthew 7:21–23 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

Jude 1:4 “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Jude 1:18–19 “How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.”

Proverbs 14:14 “The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.”

 

IT HAS BEEN SAID:

“If Christ is not central in our preaching, something else will be.”

“The church is in danger when it becomes more concerned with being relevant than being faithful.”

“Humanism is a religion that substitutes man for God.”

“When God is dismissed, man does not become great—he becomes lost.”

“When truth is abandoned, feelings take its place.”

“A Christless Christianity soon becomes a man-centered morality.”

“Where Scripture loses authority, human reason assumes the throne.”

“The decline of faith always begins with the elevation of self.”

“Humanism promises freedom but delivers confusion.”

“The greatest threat to the church today is not persecution, but substitution -replacing the gospel with something easier to accept.”

“When repentance is removed from the message, redemption soon disappears.”

“A church that mirrors the world has nothing left to say to it.”

 

8. How can we guard against the onslaught of the forces which would destroy or diminish our faith?

 

KEY POINTS & LESSON INSPIRATIONS:

Seeking to always retain a love for the truth and attending to the many means of grace such as prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship with other believers will serve to keep the hedge of God’s protection high around us and our faith strong.

Also, we should never shrink from situations that might demand us to walk by faith alone, since faith grows with use.

 

We wrestle not against flesh and blood - It is a spiritual battle

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal - Natural approach will fail

We have a sure Guide - Captain of the Host, Lord God Almighty

- He knows the way, walked the way, showing the way and leading the way

Victory strategy: Put on the whole armour - Absolute obedience always

Faith management: 1. The word 2. Prayer 3. Service/Works

Military mentality:  We are soldiers for Christ

Opposing forces: Faith and doubts

Have the knowledge of the devices of the enemy

Take Spiritual counter measures

Confront to conquer

Grow in grace

 

RELATED SCRIPTURES:

Ephesians 6:10–11, 16 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

1 Peter 5:8–9 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Jude 1:20–21 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Colossians 2:6–7 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

 

IT HAS BEEN SAID:

“A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”

“Faith is kept alive by continual contact with its source.”

“The maintenance of faith is not automatic; it requires discipline.”

“Satan’s greatest strategy is to make us forget God’s Word.”

“If we do not stand firm in faith, we shall be swept along by the spirit of the age.”

“Faith must be fed, or it will fade.”

“What we neglect spiritually, we soon lose.”

“Truth believed and practiced is faith preserved.”

“A guarded heart is a growing heart.”

“Faith thrives where vigilance lives.”

 

CONCLUSION:

How is your FAITH LEVEL?

Luke 17:6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

 

Are you faithless?

Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

 

THERE IS YET HOPE!

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