Are You Troubled or a Troubler? 1 Kings 18:1–21
Are You Troubled or a Troubler (1 Kings 18:1–21)
In 1 Kings 18, the nation of Israel is suffering under severe drought—a direct result of its rebellion against God. Yet when Elijah confronts King Ahab, the king does not repent. Instead, he accuses Elijah of being the “troubler of Israel.” This passage exposes a deep spiritual reality: those who reject God often blame His truth and His servants for the consequences of their own sin.
This sermon examines the contrast between those who are troubled by God’s truth and those whom God uses to trouble a rebellious world. Ahab represents the heart that resists correction—marked by misplaced anger, opposition to God’s will, and a desire to follow cultural opinion. Elijah, on the other hand, stands as a faithful servant, directed by truth, confident in God, and willing to endure opposition.
The message calls believers to examine their own lives. Are you resisting the truth when it exposes your sin, or are you standing firmly on God’s Word regardless of the cost? Faithfulness to God will often bring conflict with the world, but it is far better to stand with the Lord than to seek the approval of men.
Choose whom you will follow. If the Lord is God, follow Him.
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Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.
Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.
You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org.
This sermon was originally preached on 2/2/2020.
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