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.
Find Out More:
Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.
This sermon was originally preached on 2/2/2020.
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Dive deep into the opening chapters of Genesis with this collection of 11 expository sermons by Ben Smith, Sr. This resource provides both profound theological insight and practical application as it explores God's creation, man's nature, the curse of sin, and the foundation of redemption.
Physical Format
This 291-page booklet is printed on 5.5 × 8.5-inch pages and bound with durable plastic comb binding (6.25 × 8.5 × 1 inches), making it easy to lay flat for study, teaching preparation, or note-taking. The convenient size fits perfectly in a Bible study bag or on your desk.
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Dive deep into the opening chapters of Genesis with this collection of 11 expository sermon manuscripts by Ben Smith, Sr. This resource provides both profound theological insight and practical application as it explores God's creation, man's nature, the curse of sin, and the foundation of redemption.
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This 291-page volume contains complete sermon manuscripts and study materials covering:
God Created (Genesis 1) - Exploring God as creator, sovereign, and good
The Nature of Man (Genesis 1:26-31) - Understanding humanity as God's image bearers
Goodness of Work and Rest (Genesis 2:1-3) - Biblical foundations for labor and Sabbath
Breath of Life (Genesis 2:4-17) - Man's unique creation and purpose
Blessing of Marriage (Genesis 2:18-25) - God's design for the union of husband and wife
Fall of Man (Genesis 2:25-3:7) - How sin entered the world through deception
Curse of Sin (Genesis 3:8-19) - The devastating consequences of rebellion
Death for Life (Genesis 3:20-24) - The first glimpse of redemption through sacrifice
Right with God (Genesis 4:1-7) - What makes us acceptable before God
Sin's Ruinous Rule (Genesis 4:8-16) - The progression of sin without repentance
Purposeless Prosperity (Genesis 4:17-24) - The emptiness of worldly success without God
Ben Smith
Originally from Columbus, GA, pastor Ben Smith has served churches in Texas, South Carolina, and Georgia. Ben and his wife, Dana, make their home in Waycross, GA.
An audio podcast of Ben’s sermons is published weekly. Pastor Ben also hosts the podcast View From the Pulpit, dedicated to helping the church recover an understanding of expository preaching.
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