Faith and Obedience (1 Kings 17:1-6)
In this episode, Pastor Ben Smith dives into “The Story of Elijah: Faith and Obedience” from 1 Kings 17:1–16. Discover how Elijah’s bold obedience in confronting King Ahab’s sin led to God’s miraculous provision—through both nature and the unlikely generosity of a widow. Pastor Ben unpacks three essential truths: God provides for obedience, suffering is part of life in a fallen world, and true faith is proven through action. Through Elijah’s story and a personal illustration from his own life, Pastor Ben shows how God’s provision follows faithful obedience and how His glory shines brightest in the midst of trials. This episode challenges believers to trust fully, act in faith, and see God’s power in even life’s hardest moments.
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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 1/26/2020.
What makes a person right with God? In this expository sermon from Genesis 4:1–7, Pastor Ben Smith explores the contrast between Cain and Abel’s offerings to show that being accepted by God requires submission to His Word—not the opinions or desires of man.
In a world that worships the autonomy of self, Right with God calls believers to reject self-made religion and return to true worship rooted in obedience, faith, and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. These pulpit notes expose how the idol of self corrupts your worship, relationships, and understanding of righteousness, and how only through Christ can you be made right with God.
Key Themes:
The danger of worshiping God on our own terms
Why only a worthy offering—one of obedience and atonement—is accepted
How submission to God’s will brings freedom from sin’s power
Includes:
Full sermon manuscript in outline format (PDF)
Sermon outline handout
Reflection questions for personal devotion or group discussion
Format: Digital PDF
Length: 24 pages
Page Size: 6.5 X 8.5 in. (Statement)
Scripture Text: Genesis 4:1-7
Series: Genesis
Author: Ben Smith, Sr.
Usage: For personal study, teaching, or ministry preparation (see copyright permissions included in the document).
Use this resource to preach, teach, or study the timeless truth:
Description:
This sermon resource unpacks three requirements for being accepted by God: giving a worthy offering, desiring to please God, and submitting to His will. Ideal for pastors, teachers, or individual study, these pulpit notes offer biblical depth, theological clarity, and practical application for today’s church.
Download includes:
✔️ Printable PDF format
✔️ Ready-to-preach sermon outline
✔️ Fill-in-the-blank outline handout
✔️ Reflection questions for spiritual growth and group discussion
More sermon resources:
A church can be friendly on Sunday morning and still overlook a brother or sister in need. John calls believers to love one another in deed and in truth. How we respond when a fellow believer needs our help reveals what the gospel has done in us.
In this expository sermon on 1 John 3:11–18, Ben Smith explains why Christians are commanded to love one another and how Jesus Christ teaches us to love by laying down His life for us. John moves from Cain’s hatred to Christ’s sacrifice and calls believers to give practical help, speak the truth in love, and care for one another even when it costs them something.