TOPIC: THE WIDOW OF ZAREPHATH
TEXT: 1 KINGS 17:8 – 16
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INTRODUCTION
The encounter between the widow of Zarephath and Elijah is quite significant and full of inspiration. She obeyed the instruction of God and fed the prophet Elijah with her last meal by faith despite her extreme poverty and lack. Notwithstanding the fact that there was famine in the land and it appeared help was not in sight, she believed the word of the Lord from God’s servant and God honoured her faith. God usually demonstrates His power and faithfulness in difficult times when He is trusted and obeyed.
In this study, we shall examine Elijah’s encounter with the widow of Zarephath and the lessons available to us in times like these.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1 a.)Who is the widow of Zarephath? 1Kings 17:8 – 9; Luke 4:25 – 26.
b.)What lessons can we learn from the attitude of the widow to the word of God through the prophet? 1Kings 17:13-16; Roms. 10:11. Note that God first spoke to the widow before Elijah did. The role of the prophet is to confirm the word of God. Do we need audible voices before giving? 2Kg. 4:9-10 (KJV)
2.) Discuss the place of faith and obedience in receiving from God. Hebs. 11:6; Isa. 1:19; Luke 17:12 – 14. God and His principles never change
3 a.) Are there similarities in the state of our nation today and the days of the widow of Zarephath? Eccl. 1:9 – 10.
b.) Identify and discuss the similarities.
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4.) Does faithfully giving to God (even sacrificially) prevent challenges coming our way? Discuss. 17:17-18, 24; 2Kgs. 4:18-21; Jn. 11:2.
5 .) What should be the attitude of a believer in times of adversity? Ps. 27:13 – 14; James 5:13; Roms. 12:2; Hebs. 10:38-39. As the widow took her perplexity back to Elijah, and the syrophoenician woman persisted with Jesus, so must we take our burdens to Abba Father. Our behaviour in adversity is a true reflection of present character.
6.) How can we build our faith to trust and obey God in difficult times? Cols. 3:16; Phil. 4:6 – 7; Joshua 1:8; James 1:5; Heb. 4:6-7.
CONCLUSION: Whilst some think Elijah was sustained through the famine by the widow of Zarephath’s giving, it is more correct to say that the widow and her house were sustained through giving to Elijah the prophet.
God is faithful and responds to faith in His word whenever it is expressed. No matter how hopeless a situation may be or appear, God expects us to look beyond the situation and hope in him, as well as trust and obey him. Nothing is too difficult for Him to do. May the Lord grant us the grace to trust and obey Him at all times in Jesus name. Amen.
MEMORY VERSE: “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land” Isa. 1:19.
Download this Bible Study Outline (Word Document) HERE