“June 27–July 3. 1 Kings 17–19: ‘If the Lord Be God, Follow Him,’” Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: Old Testament 2022 (2021)
“June 27–July 3. 1 Kings 17–19,” Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: 2022
Elijah Contends against the Priests of Baal, by Jerry Harston
June 27–July 3
1 Kings 17–19
“If the Lord Be God, Follow Him”
The purpose of the scriptures—and your class—is to build faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Let this purpose guide the decisions you make about what to teach and what questions to ask.
Record Your Impressions
Invite Sharing
To help class members share insights about 1 Kings 17–19, you might invite them to think of a title for each of these chapters. What verses made them think of these titles?
Teach the Doctrine
An invitation to sacrifice is an opportunity to exercise our faith.
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The example of the widow of Zarephath may inspire members of your class during times when their faith is tested. You might start by asking them to list choices that require faith in Jesus Christ. Then they could read the account in 1 Kings 17:8–16 and talk about what this story teaches them about exercising faith. Encourage class members to share their feelings about the widow and how her example inspires them to exercise their faith. How is her faith similar to the faith Elisha demonstrated in 1 Kings 19:19–21? Perhaps class members would be willing to share sacrifices they have made for the Lord and how He has blessed them.
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The story of the widow of Zarephath can also teach us about the blessings that come from sacrifice. You could ask class members to ponder how they would respond to statements like these: “I can’t afford to pay tithing” or “I’m too busy to accept a ministering assignment.” What does 1 Kings 17:8–16 teach us that might apply to these statements? How does our knowledge of the Savior help us when we are asked to make sacrifices? Elder Lynn G. Robbins’s words in “Additional Resources” could also help.
“If the Lord be God, follow him.”
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A discussion about 1 Kings 18:17–39 could help class members become more committed to following Jesus Christ and trusting Him. After reviewing the story with the class, you could write on the board the question Elijah asked the people of Israel: “How long halt ye between two opinions?” (verse 21). Let class members share what they feel this question means. What are some reasons the people might have been “halting” (which can mean hesitating, wavering, or limping) between following the Lord and following Baal? Why are we sometimes indecisive about following Jesus Christ? Class members could share experiences that have helped them choose to follow the Savior.
A symbolic depiction of 1 Kings 19:11–12. The Prophet, © Robert Booth Charles/Bridgeman Images
The Lord often speaks in quiet, simple ways.
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Many people struggle to recognize when the Lord is communicating with them. To help class members better recognize the Lord’s voice, you could invite them to read 1 Kings 19:1–12 and share what Elijah learned. Perhaps class members could share experiences that have taught them about different ways the Lord speaks to them. You might want to share the video “How Can I Feel the Holy Ghost More Often?” (from “Face to Face with President Eyring and Elder Holland” [worldwide youth broadcast, Mar. 4, 2017], ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
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To help prompt discussion about the phrase “still small voice,” you could display objects (or pictures of objects) that might help class members ponder the phrase. Class members could suggest other examples. Why are the words “still” and “small” good ways to describe the voice of the Spirit? For other descriptions, class members could read scriptures like Helaman 5:30; 3 Nephi 11:3–7; Doctrine and Covenants 6:22–23; 8:2–3; 9:8–9; 11:12–14; 36:2. They may be able to share other scriptures about recognizing the Spirit. What do these scriptures suggest about what we must do to hear the Lord’s voice? The videos “Feeling the Holy Ghost” or “Voice of the Spirit” could be helpful (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Additional Resources
The widow of Zarephath.
Elder Lynn G. Robbins said: “Elijah understood the doctrine that blessings come after the trial of our faith [see Ether 12:6; Doctrine and Covenants 132:5]. He wasn’t being selfish. As the Lord’s servant, Elijah was there to give, not to take [see 1 Kings 17:13–16]. … One reason the Lord illustrates doctrines with the most extreme circumstances is to eliminate excuses. If the Lord expects even the poorest widow to pay her mite, where does that leave all others who find that it is not convenient or easy to sacrifice?” (“Tithing—a Commandment Even for the Destitute,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2005, 35).
Improving Our Teaching
Be a humble instrument of the Spirit. “Your purpose as a teacher is not to make an impressive presentation but rather to help others receive the influence of the Holy Ghost, who is the true teacher” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 10).