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1. He is Gracious
God’s patience is apparent in this text – he could have done far worse to his people, but he is bringing them to repentance through Elijah and it was about to come to a climactic conclusion. (18:17-19)

2. He is Worthy
God does not accept partial worship – you are either all in, or you are not (18:21) (Mt 6:24; Deut 6:47, Mt 22:37-40, Mk 12:30-21, Lk 10:27)

3. He Answers
Putting hope in anything other than God can blind you to what he has done and what he is doing. (18:24)

Those who are desperate will grasp at any straw (other than God) as they cling to false hope (18:26-29)

4. He is All-Powerful
The power of God defies all human logic and understanding (18:32-38)

-Even when you are outnumbered 450-1, truth is truth.
-Elijah was working under the authority of God (18:36)
-God is acting with a purpose (18:37) - so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again
- Recognition of misplaced hope and idolatry requires repentance and recognition of God’s mercy (18:39-40)

5. He is Just
There are fatal consequences to what we do. God is gracious and loving, but he is also righteous and just. (1 Jn 5:21; Col 3:5; 1 Cor 10:14; Gal 5:19-21)

Essential Question: “Who do I think God is and do I act like that is true?”

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