Becoming a Person God Uses Greatly Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As certainly as the Lord God of Israel lives (whom I serve), there will be no dew or rain in the years ahead unless I give the command.” 1 Kings 17:1 (NET) What are characteristics of the person God uses greatly for his kingdom? In this study, we will focus on Elijah. He is one of the more dynamic people mentioned in the Bible. In order to fully understand Elijah’s story, we must understand the context of his ministry. At this time in history, Israel’s apostasy was at an all-time high because they had a wicked ruler named King Ahab. His evil was augmented by his marriage to a pagan woman named Jezeb
Conquering Temptation Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. James 1:13-15 (NET) How can we conquer temptation? Again, James is writing Jewish Christians who have been scattered throughout the ancient world because of religious persecution. He comforts them by teaching that God is in control of their trials, using them for their spiritual maturity. Therefore, they should rejoice and persevere in them (Jam 1:2-4). With that said, James
