COURAGE AND QUALITIES OF A LEADER
Text: 1 Kings 18:1–40
Introduction
Leadership in God’s kingdom is not defined by position, popularity, or numbers. True leadership is defined by courage, conviction, and obedience to God.
In the days of the prophet Elijah, Israel had fallen into deep spiritual rebellion. Under the wicked influence of Ahab and Jezebel, the nation had turned to the worship of Baal.
There were 850 false prophets promoting idolatry (1 Kings 18:19), while only one prophet stood boldly for God. Yet Elijah did not retreat. He confronted the entire nation at Mount Carmel.
This story teaches us that when the fire of God burns inside a leader, the fire of God will eventually fall upon his ministry.
Courageous leadership attracts divine intervention.
1. The Fire Comes When We Know Our Message Is From God (v.1)
God told Elijah to present himself to Ahab and promised to send rain upon the earth.
A leader must first be sure of God’s voice before confronting the world.
Elijah did not move by emotion, popularity, or pressure.
He moved by divine instruction.
Illustration:
A soldier goes into battle confidently when he carries orders from his commander. Likewise, when a leader carries God’s word, he can stand against any opposition.
2. The Fire Comes When We Stand for What is Right regardless of the Cost (vv.2–20)
Elijah stood before a corrupt king and challenged the prophets of Baal.
True leadership requires moral courage.
Elijah risked:
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His reputation
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His safety
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His life
Yet he refused to compromise.
Illustration:
Just as David stood before Goliath, Elijah stood before 850 prophets.
Great victories come when one person refuses to bow.
3. The Fire Comes When Our Need Is the Greatest (vv.2,5,21,22)
Israel was experiencing a devastating drought. The land was dry, crops had failed, and people were suffering.
Sometimes God allows crises so people will recognize their need for Him.
Elijah stood alone and declared:
“I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord.”
But one person with God is a majority. We too at that places you have been placed, you should be able to stand by God.
4. The Fire Comes When We Take Our Message to the People (vv.20–21)
Elijah did not keep silent.
He confronted the people and asked:
“How long will you halt between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him.”
Leadership requires speaking truth to spiritually undecided people.
A real leader does not entertain confusion; he clarifies truth.
5. The Fire Comes When We Bring People to a Point of Decision (v.21)
The people were living in compromise.
They wanted God and Baal at the same time.
Elijah forced them to choose.
God always calls people to decision, not indecision.
Illustration:
A bridge either carries you across or it does not. You cannot stand in the middle forever.
6. The Fire Comes When We Repair the Altar of God (vv.23–32)
Elijah rebuilt the broken altar of the Lord.
The altar represents:
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Worship
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Prayer
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Relationship with God
Before revival can come, the altar must be restored.
Many lives today need their spiritual altars repaired.
7. The Fire Comes When We Face Situations Only God Can Solve (vv.33–35)
Elijah soaked the sacrifice with water three times.
The altar, wood, and sacrifice were drenched.
Humanly speaking, fire could never burn that offering.
But Elijah intentionally created a situation where only God could receive the credit.
God often waits until situations become humanly impossible before He acts.
8. The Fire Comes When We Publicly Trust God (vv.33–37)
Elijah prayed openly before the people.
His prayer was simple and direct:
“Hear me, O Lord… that this people may know that You are God.”
Faith must sometimes be demonstrated publicly.
When leaders trust God openly, God answers powerfully.
9. The Fire Comes When We Desire God to Receive the Glory (vv.36–39)
Elijah’s prayer was not about his reputation.
His concern was God’s glory.
When the fire fell, the people cried:
“The Lord, He is God!”
True leaders seek God’s honor, not personal recognition.
10. The Fire Comes When We Desire People to Return to God (v.37)
Elijah’s ultimate goal was restoration.
He prayed that the people's hearts would turn back to God.
Leadership in ministry is not about defeating enemies, but about restoring people to God.
And when Elijah prayed, the fire of the Lord fell.
The sacrifice was consumed, the altar burned, and the people repented.
Conclusion
The courage of Elijah teaches us that one leader filled with God’s fire can change a nation.
God still searches for leaders who will:
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Stand for truth
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Repair the altar
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Trust God publicly
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Seek His glory
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Lead people back to Him
When these qualities exist, the fire of God will fall again.
Altar Call
Tonight God is asking three questions:
1. Are there people who need the fire of God in their lives again?
Your spiritual altar may be broken, but God can restore it today.
2. Are there believers who have been living between two opinions?
You cannot follow God and the world at the same time.
3. Is God calling someone to courageous leadership like Elijah?
God is looking for men and women who will stand for Him.
Just as the people declared on Mount Carmel,
“The Lord, He is God!”
Let that declaration come from your heart today.
Come to the altar, surrender your life to God, and ask Him to send His fire again.
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