What Holds You Back?
A Simple Choice – Week #3
What Holds You Back?
1 Kings 18:1-2, 11-21
Later on, in the third year of the drought, the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and present yourself to King Ahab. Tell him that I will soon send rain!” 2 So Elijah went to appear before Ahab. 1 Kings 18:1-2
When you’ve prepared for something, you can accomplish it
When Ahab saw him, he exclaimed, “So, is it really you, you troublemaker of Israel?”1 Kings 18:17
Any time you get ready to step into what God has called you to do you’re going to face accusation and condemnation from the enemy
Conviction is from God and it’s always good because it’s designed to draw us close
Condemnation is always from the enemy and it’s designed to push us away
Three Questions to ask when trying to figure out if something is conviction or condemnation:
1. Is it true?
Who you used to be is not who you are today in Christ
If it’s true, it’s conviction
If it’s not true, it’s condemnation
2. Is it helpful?
3. Does it draw me in or push me away?
“I have made no trouble for Israel,” Elijah replied. “You and your family are the troublemakers, for you have refused to obey the commands of the Lord and have worshiped the images of Baal instead. 19 Now summon all Israel to join me at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah who are supported by Jezebel.” 20 So Ahab summoned all the people of Israel and the prophets to Mount Carmel. 21 Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent. 1 Kings 18:18-21
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9
Confession is transformational
There is power when we come into agreement with God
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16