I. Today's Topic: If Jehovah is God
1:1 What is it to be alive?
1:2 What is crucial to living well?
1:3 When we know that Jehovah is God, we must not be of two minds.
II. Scripture: 1 Kings 18:21
And Elijah came to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.
1 Kings 18:21
III. Prayer
IV. Background of This Passage
In that era, all of Israel worshipped idols—Baal, and supported 450 prophets of Baal. Only Elijah remained to serve Jehovah. Elijah prophesied that there would be no rain in the land for three years. During the three years of famine, Israel began to focus on survival, and the root of the problem was the double-mindedness of the Israelites.
V. The Choice of the Israelites—Double-Mindedness
5:1 The evil spirits behind Baal were very effective.
5:2 The Israelites wanted both physical pleasures and Jehovah God.
5:3 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
James 1:13-15
VI. The Problem with People is Lack of Focus
6:1 The problem with believing in the Lord is lack of focus.
6:2 Lack of focus leads to compromise when problems arise.
6:3 Jacob and Joseph were never weak, despite the various trials they faced.
6:4 God will not allow the unfocused to become wealthy.
VII. Serving the True God Requires a Single-Minded Dedication
7:1 Joshua trusted God because he knew that Jehovah is God, while the Israelites trusted God because God provided them with food.
7:2 We serve God without ulterior motives; we live to serve God.
7:3 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:1-4)
7:4 To serve God wholeheartedly is our Mingding Destiny, the very inclination of our minds.
**Eight, If the Spiritual Realm is Real!**
8:1 If the spiritual realm is real, how do we resolve the problems in our lives?
8:2 Obeying the way of Jehovah is the key to resolving life’s problems.
**Nine, If Jehovah is the Greatest True God**
9:1 If Jehovah is the true God, how ought we to live?
9:2 We ought to serve Him wholeheartedly; then our days on earth shall be pleasant and prosperous.
**Ten, In Sum: Rely wholeheartedly on Jehovah, trust Him alone! Proverbs 3:5-18**
## The Blessings of Wisdom and Trust
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.
(Proverbs 3:5-18)