As we move into 2017 uncertainty seems to be the word that many people are using to express
how they are feeling. People are feeling uncertain about our economy, about political leaders,
and about some of the tough situations they are facing. We all want to know what we can do to
remain resilient in the midst of whatever this next year may bring. The Resilient Prophet series
we will look at the life of Elijah, one of the most well known prophets in the Old Testament. We
will explore some of the challenges he faced and examine his resiliency as he walked through
the highs and lows of his life.
Small Group Questions
Week 1 • Sunday, January 8, 2017 • 1 Kings 17:1-16
1. Read 1 Kings 17:1-6. The term “no rain” stands out as an important detail. For an
agricultural society dependent on the weather the impact of “no rain” would be nothing
short of economic disaster. Take a moment as a group to discuss the year ahead. As we
begin 2017 are you more encouraged or are you more concerned about society, the
economy, and your life? Why?
2. Read 1 Kings 17:1-16. Create a list of the experiences that Elijah is facing. Remember that
at this point Elijah does not know the story of him praying down fire on Mount Carmel. How
is God using the experiences that Elijah is facing to grow his character and to prepare him
for the future?
3. What kinds of things has God been using in your life to grow you deeper and make you
more resilient in the midst of your present situation and future challenges?
4. Can you identify the “dry brook” or “flour scarcity” in your life? How can the people in your
group pray for you as you face those challenges?
5. Take some time as a group to pray for one another.
Week 2 • Sunday, January 15, 2017 • 1 Kings 17:17-25
1. Read 1 Kings 17:17-25. What stands out to you in this part of story?
2. This story comes right after a clear sign of God’s provision, when have you experienced a
mountain top experience followed by despair?
3. Suffering is often equated as God’s punishment or abandonment. How is the illness of the
son interpreted by His mother? 4. When those around us are faced with overwhelming challenges how do we respond? How
does Elijah respond?
5. Where do you need hope of God’s of renewal in the midst of trials?
6. How can you intercede for another to bring the hope of the Kingdom to another?
Week 3 • Sunday, January 22, 2017 • 1 Kings 18:16-39
1. One of the most amazing stories you will ever read is the Biblical account of Elijah praying
down fire from heaven. Read 1 Kings 18:16-39. What jumps out to you as you read it again?
2. Read 1 Kings 18:21. Read the verse from Elijah’s point of view. Have you ever asked anyone
a question like that? Have you ever wanted to? Read the verse again from the Israelites’
point of view. Has anyone ever asked you a question like that? How would you have
responded?
3. Read 1 Kings 18:25-29. The actions of the prophets of Baal and Ashram seem almost
comical. Their hard work does not end up producing anything even though they
demonstrate a great deal of commitment to their gods. Can you identify something in your
life that takes a lot of commitment but in the end it does not produce anything?
4. Read 1 Kings 18:30-39. Elijah’s experience is very different than the prophets of Baal. God
answers Elijah’s prayer and it has a significant impact on the people of Israel. Have you ever
experienced the power of God? Has God ever answered your prayer in a way that
impacted the life of someone else. Describe your experience.
Week 4 • Sunday, January 29, 2017 • 1 Kings 19:1-18
1. Read 1 Kings 19:1-18. What stands out for you?
2. After a great mountain top experience there often can be crash or valley experience. Have
you had a similar experience?
3. A clear pattern in the Scriptures is humanities’ constant drift away from God even after clear
‘signs’ that he is present and working. We see this tension is Elijah’s life as his fear
overwhelms his experiences with God’s faithfulness. What emotions or thoughts do you find
yourself pulled to that can overwhelm your sense of God faithfulness?
4. God can communicate in any form he chooses. Why do you think God chooses to take
Elijah through wind, earthquake, and fire to the whisper?
5. How has God communicated to you in your life? How would you like God to communicate
with you?
Week 5 • Sunday, February 5, 2017 • 1 Kings 19:15-21
1. Have you ever tried to delegate a task or responsibility to someone and they ended up
dropping the ball? Have you ever delegated a task to someone and they ended up doing a
great job? Describe your experiences.
2. Read 1 Kings 19:19-21. Elijah’s influence becomes even more significant when he
intentionally blesses Elisha to take his place as a prophet. What are some other examples of
people who have increased their influence because they effectively passed their ability on
to the next generation?
3. What are some of the challenges you have faced when you have tried to enable someone?
4. What is something that you have learned or have experienced that could benefit someone
from the next generation?
Week 6 • Sunday, February 12, 2017 • 2 Kings 2:1-17
1. What person has been the most impactful in your life?
2. Read 2 Kings 2:1-17. What do you notice about the story?
3. Often the young are viewed as idealistic and overly ambitious and the old are viewed as
cynical and stuck in their ways. How does this affect a community full of young and old?
How is it positive? How can it be negative?
4. Elisha asked for a double portion of anointing of what Elijah had. How do you think Elijah
heard that request? 5. In this story we see the clear Biblical pattern of preparation. We see one person discipling
another into his calling. Who is your Elijah? Who is your Elisha?