1 KINGS 18:1-16 – OBADIAH, LAYMAN OF DISTINCTION
GOOD (FAITHFUL) SERVANT FOR BAD TIMES #4
- I’m not sure I like the term “layman”, because it implies such a big distinction between those called “clergy”. When we divide Christianity into classes, such as “clergy” and “laity”, we are implying that the clergy are full time Christians, and the laymen are not. This just isn’t so!
- Let us define a layman as a full-time Christian who is not being supported by God’s people financially.
- In our text we meet a layman who worked in the court of a wicked king.
- He managed to maintain his testimony and serve the Lord in the hardest of circumstances.
- Some say that Obadiah was a compromiser working for an ungodly king and keeping a low profile. What do you think?
- Who else kept a low profile and served the Lord?
OBADIAH FEARED THE LORD GREATLY – Vss. 1-3
OBADIAH PROTECTED GOD’S SERVANTS – Vs. 4
OBADIAH RESPECTED GOD’S PROPHET – Vss. 5-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Hebrews 13:7
OBADIAH PROVED HE WAS HUMAN – Vss. 9-14
OBADIAH BELIEVED FROM HIS YOUTH – Vs. 12
OBADIAH OBEYED GOD’S MAN – Vss. 15-16, Hebrews 13:17
Note: The pastor is a leader, a servant, and an example, NOT A DICTATOR! 1 Peter 5:1-4, 1 Timothy 4:12-16