Elijah Complex
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Elijah had been opposing the worship of false gods in Israel and performed many miracles. However, after angering Queen Jezebel, Elijah became afraid and fled into the wilderness where he sat under a tree wishing to die, feeling like a failure. This downward spiral represented the "Elijah Complex" of moving from victory to defeat. However, God provided for Elijah's physical needs and reassured him that he was not alone, moving Elijah from the "Elijah Complex" of defeat back to victory.
Elijah Complex
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- 2. “The Elijah Complex”Geometrical ApproachJune 28, 20092
- 3. ElijahA Benjamite, the son of Jeroham (1 Chr. 8:27).An influential prophet lived in the ninth century b.c.during the reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah in the northern kingdom of Israel.opposed to the accepted standards of his day, when belief in many gods was normal. Youngblood, Ronald F. ; Bruce, F. F. ; Harrison, R. K. ; Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville : T. Nelson, 19953
- 4. Elijah’s exploitsDeclares a long draught – 1 Kings 17:1Multiplies widow’s flour and oil – 1 Kings 17-7-6Widow’s son comes back to life – 1 Kings 17:17-24Calls down fire from heaven – 1 Kings 18:1-404
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- 6. Elijah’s exploitsSends a rainstorm – 1 Kings 18:41-45Outruns a chariot – 1 Kings 18: 466
- 7. The Problem1 Kings 19:1-3 - And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.2Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. “Kill Elijah”7
- 8. “Kill Elijah” . . . Jezebel1 Kings 19:3-4 - And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 8
- 9. Elijah’s reaction to the problem1 Kings 19:3-4 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life…and left his servant there. He went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper treeand he requested that he might die9
- 10. What’s going on with ElijahAfraid – He run for his life ( v 3)Worthlessness – he wanted to die (v4)At winds end – “I had enough” (v4)Feeling of failure – “I am no better than.. (v4)Physically exhausted (v 5-6)Disappointed (v 10)Deserted – “I am the only one left” (v 10)Hopelessness – “they want to kill me (v10)10
- 12. Depression Definition disorder marked especially by sadness,Inactivitydifficulty in thinking and concentrationa significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleepingfeelings of dejection and hopelessnesssometimes suicidal tendencies12
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- 14. VictoryDefeat“Elijah Complex” (part 1)?14
- 15. Downward SlopeElijah’s viewpoint over God’s viewpointHe ran for his lifeJezebels threat over Gods careWrong view of God (limited God)Physically and emotionally drained“himself”VictoryDefeat15
- 16. Elijah “himself”1 Kings 19:3-4 - And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 16
- 17. VictoryDefeat“Elijah Complex” (part 2)17
- 18. “Elijah Complex” (part 2)Victory?1 Kings 19: starting at v 5Defeat18
- 19. God provided sleep, food and drinkGod touched ElijahGod allowed Elijah to “pour out”God taught Elijah – Its not always “dramatic and big events”Gods reassurance – You are not aloneVictoryDefeat19
- 20. Summary Part 1 of Elijah ComplexElijah’s viewpoint over God’s viewpointHe ran for his lifeJezebels threat over Gods careWrong view of God (limited God)Physically and emotionally drained“himself”Part 2 of Elijah ComplexGod provided sleep, food and drinkGod touched ElijahGod allowed Elijah to “pour out”God taught Elijah – Its not always “dramatic and big events”Gods reassurance – You are not alone20
- 21. Conclusion … When Depressed…Pour it out! – Elijah did thisPhysical needs should be considered – God gave thatDon’t run around – there is a “ still small voice”Don’t forget – God is in controlKeep serving God Praise God for his powers21
Editor's Notes
- #16: Looking at the problem through his own eyes – When we focus on our problems we always tend to see it big compared to how God sees it. Is there anything bigger during these times than having a contest at Mt Carmel which Elijah forgot
- #20: Looking at the problem through his own eyes – When we focus on our problems we always tend to see it big compared to how God sees it. Is there anything bigger during these times than having a contest at Mt Carmel which Elijah forgot