The Church of Eleven22

Episode: Chariots of Fire - Elijah: Week 8
Date: September 7, 2025
Speaker: Pastor Joby Martin

Overview

This episode is the finale to the "Elijah" series. Pastor Joby Martin explores the final chapters of Elijah's ministry, weaving in lessons about legacy, faithfulness, the authority of God's Word, spiritual fatherhood, courage in leadership, and the transformative power of prayer. Drawing from 1 Kings 19 through 2 Kings 2 (and beyond), Pastor Joby emphasizes not just Elijah's dramatic exit but also the significance of finishing well and raising up the next generation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Legacy: It’s How You End, Not Just How You Start

• Elijah’s journey serves as an example of perseverance, even after moments of despair. (00:01)
• “It’s not how you start but how you end that matters.” — Pastor Joby (00:36)
• Elijah thinks he’s done, yet God keeps using him for critical tasks.
• The story carries on through Elisha and into the New Testament—with Elijah reappearing at the Transfiguration and symbolically in Revelation.

2. The Mountain of Transfiguration: Law, Prophets, and Jesus

• Elijah and Moses appear with Jesus (Matthew 17 and Luke 9), representing "the law and the prophets" together bearing witness to Christ's fulfillment.
• Paul’s words (Romans 3:20-22) are echoed here: “Nobody can be good enough … through the law comes knowledge of sin … but now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law.”
• Memorable speculative reimagination: Moses and Elijah swap stories about fire, wind, and earthquakes, with Jesus reminding them their stories point to God's ultimate work through the cross, the tearing of the temple veil, Pentecost, and new access to God’s presence. (05:00–13:20)

3. God’s Not Done With You: Overcoming Despair and Busyness

• Elijah’s dark night of the soul—battling depression and fear—doesn’t define his story.
• God speaks in a “still, small voice”—a quiet ruah—reminding Elijah of his purpose.
• “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” — Pastor Joby’s seminary professor (16:45)
• Encouragement: If your life is “too loud” to hear God, He may quiet things for you.

4. Raising Up Others—Spiritual Success Beyond Yourself

• God instructs Elijah to anoint new kings and a prophetic successor, Elisha.
• Impact isn’t just about what you accomplish, but who you raise up.
  • “Success may not be what you do. It may be who you raise up.” (21:15)
• Elijah’s legacy continues not because of personal feats but because he faithfully prepares Elisha.

5. Courage Returns: Prophetic Truth Amid Corruption

• The confrontation with Ahab and Jezebel over Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21):
  • Elijah regains courage to declare God’s hard truth and predicted consequences.
  • “In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, shall dogs lick your own blood.” (28:15)
• Genuine repentance (versus remorse) is explored—Ahab is momentarily sorry but not truly surrendered.

6. Standing on the Authority of God's Word

• Contrasted with Ahab/Jehoshaphat’s false prophets, Micaiah stands alone as a true prophet (1 Kings 22).
• The importance of standing under, not over, the authority of Scripture:
  • “Here at 1122, we stand on the trustworthiness of the Word of God. Because God is faithful and true, and we stand under its authority.” (37:20)
  • Rebuke for “cutting out” the uncomfortable parts of the Bible—a swipe at culture and even at Thomas Jefferson’s edited Bible.

7. “Random” Is Not Random Under God’s Sovereignty

• Despite Ahab’s schemes to “hide in battle,” a “random” arrow finds him, fulfilling God’s word exactly.
  • “There is nothing random under God’s sovereign hand.” (44:30)

8. Judgment and Fulfillment: Jezebel and the Consequences of Evil

• Elisha, as Elijah’s successor, appoints Jehu, who brings about Jezebel’s gruesome end—another fulfilled prophecy.
• “Her life ended up exactly where the path she was on led to.” (1:08:45)

9. Discipleship: More Than Knowledge, It’s Spiritual Fatherhood

• Elisha’s relationship to Elijah was like that of a “firstborn son”—the double portion signifies inheritance and deep mentorship (2 Kings 2).
• “What the church needs more is fathers… you have plenty of teachers … but what you need is more fathers.” (57:05)
• Discipleship is life on life, not just teaching.

10. Elijah’s Departure: Chariots of Fire and Passing the Mantle

• Elijah taken up by a whirlwind and chariots of fire—Elisha receives his cloak, miraculously crosses the Jordan, and steps into his new ministry (2 Kings 2:11-14).
• Legacy is about paving the way for those who come after—“This isn’t new; it’s just your turn.” (54:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” — Pastor Joby (16:45)
• “Your worst days don’t define you. I get to tell you who you are.” — God’s message to Elijah (18:10)
• “Repentance isn’t being sorry for your sin. Repentance is being surrendered to the lordship of Jesus Christ.” (34:40)
• “We are saved, not soft. You don’t have to be a wimp to follow Jesus … in fact, I don’t think you can be a wimp and follow Jesus.” (1:00:10)
• “The brook drying up does not define you.” (1:12:45)
• “God makes a living out of using nobodies willing to tell anybody about the Somebody that wants to save everybody.” (1:13:09)
• “Success in God’s kingdom isn’t what you do; it’s who you raise.” (1:20:25)
• “Prayer changes everything. Woe to the political leader that says, ‘What are prayers gonna do?’” (1:26:50)
• On prayer: “When his children … get on their face before the Lord and say, ‘Father, I need you,’ then the King of the Universe says, everybody be quiet. One of my kids is talking right now.” (1:29:40)
• “Don’t give up on a God who has never, ever given up on you.” (1:31:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening, Series Wrap-up, Relevance for All Ages (00:01–05:00)
• The Mountain of Transfiguration, Law & Prophets Bear Witness to Christ (05:00–13:20)
• Elijah’s Despair and God’s Gentle Voice (13:20–18:20)
• Raising Elisha, Legacy Beyond Ourselves (18:20–21:45)
• Naboth’s Vineyard, Courage Restored, Real Repentance (27:40–34:55)
• Faithfulness to God’s Word vs. Culture’s Approval (36:05–42:30)
• Ahab’s Death and Sovereignty of God (44:25–45:55)
• Discipleship and Spiritual Fatherhood (53:50–59:00)
• Chariots of Fire: Elijah’s Departure and Elisha’s New Calling (59:00–01:03:00)
• Jezebel’s Fulfillment of Prophecy and the End of Evil (01:08:30–01:10:30)
• Six Major Life Lessons from Elijah (1:12:45–1:27:30)
• The Power of Prayer—Heaven Pauses for God’s Children (1:29:30–1:32:00)
• Closing Prayer and Call to Response (1:32:00–end)

Six Major Lessons from the Life of Elijah

(as summarized by Pastor Joby near the end):

1. It’s Not How You Start, But How You Finish
   Don’t let your worst days define you; in God’s kingdom, there’s the blood of Jesus and the promise of “from now on.”

2. God Uses Nobodies for His Glory
   If you feel like a nobody, you’re exactly the kind of person God chooses for big things.

3. God’s Word Is True and Trustworthy
   Trust what God says, not your feelings or circumstances. Do what He says and leave the consequences to Him.

4. Men of God Must Stand Up
   Culture needs strong, faithful spiritual leadership—not softness, but real meekness (strength under control).

5. True Success Is Who You Raise Up
   Discipling the next generation (biological or spiritual children) may be your greatest kingdom impact.

6. Prayer Changes Everything
   Heaven itself quiets when a child of God prays; do not give up on prayer.

Call to Action

• What is God calling you to do? Are you listening and responding, or stalling?
• Who are you raising up—who is your “Elisha?”
• Are you standing under the authority of God’s Word or selectively editing what challenges you?
• Are you praying like everything depends on it?

Closing Prayer (at 1:32:00):
An invitation to stand upon the Word of God, reject the temptation to surround ourselves with “yes-men,” seek God’s presence both in times of triumph and trouble, and recognize that we can “boldly come” before God because of Jesus.

Summary Tone:
Engaging, humorous, practical, and passionate—Pastor Joby’s style mixes biblical exposition, real-world application, gentle rebuke, and encouragement.

For anyone seeking a fresh sense of purpose, resolve, or a reminder that God’s not done with them, this Elijah finale is packed with challenge and hope.