[Biblemat] S>Chariots of Fire

[Craig Thomas]

Chariots of Fire
2 Kings 6:8-18


I.  Introduction:

1.  Life can be really tough!  Job 14:1; 5:7

A.  Some of our problems caused by sin (Gen. 3:17-19).

B.  Some of our problems are common to all men 
(e.g., financial issues; relationship issues; 
health issues; old age issues, Eccl. 12:1; the 
“general” vanity of life, Eccl. 2:17; etc.).

C.  Some of our problems are peculiar to 
Christians (e.g., spouse/kin/friends not 
Christians, conduct contrary to the world, 1 Pet. 
4:3-4; persecution, 2 Tim. 3:12; etc.).

2.  The problems of life can press upon us so 
that we cry out in despair!  Job 10:18-22

3.  In such times of distress our faith may begin 
to slip.  We grow so despondent we are in grave 
danger of doing one of two things:

A.  We turn to a “carnal” means to “solve” our problems, e.g.,

(1)  We take a second job or work overtime to 
“solve” a financial problem when we know such 
interferes with worship and Bible study (Heb. 10:25).

(2)  We enter into ungodly relationships to “solve” loneliness problems.

(3)  Some even resort to the ultimate “solution” of suicide.

B.  We abandon our faith:

(1)  Our problems press upon us so that we begin 
doubting that God really cares; doubt that He is really “there for us.”

(2)  If we are not careful it may even cause us 
to eventually abandon our faith entirely!

4.  With such dire consequences possible we need 
to develop a godly strategy to prepare ourselves for those really hard times!

5.  As always we can look to God’s book for the 
knowledge and wisdom we need to develop a 
strategy to overcome really hard times.

6.  One of the best examples in helping us 
develop this strategy is found in the Old 
Testament with an incident recorded in the life 
of the prophet Elisha (2 Kgs. 6:8-18).  Before 
reading let’s briefly consider the historical background:

A.  Elisha was Elijah’s successor (2 Kgs. 2).

B.  The incident recorded in 2 Kgs. 6:8-18 takes 
place about 850-840 B.C. during the time of the Divided Kingdom.

C.  Elisha is prophesying to the Northern Kingdom 
(Israel) ruled by Ahab’s son Joram.

D.  The primary foe of Israel is Syria ruled by Ben-hadad.

E.  Syria is carrying out “guerilla” warfare 
against Israel by sending raiding parties into 
Israel to spread terror and undermine their peace, safety, and government.

F.  It also appears as if Syria may be trying to capture Joram (vss. 9-10).

G.  However, God, through His prophet Elisha, is frustrating Ben-hadad’s plans.

H.  Each time Ben-hadad plans a raid, God reveals 
those plans to Elisha and in turn Elisha reveals them to Joram.

I.  Ben-hadad becomes totally frustrated and 
seeks to put an end to Elisha’s revealing of his 
plans by sending his army to Dothan where Elisha is residing to capture him.

J.  So in our text we will see what transpires as 
the Syrian force seeks to capture Elisha

7.  Read text:  2 Kgs. 6:8-18

8.  Let’s briefly consider three main points:


II.  Discussion:


1.  We’re Surrounded By The Enemy:

A.  Elisha and his servant were surrounded by 
their enemies and so are we as we live in a 
sin-sick world filled with evil, problems, 
difficulties, and death (briefly review Intro. 1.).

B.  Elisha’s servant asked the question that all 
of us ask when troubles press hard upon 
us:  “Alas
what shall we do?” (vs. 15)  Remember, 
in such times we’re in danger of


(1)  Turning to carnal means to “solve” our problems.

(2)  Or, even abandoning our faith.

C.  So it is absolutely critical that we 
recognize where we live in a dangerous world 
spiritually speaking.  And, recognize we must 
constantly be making preparations for “hard 
times.”  If we fail to prepare we are preparing to fail!

D.  There’s only one answer
Christ!

(1)  Salvation in only in Him!  Acts 4:12

(2)  He is the only source of true peace and safety!  Matt. 11:28-30

(3)  Hence, we must do all that is required to “put on Christ”:

(a)  Initial obedience in becoming a child of God (Gal. 3:26-27).

(b)  Putting on the whole armor of God so we may defeat Satan (Eph. 6:11-18).

(c)  We must be obedient to Christ (Heb. 5:9).

(d)  We must show our love to Him (Jn. 14:15; 1 Jn. 2:3-5).

(e)  We must run the race of faith with patience (Heb. 12:1-4).


2.  God Is Greater Than The Enemy:

A.  Elisha’s servant was dismayed at the odds, because he didn’t include God!

B.  Even though the odds seem insurmountable when 
problems press us hard, we can overcome if we are in Christ!  1 Jn. 4:4

C.  As Elisha knew, so must we realize, that 
there is more to the material universe than what 
we see, touch, smell, or hear (2 Cor. 4:16-5:1).

D.  Just as Elisha’s servant could not initially 
see the “Chariots of Fire” we also can’t always 
see God’s providential care with our physical 
senses, but we have His assurance it is there if we:

(1)  Put our complete faith and trust in Him (Heb. 7:25; Isa. 45:22).

(2)  “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:25-33).

E.  God will help us handle every difficult 
situation if we walk by faith (Phil. 4:13).

(1)  Doesn’t mean the absence of pain, suffering, or even death (Psa. 23:4).

(2)  But, we have such grand assurances if we 
keep the faith (2 Cor. 5:1; 2 Tim. 4:6-8).


3.  God Will Deliver Us:

A.  God delivered Elisha as he followed four simple steps.

B.  God will likewise deliver us as we follow those same four simple steps:

(1)  Trust:  “So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for 
those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’" (2 Kings 6:16)

(a)  We have such great reasons to trust in God 
for His comfort, guidance, and strength:

E       God desires to comfort us (Isa. 40:1-2a),

E       He will make every problem manageable (Isa. 40:3-4),

E       His promise is sure (Isa. 40:6-8),

E       He will care for us tenderly (Isa. 40:10-11),

E       His ability to perform far surpasses our 
comprehension (Isa. 40:12-17; 21-26),

E       We have no basis for doubting His care and ability (Isa. 40:27-28),

E       He indeed is “able to do exceedingly 
abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph 3:20)(Isa. 40:29-31).

(b)  Hence, let us commit Psalm 121 to memory and make it our motto.

(2)  Pray:  “And Elisha prayed, and said, ‘LORD, 
I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’” (2 Kings 6:17)

(a)  Our prayers are effective if we do His will (1 Pet. 3:12; Jas. 5:16).

(b)  We must “not lose heart” in our praying (Lk. 18:1-8; 1 Thess. 5:22).

(c)  We must trust in the power of God as we pray (Eph. 3:20; Lk. 18:7-8a).

(3)  Faith:  Heb. 11:6

(a)  We must prepare ourselves for hard times by 
increasing our faith (Lk. 18:8).

(b)  There is no “secret” process for building 
one’s faith (Rom. 10:17; 2 Pet. 1:5).

(c)  By faith, like Elisha’s servant, our 
spiritual eyes can be opened and we can behold 
God’s spiritual host ever awaiting to minister to 
our needs (“Then the LORD opened the eyes of the 
young man, and he saw.  And behold, the mountain 
was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”  2 Kings 6:17).

(4)  Obedience:

(a)  It is only by faithful obedience (Jas. 
2:18-26) that we build our spiritual house on the rock (Matt. 7:24-27).

(b)  Like the man who built his house on the 
rock, we too must prepare ourselves to weather 
the storms of hard times by preparing!

E       Again, if we fail to prepare, we prepare to fail.

E       Upon what foundation is your spiritual 
house built?  Faithful obedience?  Or, obedience 
only when it is convenient and suits your liking?


III.  Conclusion:

1.  How did Elisha’s “hard time” turn out?  vs. 18

2.  Like Elisha we can weather our “hard times” 
successfully if we “wait on the Lord”:  trust, 
pray, grow in faith, and remain humbly obedient.

3.  Are you prepared for “hard times”?

A.  Is your trust in God where it ought to be?

B.  Do you pray on a regular basis?  Do you pray 
“without ceasing” trusting that God hears, cares, and is able to answer?

C.  Is your faith growing?  Are you giving “all diligence” to make it grow?

D.  Are you an obedient servant of the 
Master?  Are you building your house on the sand or on the rock?

4.  Sooner or later a “hard time” will come to 
each and everyone of us whether we’re ready or not.

5.  Are you ready?  Can you see the “Chariots of Fire”?

6.  If you’re not ready, if you can’t see the 
“Chariots of Fire” in your life; then why not 
come and seek the peace, safety, and comfort of 
the Savior (Matt. 11:28-20; Isa. 40:31).




"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is
not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)
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   MM        MM   III     Craig V. Thomas
   M M      M M    I      Just a Christian (Acts 11:26)
   M  M    M  M    I      350 Pineridge Lane
   M   M  M   M    I      Sandusky, MI  48471
   M     M      M   III     E-mail:  thomasc at msu.edu
                                  Phone: 810-648-5009 (home)
                                  Phone: 
810-404-3402 
(cell) 

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"Perseverance is that quality of character that sees a thing through
in spite of adversities and even though results are not immediately
visible." John Witt
"The greatest battles of life are fought out daily in the silent chambers
of the soul."  David O. McKay  
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