Week of July 6
2 Kings 4:8-37
OPENER
- Even Elijah, the anointed prophet of God, sometimes had really dumb ideas, like sending his assistant with a staff to heal the boy. What’s one “dumb idea” you’ve had that seemed to make sense at the time, but ended up failing. An experience that you can look back on and laugh.
DISCUSSION
- Read 2 Kings 4:8-10 The Shunammite woman took a risk when she built a whole ohana unit for Elisha, so he can stay in her house whenever he’s in town. In what area of your life (financial, spiritual, relational, or other) do you tend to play it safe? How might the Spirit be leading you to take a God-inspired risk?
- The Shunammite woman had given up on her dream of having a son, but God still miraculously gave her one. Is there a dream or hope you’ve “given up on” in your life, and how does this story encourage you about God’s ability to give life or fulfill desires even when they seem impossible?
- If you’re drifting and haven’t seen God move in your life lately, it might be because you haven’t “put a sail up” to catch the wind of the Spirit. What does getting invested in God’s mission look like for you in your current season of life, and what might be preventing you from doing so?
- Read 2 Kings 4:22-24 Despite being “rich and powerful,” the Shunammite woman was forced to embrace her weakness when her son died. Can you recall a time when God made you poor and powerless in an area, and how did that experience lead you to depend more on Him?
- Read 2 Kings 4:25-30 The Shunammite woman was both humble enough to trust God’s sovereignty and hungry enough to fight for her son’s life. How do Christians navigate trusting God’s plan even when things are difficult, with having the drive to appeal and strive for change?
- Of the seven things you’ll have in life when you have “life to the full” (freedom, purpose, joy, peace, growth, security, guidance), which one resonates most with you right now, and which one do you desire to experience more deeply?
ACTION STEP
- The Shunammite woman’s life changed as she invested in God’s mission by offering Elisha food and then built a whole ohana unit for him. What’s one tangible step you could take this week to invest your time, efforts, resources in God’s mission?
SERMON RESOURCES
SERIES RESOURCES