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Small Group Guide:
Open with prayer.
Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?
If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.
Gehazi’s Greed and Punishment
15 Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.” 16 But he said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. 17 Then Naaman said, “If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the Lord. 18 In this matter may the Lord pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon your servant in this matter.” 19 He said to him, “Go in peace.”
But when Naaman had gone from him a short distance, 20 Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “See, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” 21 So Gehazi followed Naaman. And when Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?” 22 And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me to say, ‘There have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’” 23 And Naaman said, “Be pleased to accept two talents.” And he urged him and tied up two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants. And they carried them before Gehazi. 24 And when he came to the hill, he took them from their hand and put them in the house, and he sent the men away, and they departed. 25 He went in and stood before his master, and Elisha said to him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant went nowhere.” 26 But he said to him, “Did not my heart go when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants? 27 Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow.
Reflection Questions:
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- Have you ever heard this passage of Scripture or topic taught on before? What stood out to you?
- Read 2 Kings 5:20-25. What kind of mindset and attitude led Gehazi to do what he did? Jot down some of your thoughts about what motivated Gehazi in verses 20-25. How do you think his sin early on in the passage caused him to sin further?
- Looking at your answers from question #2, has there ever been a season of your life where you dealt with some or all of those same mindsets, attitudes, and motivations that Gehazi struggled with? How has God grown your faith, and helped you to replace these sinful mindsets, attitudes, and motivations with ones that honor Him?
- Looking again at your answers from question #2, how often do you still deal with those mindsets, attitudes, and motivations in this season of your life? Are there any specific conditions that cause you to struggle with those (i.e. lack of prayer, lack of a Christian community around you, not resting well, ect)? If so, what are they?
- Looking at your answers from question #4, how can you change these conditions in your life, in order to better honor the Lord with your mindset, attitude, and motivations?
- Many times, the best way to practically get rid of sinful mindsets, attitudes, or motivations in our lives is not to simply try to get rid of them, but to replace them with ones that honor God. List some Godly mindsets, attitudes, and motivations that you would like to have more of in your life, and ultimately replace the sinful ones in your life.
- Looking at your answers from question #6, what are some practical ways of replacing your sinful mindsets, attitudes, and motivations with more God-honoring ones (i.e. having more Christian community around you, reading Scripture more, being more prayerful throughout the day, ect.)?
- Read 2 Kings 5:25. When Gehazi was confronted about his sin, he lied. And because of his decision to lie, he had to deal with the horrible consequence of leprosy, and the even worse consequence of being further separated from the Lord. Is there anything that you need to confess and repent of today? Don’t make the same mistake Gehazi made. Read and hold onto the promise of 1 John 1:9.
- Read 2 Kings 5:15-20. Naaman was a gentile, and even worse, he commanded an army to defeat Israel. Even so, God still pursued him, and wanted him to be saved. How does remembering Naaman’s story give you hope for how God loves you, wants you to be saved, and genuinely wants to have a deep relationship with you, regardless of your past and current sin?
- What is your biggest take away about how this passage affects your life? What do you need to work on? Who can you share this with and ask you to keep you accountable to accomplishing this?
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Prayer Time:
Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.
Staying Missional:
Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:
Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
What’s next?
Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?