Sermons

Characteristics of Wise Christians 2 Kings 6:1-7

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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.

The Axe Head Recovered

6 Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.” And he answered, “Go.” 3 Then one of them said, “Be pleased to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.” 6 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float.7 And he said, “Take it up.” So he reached out his hand and took it.

 

1. Think of solutions, not just complaints.
(2 Kings 6:1-2, Phil. 2:14-16, 4:11-12, James 5:9, 1 Pet. 4:9, 1 Cor. 10:10, Ex. 16:8, Ps. 106:25, Num. 11:1-4)
2. Think critically.
(2 Kings 6:1-2, 1 Kings 3:16-28, Matt. 4:1-11, Dan. 1, 1 Sam. 25)
3. Surround themselves with other wise Christians
(2 Kings 6:3-4, Prov. 1:5, 11:14, 12:15, 13:20, 15:22, 19:20, 27:17 1 Cor. 15:33)
4. Go to God for solutions.
(2 Kings 6:5, James 1:5, 13-15, 3:17, Ps. 1:1-6, 119:105, Prov. 1:7)
5. Realize that miracles often take a step of faith.
(2 Kings 6:6-7, Heb. 11:1-6, 2 Cor. 5:6-10)

Reflection Questions:

      1. Have you ever heard this passage of Scripture or topic taught on before? What stood out to you?

       

      1. Read 2 Kings 5:1-2. The sons of the prophets could have easily started to complain about their home being too small. Instead though, they thought of a solution. Be honest with yourself and God. How likely are you to complain? What causes you to complain the most? Who do you complain to? Has God changed you to complain less? If so, what did you used to complain about?  

       

      1. Take some time and read through Phil. 2:14-16, 4:11-12, James 5:9, 1 Pet. 4:9, 1 Cor. 10:10, Ex. 16:8, Ps. 106:25, and Num. 11:1-4. Now, looking at your answers from question #2, how can you replace your complaining with something that is more honoring to God? 

       

      1. Read 2 Kings 6:1-2 again. The sons of the prophets think critically about a solution. How has God grown your ability to do this? 

       

      1. Looking at your answers from question #4, how can you allow God to help you to think more critically? How likely are you to make the mistake of only allowing yourself to think about 2 choices, instead of all possible outcomes? What do you need God’s wisdom for in this season of your life? 

       

       

      1. Read through the story of Solomon, found in 1 Kings 3:16-28. Solomon thought critically, and came up with a solution that was not one of the two solutions that were initially put before him. Looking at your answers from question #5, what do you need to do to think through the circumstances you find yourself in right now, and have the wisdom to think through them critically? 

       

      1. Read 2 Kings 6:3-4. The sons of the prophets ask Elisha to come with them to cut down logs. More than likely, Elisha was not particularly gifted at cutting down trees. However, they saw the benefit of having him in their presence. How can you surround yourself with other wise believers? How do you think that would change you? 

       

      1. Read 2 Kings 6:5. When the man lost his ax head he cried out to Elisha for a solution. How well do you cry out to God for His solutions when you run into dire situations? How can you do that better? 

       

      1. Read 2 Kings 6:6-7. God certainly could have caused the ax head to appear directly into the man’s hand, instead of him having to go and get it out of the water. Why do you think God did that? Have you ever asked something from the Lord, and it required you to take a step of faith? What was it? How did it go? How can you remember that for when God does something similar to that in the future? 

       

      1. 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?



     



     

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?