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Encouragement
E-Encouragement
Please remember these notes are to refer back to if you NEED to. They are a supplement to the discussion. The goal is not to get to the answers provided below but to engage in open and honest discussions. Please give adequate time for group members to respond to the questions before referring to these notes.
Read 2 Kings 5:1-15
- Name some ways that a disease like leprosy and the mismanagement of finances are similar.
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease of the skin and the nerves around the spinal cord and brain caused by bacteria. It spreads gradually and slowly disables a person’s fatalities and bodily functions. Over time, if not treated, it can cause the lose of limbs and facial features. In a similar way, the mismanagement of ones finances starts off slow and gradually disables your abilities to provide (abilities to pay bills, tithe, be a blessing to others) eventually, if not treated, it overtakes your life, causing you suffer severe loses (i.e. house, car, even marriage).
- Name some of the reasons why you think Naaman becomes angry at Elisha. Who else do you think Naaman is angry with?
Naaman was a high commander of the army of Aram, he may have been insulted because of a lack of a grand reception for him. Although the bible is silent on this point Naaman could have been angry also at his King for sending him to see King of Israel (because the King of Israel could do nothing and was even a little insulted by the King of Aram request).
- How would you have reacted to Elisha’s command? What does this say about God’s way of dealing with us sometimes?
Go around and ask everyone to share.
- Share a time when God gave you a simple or strange answer to your prayer that was not what you wanted?
Go around and ask everyone to share.
- What seemed to bring about the change in Naaman’s attitude toward what God was calling him to do? Who is someone in your life who holds you accountable and helps you on your Christian journey?
Naaman’s servant is the one who changes his mind on dipping in the river. If Naaman did not allow his servant to speak into his life, he would never have been healed. Accountability is vital to our Christian walk.
- After Naaman is healed, how do you think his faith was strengthened?
Remember Elisha tells Naaman to go dip in the river to be healed to show God’s power.
- In what ways is your faith stronger today than it was a year ago?
Go around and ask everyone to share.
Read Psalm 145:13-19
- How is this Psalm found to be true in the story of Naaman? What does it say to you about God’s promises?
God showed himself faithful, He provides, The Lord was Righteous, and is near to those who call on Him.
- Share one way this lesson encourages you in your finances.
Go around and ask everyone to share.