GROWTH QUESTION #1
Who would like to share a highlight, praise report, or testimony from this week?
Who would like to share a highlight, praise report, or testimony from this week?
What did you learn from this week’s sermon?
What was your most important accomplishment this week?
2 Kings 6:15-17 (NLT) - 15 When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. 16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.
In 2 Kings 6, an enemy army surrounded Elisha. His servant saw danger, while Elisha saw God's protection.
Elisha and his servant faced the same army, but they responded differently because they saw different things.
The Bible reveals an unseen spiritual battle that affects our lives. God's Word helps us understand it.
God wants to open our eyes so we can stand firm in faith and depend on His power.
What is something you know is real even though you cannot see it?
REJECTING GOD LEADS TO SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT) - Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.
Satan uses deception to keep unbelievers from understanding the gospel and recognizing who Jesus is.
He wants people to reject Jesus, and he also wants believers to accept lies.
That is why we must compare what we believe with God’s Word.
Ephesians 6:11 (NLT) - Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
God equips us to stand firm against all the enemy's schemes, but we must keep our attention on Him and what He says.
When was the last time God’s Word confronted your thinking on something? What happened and how did you respond?
Elisha's servant belonged to God's people, yet he was afraid because he saw only the surrounding army.
We can love God and still feel fear. When we do, we should bring that fear to Him and ask for His perspective.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) - For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Fear and anger can cause us to treat people as enemies. The Holy Spirit helps us recognize the spiritual battle and respond to people with love.
When conflict erupts in our lives, we need to pray, asking God to help us see the real source and the spiritual forces working in the background.
Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) - For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Anger and blame can distract us from the real battle.
We need the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to the real fight, and to empower us to respond like Jesus would.
Can you share a time when the Holy Spirit helped you see a person or situation differently? How did that change your response?
WE LIVE IN VICTORY THROUGH JESUS
In 2 Kings, Elisha prayed for his servant's eyes to be opened. The servant then saw the help God had already provided.
In the same way, prayer can help us to see our circumstances in light of God's truth and power.
God’s Word reminds us that Jesus has defeated every spiritual enemy we will ever face!
Colossians 2:15 (NLT) - In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
Our confidence rests in Jesus' victory. We depend on Him!
Victory does not mean we never face trouble. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit lives within us and empowers us to stand firm in faith and obey God through the battles we face.
Romans 8:11 (NLT) - The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
The Holy Spirit lives in believers, and we can rely on His presence and power.
Knowing that not every conflict is resolved quickly, what would it look like to live in Jesus’ victory during an extended conflict or challenge?
What’s one thing you learned today that you can apply to your life this week?
The call to give without expecting anything in return challenges us to embody a selfless generosity that mirrors God's love for us.
Luke 6:30 (NLT)
Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.
Encourage everyone to give their tithes and offerings.
Who are you praying for to be saved?
Who can you invite to the next meeting?
What are your prayer requests?