Living in Expectancy!
2 Kings 5:1-16
1. The title of this sermon was “We Live in Expectancy.” What does living in expectancy mean to you?
2. Read 2 Kings 5:1-5. Naaman is described as a valiant warrior but also as someone who had leprosy. How does this “but” reflect the obstacles we face in living with expectancy?
3. The first point of Pastor James’ message was we need to “Move your “but.” How can we move our focus from our limitations ("but") to God's promises? In what ways have you wrestled with the tension between faith and doubt in your own life?
4. Read Romans 4:18, “When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn’t do BUT on what God said he would do.” (MSG) Abraham believed God even when things seemed hopeless. What are some practical ways to exercise this kind of faith? Can you share a time when you were able to exercise faith in God like this?
5. Read 2 Kings 5:9-12. Naaman was initially angry when Elisha didn’t meet his expectations. How do our expectations of how God should act sometimes limit our faith?
6. Read 1 Peter 5:6. How can we “lay down our expectations” as 1 Peter 5:6 teaches and trust in God’s timing and methods? How does this passage tie in with the story of Naaman? Why do you think Naaman expected Elisha to heal him in a grand and dramatic way?
7. Read 2 Kings 5:14. Naaman had to dip himself in the Jordan seven times before he was healed. What does this teach us about perseverance in faith? What if he had stopped dipping at number six?
8. Read 2 Kings 5:15. After his healing, Naaman proclaimed, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel.” How does recognizing God’s work in your life lead to deeper faith? How can we encourage one another to keep "dipping" until God moves in our situations?
9. What is one specific step of obedience you feel God is calling you to take, even if it doesn’t make sense right now?
As a group, please take some time to pray for the expansion offering. You have the unique opportunity to be a part of the story of everyone whose life will change as we seek to follow God's vision. Pray for the people whose lives will be changed by our location in Deland, our new location in Daytona and the 100 churches around the world. Ask God to give you the eyes to see how our world will change as we partner with Him to bring Heaven to earth. Finally, ask God to show you how He would want you to participate in the expansion offering; it’s okay to also ask for the courage and faith to go where God is leading you.