2 Kings 4:8-17

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Woman who Built a Prophet's Chamber

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God rewards those who care for the needs of others.

  2. God's servants should never presume upon the goodness of God's people.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Are you content with your status?

  2. Have you ever built a prophet's chamber?

QUESTIONS

  1. Describe the status and character of the Shunamite woman.

  2. What was her particular concern and care for the prophet Elisha?

  3. Did Elisha take her kindness for granted?

  4. Read Matthew 25:33-40. On what basis did the Lord give rewards?

  5. What did it mean when the Shunamite woman replied, "I dwell among my own people?"

ANSWERS

  1. The Shunamite woman was a prominent and notable woman in her area. She did good deeds, touching the lives of many people. She was not too busy to help a servant of God. She was sensitive to her relationship with her husband, seeking his consent and cooperation.

  2. The woman was spiritually sensitive to the needs of a servant of God. She provided him with the necessities of a servant of God and the amenities to make his stay both pleasant and convenient. She provided a private room, a bed, a table, a chair and a lampstand.

  3. No. He wanted to show his gratitude for her kindness.

  4. On the basis of their care for God's servants. It will be evidence of their faith.

  5. It means that she was content with her status and whatever she had. She did not covet what she didn’t have, nor envy those who had more.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Are you truly content with your status? Or, do you crave more? Do you envy those who have things that you don't have? Review the status and contentment of the Shunamite woman.

  2. Do you know Christians who are content with a godly contentment? Do you know Christians who are not content? Which would you rather be like? Look up the following portions of Scripture: Philippians 4:11, 1 Timothy 6:6, and Hebrews 13:5

CHALLENGE

  1. Have you ever enjoyed being the recipient of a prophet’s chamber? If so, how did you show your gratitude?

  2. Have you ever built a prophet’s chamber? In what way? When? How often? Look around you and see the needs of a servant of the Lord. Pray about how you can meet these needs

KEY VERSES

  • "I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly." 2 Kings 4:9

  • "...you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can I do for you?" 2 Kings 4:13

2 Kings, Old Testament, TalksRon Reid2 KINGS 4:8-17