April 19, 2024

2 Kings 3-4

Yahweh, Israel's Hope & Help

Sunday Sermons

As 2 Kings chapter 3 opens, there is a new king in Israel, and Elisha’s ministry is just beginning. Through Elisha’s prophetic voice and miraculous signs, Yahweh displays his omnipotence and generosity, offering abundant hope and accessible help to those in need, regardless of their status

Speaker

Tom Yarbrough

Series

The King of Redemption History

Go to Series

Scripture

2 Kings 3-4

Topics
Spiritual Disciplines

Sermon Notes

2 Kings 3-4

“History is not a random series of meaningless events. It is rather a succession of periods and happenings which are under the sovereign rule of God, who is the God of history.”
John Stott

Outline of 2 Kings 3:

  • Jehoram becomes king of Israel (3:1-3)
  • Moab rebels and a coalition forms (3:4-8)
  • Trouble strikes, and a word from the Lord is sought (3:9-12)
  • Elisha prophesies a double promise (3:13-19)
  • Double fulfillment occurs (3:20-27)

“If you receive any benefit from God it is because you stand next to the Davidic king — Jesus, the descendant of David and Jehoshaphat. You are in exactly the same position as Jehoram. You don’t deserve heaven’s crumbs but receive massive mercies only because Jesus, the Davidic king, stands beside you.”
Dale Ralph Davis

1. God is not only omnipotent, He is also generous.

Outline of 2 Kings 4:

  • Elisha and the widow’s oil (4:1-7)
  • Elisha and the Shunammite Woman (4:8-17)
  • Elisha raises the Shunammite’s Son (4:18-37)
  • Elisha purifies the deadly stew (4:38-44)

“When Yahweh provides, whether amazingly or routinely, he frequently designs not merely to supply your need but to build your faith and spark your obedience in the process.”
Dale Ralph Davis

2. God is not only omnipotent, He is also generous.

3. Regardless of our status, we can access God in our troubles.

Discussion Questions

  1. In chapter 3, Elisha points out that Jehoram’s sudden desire to hear from the Lord seems inconsistent, especially considering the account of his parents and their Baal worship in 1 Kings. Today, how are even believers sometimes guilty of seeking resources other than God and His word for guidance or direction?
  2. In chapter 4, Elisha encounters people who appear to be faithful but are experiencing suffering. Does it seem unfair when bad things happen to God’s people?
  3. In both chapters, Yahweh provides more than what was needed or asked for. How has God shown you blessings that seem to overflow beyond expectation?