Introduction
As mentioned during our last study, hard and dangerous times are before us that has caused the loss of loved ones. What we have left is their memory and the pains of how to deal with changing roles. For some families is like a combination of many factors. For the most part, when someone dies the whole family system is blown off because grieving members find themselves terribly confused and disappointed leaving them with no answer why it happened. The narrative for our study in 2 kings 4: 1-7 and 2 Kings 6: 1-7 is most instructive and might stand as example before us because we are not secure from the common hazards of life including death. Although some of us have not experienced bereavement like the woman in our study, we can feel her pain.
Sometimes, other reasons are connected to our pains. For example, the nation of Israel steeped into idol worship for several years during the time of Elijah. During the period, God humbled Israel with severe drought and famine to get their attention and set the nation on a path toward spiritual revival and prepare them for reform.
Unlike the widow who lost her husband and the Israelites, the story about the son of the prophet in 2 Kings 6: 1-7 is different. As we know, Elisha`s ministry was filled with miracles to demonstrate God`s compassion, care, provision, and comfort. This study is aimed to teach us that being in debt has mild and severe consequences and we need to fill our hearts and minds with God who work out things for our own good (See: Romans 8: 28; Psa. 32: 8; Psa. 37: 23- 24; 1 Cor. 2: 9)
The Bible provides valuable historical insights about debt before the institution of slavery into the days of the early church. Define debt and discuss the different lessons about debt from Deut. 15: 1-6; 1 Sam. 22: 2-4; Col.2: 14; Matt. 18: 21-34; Prov. 6: 1-2, 15; 22: 26, Neh. 10: 28-31; Exo. 22: 14.
A. We often attach wrong reasons in every debt situation without considering what precedes the action. Discuss what was responsible for the debt in 2 kings 4: 1 - 7 and 2 kings 6: 1 – 7.
B. In 2 Kgs 6: 1-2 and 2 Kgs 4: 1, what exactly is the prophet`s sons aim for inviting Elisha, and why does the woman approach Elisha? Carefully observe how Elisha spoke to them with the deepest sympathy and discuss the action of anyone in the story that capture your attention especially the children of the woman.
C. According to Lev. 25: 35-38, Exo. 22: 22-27, lending and borrowing are naturally true and sometimes necessary. From Prov. 22: 7, mention 2 things that lending and borrowing does. With a few examples discuss a time when you lend or borrow because it was wise to do so.
What can you remember that you did that you wish you did not that arrived you in debt taking. Have you ever thought you would be unsuccessful in paying the debt, and did anyone you trust will help feel dispirited about it or hasten with greater vigor to work and assist to ensure the debt is paid?
A. Reference to James 4: 13-15, explain how pursuing our will is one other way that a debt can be created.
B. From Jer. 15: 10-11, lending and borrowing can lead to tension and conflict. Hence, future judgments are said to be subject to ALL in Isaiah 24: 1- 4. What expression in Isaiah 23: 9 and Isaiah 24: 4 emphasized the reason for the judgment – Assuming yourself as a lender or borrower, what have you learned in the way you`re supposed to conduct yourself.
Slaves were the tools of their masters, and they constitute a good number of the population during the Old Testament times. Likewise, Creditors have limited powers. Otherwise, Slaves could be bought, sold, inherited, exchanged, or seized to pay their Creditor or lender`s debt endlessly.
A. By the New Testament times, Christianity undermines the principles and evils of slavery by changing the hearts of slaves and masters. What in your opinion is being stressed to buttress the equality of master and slave from these passages, Gal. 3: 26-29; Ephe. 6: 5 - 9; Col. 4: 1.
B. The parable of the Unmerciful Servant in Matt. 18: 21-35 shows that Jesus has reconciled us to God, a huge debt we cannot pay. In view of Philem. 10 - 18, explain the idea that Philemon owed Paul something far greater than the material debt Paul was offering to repay.