Search The Scriptures —Study 23 — 2 Kings 5:1-6:7

Study 23 From the Book of 2 Kings is: 2 Kings 5:1-6:7

1. Chapter 5. There are four important figures in this chapter: the captive maid, Naaman, Elisha and Gehazi. What lessons may we learn from each?

2. 6:1-7. Think about this incident in relation to Elisha's position as a spiritual leader. Are there lessons here for the Christian church?

Notes

1. 5:17. The idea in Naaman's mind was that Jehovah, the God of Israel, could not be rightly worshiped except except on Israelitish soil. His faith was still very imperfect, as verse 18 also shows.

2. 5:22 'A talent of silver' i.e 'four hundred pounds' (Moffat), a very large sum to be asked for two young men of the sons of the prophets.

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Search The Scriptures—Study 22—2 Kings 4:8-44

Study 22 From the Book of 2 Kings: 2 Kings 4:8-44

1. Verses 8-37. In what ways is the woman of shumen an example to us? What do you learn about the reason why God allows His servant to undergo acute suffering? What lesson are to be drawn from Gehazi's failure?
2. What features in Elisha's character are brought out by the incidents in this passage?

Note. Verse 42. The present was for Elisha; and if there was still scarcity of food (verse 38), the gift would be the more precious. But, Elisha shared it with all who were with him.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 21 — 2 Kings 3: 1 – 4:7

Study 21 From the Book of 2 Kings is: 2 Kings 3: 1 – 4:7

1. what was the cause of the attack upon Moab, and how was Elisha brought into the situation? A map should be used to identify the route taken by the attacking armies and the place where the miracle was wrought. How does the story show what one man of faith can do to save a multitude?
2. How does the story of 4:1-7 illustrate the working of faith? Was it easy for the woman to do what Elisha bade her do? Has this any lesson for you in your own life?

Notes

1. 3:1. Cf. 1:17. The apparent discrepancy may be explained by the fact that father and son frequently reigned together during the latter part of the father's life.
2. 3:11. 'Who poured water...' : i.e., he was Elijah's attendant.
3. 3:20. Travelers report that in that region there is water under the sand.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 20 — 2 Kings 1 and 2

Study 20 From the Book of 2 Kings: 2 Kings 1 and 2

These two chapters contain the last two stories about Elijah.

1. contrast the end of King Ahaziah with Elijah's end What was the fundamental difference between these two men? Cf. 1 J n. 2:15 – 17; 5:4.
2. In what three ways was Elisha tested (see 2:1-15), and what qualities in him does his conduct reveal? Have we the same resolute spirit? See Note 1 below. Elisha's miracles are parables of spiritual truths. What do you learn from this first miracle (2: 19 – 22)?

Notes

1. 2:19 Elisha wanted to be fully equipped for the high service to which he was called
2. 2:23-25. 'Small boys': better 'young' as in rv mg. These were youths of Bethel whose attitude reflected the spirit of the place. Coming out to meet Elisha in a large band they mocked the prophet, who was bald in mourning for his master (cf. Jb, 1:20), and said ;Go up' i.e., Ascend to heaven as you say your master did'. It was a grievous insult, and Elisha, righteously angry, invoked the judgment of God upon them. Shaken by the whole episode, he did not enter Bethel but made his way to Carmel.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 25 — John 12:37-50

Study 25 From the Book of John is: John 12:37-50

With this lesson, we take a break from the book of John and will reconnect again later on the subject. Tomorrow we will CONTINUE with the book of Kings. Last time we ended the book of 1 Kings on the 19^th lesson. As we move forward we will pick up from 2 Kings and study 20 because as mentioned before, 1 and 2 Kings form a single unit

This passage presents the problem of unbelief in face of manifest evidence of God's power and presence

1. Both quotations from Isaiah in verses 38-40 speak of Christ, the latter because Christ's glory is included in the vision of God's glory in Isaiah 6. Who has and who has not 'believed our report' Why has God blinded their eyes. Etc.? Does this apply today to (Jews, and (b) non-Jews? Why do you believe?
2. The seriousness of rejecting Jesus is the subject of verses 44-50, in which John summarizes the teaching of Jesus on this matter. Why is it so serious to reject Jesus? See especially verses 45, 46, 50 and compare Pr. 1:20-33. Why will Jesus word be the judge (verse 48)?

Notes

1. Verse 42. 'Put out of the Synagogue': cf. 9:22. This was a very severe punishment, involving separation from public worship and from social intercourse.
2. Verse 45. 'Sees': here is the concept of careful observation leading to spiritual insight.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 24 — John 12:20-36

Study 24 From the Book of John is: John 12:20-36

The Greeks who inquired for Jesus were a token of the world of people beyond Israel who would be saved through Jesus' atoning death and resurrection (cf. 10:16; 12-32) Their coming therefore introduces the consummation of Jesus' work; see verse 23.

1. Give examples of the ways in which you can love your life, or hate it. To whom does Jesus primarily refer in verse 24? In view of this, what is involved in following Him (verse 26)?
2. In what sense did the coming 'hour' (verse 23) bring about the glorifying of the Son of man and the Father (verse 28)? How did His being lifted up involve the judgment of this world (verse 31-34)?
3. Verses 35, 36 give Jesus's last appeal to the nation. What is meant by walking and believing in the light? Are you doing this?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 23 — John 11:45 – 12:19

Study 23 From the Book of John is: John 11:45 – 12:19

1. Observe the varied effects of the miracle. See especially 11:45., 46, 47-53, 54; 12: 11, 17-19; and cf. Lk. 16:31. How is it that the same act quickens faith in some, and hatred in others? Cf. 11:47, 48; 12:11, 19; Mt. 27:18.
2. 12:1-8. What insights does Mary's action reveal? How far does your love for the Lord lead you to understand Him, and to serve Him without counting the cost?
3. In 11:47-53 and 12:12-16 there are two examples of God overruling men's words and actions to fulfill His own purposes. What is the real purpose of God to which each points?

Note. 11:48. The Jewish leaders feared that Jesus might lead a revolt for which the Romans would exact severe punishment.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 22 — John 11:28-44

Study 22 From the Book of John is: John 11:28-44

1. What is the special significance of this seventh 'sign'? How is it related to the events which Jesus was shortly to experience as the climax of His work? In what way was the glory of God revealed?
2. Why did Jesus pray aloud before calling Lazarus from the tomb? What does this teach about the means by which His miracles were accomplished? Cf. Jn. 5:19, 20; 14:10.

Note. Verses 33-38. The word 'weep' in verse 33 is the wailing of mourners that in verse 35 implies silent tears of sympathy. The rendering of rsv in verse 33. 'he was deeply moved in spirit', does not give the full force of the Greek, for which Prof. Tasker suggests, 'He was enraged in spirit and troubled Himself' (TNTC, p. 140) His anger was roused against the evil powers of death, which caused such distress to mankind, and which He was about to conquer, here by a mighty display of divine power, and finally on the cross by His own death and resurrection.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 21— John 11: 1-27

Study 21 From the Book of John is: John 11: 1-27

The seventh 'sign'.

1. Compare verse 4 with 9: 3. Explain the apparent contradiction both in verse 4 and also in verses 5, 6. See verses 14, 15. Can you see why God sometimes seems to delay answering your prayer?

2. What direction and assurance do verses 9, 10 give for the conducts of your life? Cf. 9:4, 5.
3. In verses 21, 22, 24 Martha makes three correct but limited statements. In respect to each of them Jesus' answer in verses 25, 26 reveals that He has within Himself infinitely greater powers than she knew. What are they?

Note. Verse 26. 'Shall never die': for the believer death is no longer death. It introduces him into a new state of life. See Note on Jn. 8: 51.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 20— John 10:22-42

Study 20From the Book of John is: John 10:22-42

1. Why would a plain answer to the Jews' question of verse 24 have been useless? What indications of the nature of Jesus' Person were already being given? See verses 25, 32, 37, 38. Why were the Jews incapable of seeing this? Do your works corroborate your words?
2. In the statements of verses 27, 28 how is the sheep's relationship to the shepherd described, and how the shepherd's relation to the sheep? On what grounds given in verses 28, 29 can you be sure that you will never perish?
3. In what terms does Jesus describe His relationship with God, and what evidence does He give in support of His claim? How far are the words of the Jews at the end of verse 33 correct? What ought they to have done?

Notes

1. Verse 30. The word 'one' is neuter in the Greek: 'a unity', not 'one person'.
2. Verses 34-36. See Ps. 82:6. Even the judges of Israel, acting as God's representatives, were called 'gods'. The Jews should have seen that Jesus was far superior to them. This comparison with the men of the Old Testament is sufficient argument to refute the charge of blasphemy. Jesus does not imply that He is merely a man like them.

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