When we give our lives to Christ, everything changes. He gives us salvation, hope, peace, and so much more. He also gives us gifts and talents, so He can use us to make a difference. When we leverage our gifts and talents for Him, we have the opportunity to have a significant impact. We have to decide, however, if we will use these gifts and talents to point people to Christ or keep them to ourselves. Today we will look at the story of Elisha, a man who understood the impact He could have for God and asked for even greater opportunities to make a difference in his world.
Break the ice
Who is someone who has had a lasting impact on your life? How?
Small group questions
Bible study questions
- What things distract us from leveraging our time and talents for Christ?
- Read 2 Kings 2:1-6. What is significant about this interaction between Elijah and Elisha?
Elijah Taken into Heaven
1When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were traveling from Gilgal. 2And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Bethel.”
But Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you!” So they went down together to Bethel.
3The group of prophets from Bethel came to Elisha and asked him, “Did you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?”
“Of course I know,” Elisha answered. “But be quiet about it.”
4Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to Jericho.”
But Elisha replied again, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together to Jericho.
5Then the group of prophets from Jericho came to Elisha and asked him, “Did you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?”
“Of course I know,” Elisha answered. “But be quiet about it.”
6Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.”
But again Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together.
3. Read 2 Kings 2:7-13. What did Elisha ask for in these verses?
7Fifty men from the group of prophets also went and watched from a distance as Elijah and Elisha stopped beside the Jordan River. 8Then Elijah folded his cloak together and struck the water with it. The river divided, and the two of them went across on dry ground!
9When they came to the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I can do for you before I am taken away.”
And Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor.”
10“You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah replied. “If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won’t.”
11As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. 12Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father! My father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress.
13Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River.
4. Describe Elijah’s departure. What did this mean for Elisha?
Application
- Do you often think about the impact you could have on the world? Why or why not?
- What are areas in your life where you have influence? How can you honor God in these areas?
- If you could ask for a “double portion of God’s Spirit,” how might God bless your life and ministry?
Moving forward
Just like Elisha, we, too, can have a profound impact for Christ. We can follow his example by boldly asking God for an even more significant influence and impact for Him. Spend the next few minutes sharing how you can impact this week. When everyone is finished, pray together. Ask God to give you all a “double portion,” more opportunities to have an impact for Him.
Going deeper
Asking for a double portion is a big responsibility. This double portion is more than we can carry on our own. Therefore, we need God’s help. One of the ways we ask God for help when He gives us a double portion is through fasting. Fasting acknowledges that we need help and challenges us to turn to prayer. It acknowledges that we are weak, but God is strong, and His power is strong through us. Let’s take a few minutes to understand what fasting is and the times to fast.
Definition of Fasting:
Before we go over fasting, let’s get an understanding of what fasting is. Fasting is abstaining from food (or something else that takes up a portion of our time and attention every day) for a set amount of time and praying instead. Fasting allows us to focus on prayer and what God might be saying to us.
Fast During Big Decisions:
Fasting is always wise during moments of big decisions. When we need God’s wisdom and help, fasting from food or something else that might distract us helps us to focus on God and what He might be trying to show us. So we see in the book of Acts that Paul and Barnabas fasted when they had to make big decisions.
- Read Acts 14:23.
- Why did Paul and Barnabas fast in this verse?
- Why is fasting helpful during moments of big decisions?
- What big decision do you need to make currently where fasting would be helpful?
Fasting Before Taking Big Steps:
There are times when God calls us to take big steps of faith. In times like this, fasting is an important step to take to focus on God and ask for His help and courage to obey Him. Esther did this when she knew she needed to stand up for God’s people by taking a bold, risky step.
- Individually read Esther 4:1-17, then come back together.
- Why did Esther and her maids fast?
- Describe the intensity of Esther’s situation.
- Is there a big step God is calling you to take where fasting would be helpful for you?
Fasting to Confess Sin:
Another time fasting is helpful is when we realize sin in our lives or when God reveals a particular sin in our lives. Fasting allows us to confess sin, turn away from it, and tell God we are sorry for our sin. It also allows us to focus on God and His kingdom instead of sin. The Ninevites knew this and fasted and prayed when they realized their sin.
- Read Jonah 3:3-5.
- Describe the Ninevites’ response when they were called out for their sin.
- What did the Ninevites’ response to fasting reveal about their attitudes toward their sin?
- Do you find yourself responding to sin in the same way? Why or why not?
Challenge:
Let’s practice fasting together this week. As a group, pick a timeframe for when and how long you want to fast. Then think about what you want to fast from during this timeframe and share with your group what you will fast from. Remember to spend time in prayer as you fast. Next week, when you come back together, talk about your experience fasting and what God showed you through your time fasting and praying. This is an incredible opportunity to grow spiritually by engaging in fasting along with your group.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
28And we know that God causes everything to work together[1] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Translation notes (1)
- 8:28 Some manuscripts read And we know that everything works together.
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