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TAKE HIM TO HIS MOTHER. II KINGS 4:17-37. I. THE STORY OF A SHUNAMMITE MOTHERS GREATNESS. Elisha is traveling through Shunem. Elisha stayed in the Shunammite’s home. A. THE SHUNAMMITE MOTHER HAD A SPIRIT OF SERVICE v.v. 9, 10. God understood this mother’s spirit.
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TAKE HIM TO HIS MOTHER II KINGS 4:17-37
I. THE STORY OF A SHUNAMMITE MOTHERS GREATNESS Elisha is traveling through Shunem. Elisha stayed in the Shunammite’s home.
A. THE SHUNAMMITE MOTHER HAD A SPIRIT OF SERVICE v.v. 9, 10 God understood this mother’s spirit. What kind of service is God looking for out of us? Matthew 25:22-40 If a neighbor is sick and needs a meal, you don’t have to tell anyone. If you know a poor family and the kids need shoes, or a winter coat, just get one.
B. THIS SHUNAMMITE MOTHER HAD CONTENTMENT v.v. 11-13 The mothers response to Elisha – v.13 She was content where she was with her family. The secret of being content is perspective. Philippians 4:11-13 Contentment has nothing to do with what you have, for no matter what you have, most people will always want more because more will never be enough.
C. THIS SHUNAMMITE MOTHER HAD A GREAT FAITH v.v. 19-26 When asked by her husband and Gehazi she states, “everything will be alright.” She knew her son was dead. Her faith was not in the evangelist. Her faith was not in her wealth. Her faith was not in her family traditions.
WHY GO TO HIM TODAY? Dad doesn’t seem to share the same kind of faith his wife did. She replies, “It’s alright.” Sometimes others will criticize or question your faith.
D. THIS SHUNAMMITE MOTHER WAS WILLING TO DEAL WITH TROUBLE v.v. 29, 30 No matter the outcome this mother wasn’t going to leave God. Sometimes we don’t understand the answer to our prayers. Not answering a prayer does not mean God is against us, or punishing us. His will for a greater purpose is often hard for us to see.
THE BIBLE SAYS… When her son child died her response was unfathomable in the moment of grief. II Kings 4:21 No matter how things turn out in any situation we’ve got to tell God, “I will not leave you.”
CONSIDER SOME THINGS OUR SOCIETY CONDEMNS A principal was dismissed from his duties because he led a group of kids in a prayer and Bible study. He was only a fill-in for a group of Fellow Christian Athletes who met on a regular bases at the school.
CONSIDER SOME THINGS OUR SOCIETY CONDEMNS • A picture book called, “Jesse’s Dream Skirt” • A story for children in kindergarten thru 3rd grade • A young boy enjoys dressing in his mothers clothing • Eventually asks his mother to make him his own skirt • He wears the skirt to school and teaches his peers a lesson on acceptance • The boys father objects, and is made to be the villain of the story • The final illustration depicts the boy twirling enthusiastically around the classroom in his beautiful skirt
II. THE STEPS OF A MOTHER WINNING THE BATTLE FOR HER GREAT FAMILY There were steps taken by this Shunammite mom that made it easy for her to trust the prophet.
THE PROPHET ELISHA It became a practice for Elisha to stay at the Shunammite's home. He was determined to return a blessing for a blessing. Elisha pronounced a promise that a child would grace their home. Later Elisha breathed life back into the son.
A. STAY ON YOUR KNEES • Pray specifically for your children. • Ask God to encourage them to be spiritually strong and morally pure, and to surround them with godly friends and help them make godly choices. • Pray their choices would encourage spiritual growth.
WHEN YOU PRAY YOU CAN STAY CALM AND CONTENT “With prayer and thanksgiving make your request known to God, and the peace of God will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”
B. KEEP ESTABLISHING SECURITY BY LIVING A CONSISTENT GODLY EXAMPLE • Your goal has been to establish limits to give your child a sense of security. • Your consistent life will help your children establish a security that will help them to seek after things that will bless their relationships.
YOU CAN’T ASSUME THAT A CHILD SHOULD KNOW BETTER. It is built into a child’s nature to resist truth, and find a sense of security in other people and things. They need to see that your security is established in your relationship with God. Morals and good habits must be consistent in our lives before our children will be willing to participate in those same values.
THE MESSAGE TO OUR CHILDREN SHOULD NEVER BE… “do as I say not as I do.” It should be, “do as I say, and as I demonstrate it to you.”
C. NEVER STOP CHALLENGING YOUR CHILDREN TO LIVE A SPIRITUAL LIFE “Don’t let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies. Their wrong shallow answers built on men’s thoughts and ideas instead of on what Christ has said.” Colossians 2:8 LB Don’t expect your kids to agree on everything spiritually. If we force them to agree with us, they will not be able to own their relationship with God for themselves.
Susannah Wesleysix rules for teaching her children • Subdue self-will in a child • Teach him to pray as soon as he can speak. • Give him nothing he cries for, and only what is good for him when he asks politely. • Punish no fault confessed, bur let no sinful act to go unnoticed. • Reward good behavior. • Strictly observe all promises you have made to your child.
It is hard moving against the tide of public opinion.It is unpleasant to be called “the religious right” and a religious extremists” and a bigot.”Being ridiculed is the price we must pay to defend what we believe.
