Characteristics of maturity
Teacher
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Lesson 10
BASIC BIBLICAL TEXT
2 Kings 4.8-17
BASIC BIBLICAL TEXT
2 Kings 4.8-12
8One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. 9 She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. 10 Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” 11One day when Elisha came, he went up to his room and lay down there. 12He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call the Shunammite.” So he called her, and she stood before him.
BASIC BIBLICAL TEXT
2 Kings 4.13-17
13Elisha said to him, “Tell her, ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” She replied, “I have a home among my own people.” 14“What can be done for her?” Elisha asked. Gehazi said, “She has no son, and her husband is old.” 15Then Elisha said, “Call her.” So he called her, and she stood in the doorway. 16“About this time next year,” Elisha said, “you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord!” she objected. “Please, man of God, don’t mislead your servant!” 17But the woman became pregnant, and the next year about that same time she gave birth to a son, just as Elisha had told her.
GOLDEN TEXT
Colossians 3.23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
AIMS
* Get to know the story of Shunammite woman;
* Applying to one's own life the characteristics of maturity observed in the Shunammite woman;
* Practice good deeds without thinking in rewards, because they all come from the Lord.
INTRODUCTION
One of the most inspiring examples for all of us to follow on the path to maturity is that of the Shunammite woman. When we reflect on this woman's life, we discover the standard of excellence that this servant of the Lord adopted.
In this lesson, the characteristics of maturity observed in the life of this wealthy woman will be highlighted. If we guide our existence by these principles, we will certainly grow, for the honor and glory of God.
1. GENEROSITY
The woman from Shunem, who had good social status, generously used the resources she had to bless the prophet (2 Kings 4.8-10). The first characteristic of maturity observed in the Shunammite is, therefore, generosity. From this perspective, comparatively, what virtues of the servants of Christ validate this virtue in practice?
1.1. Servants of the Lord help the needy
The Lord Jesus was emphatic in exhorting us to be compassionate with those who ask us for something (Mt 5.42). If we want to reflect God's character in us, we must do benevolent works, help orphans and widows, and keep ourselves unspotted by the world by practicing the true religion, as James noted (1:27). Those who love the Lord have no difficulty in welcoming the needy. Generosity flows naturally, producing satisfaction in the hearts of both giver and receiver.
Jesus once said: And because iniquity is multiplied, the love of many will grow cold (Mt 24.12). The scriptures do not dispute the fact that we fight for our survival by becoming successful and materially prosperous, but rather the fact that we act selfishly and indifferently, not sharing what we have with those in need.
1.2. The servants of Christ are faithful tithers and grateful offers
The virtue of generosity is manifested especially in economic values for the underprivileged in the Kingdom of God. Have you been giving your tithes and offerings to the Lord? Have you helped those in need? How have you invested your time, talents and finances?
We must work and use wisely what God has entrusted us with in talents, financial resources and material goods, to have a balanced and prosperous life, without neglecting the needs of our neighbor and the Kingdom of God (MALAFAIA, S. Central Gospel, 2008).
2. CLEAR AND WIDE VISION
Says the biblical text that that attentive woman said to her husband: I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God (2 Kings 4.9). It can be said, based on this statement, that the Shunamita saw beyond appearances.
The second characteristic of maturity observed in the Shunammite is, therefore, her broad and clear vision. From this perspective, comparatively, what attitudes of the servants of Christ validate, in practice, this quality?
2.1. The servants of Christ keep the eyes fixed on the author and consumer of the faith
The Shunammite woman focused her gaze on the Lord; for that reason, she had a clear vision of what Elisha represented to the people.
When our eyes are fixed on the Lord, He makes our understanding reinterpret the transience and vanities of life (Sl 119.37). The lack of maturity conditions man to look at appearances and temporality; this distorted view prevents the realization of the divine plan in us.
2.2. Servants of Christ positively interpret everything that happens to everyone
The more the Christian advances in maturity, the more wisdom he acquires in all areas of his life. His gaze does not focus on what is negative, nor does it underline the shortcomings and limitations of his fellow man. When looking at people, the mature Christian seeks to highlight the qualities, potential and virtues they possess. He seeks to highlight what is good, what is honest, what is pure, pleasant and constructive. This is how the Shunammite woman looked at the prophet Elisha.
If we want to reach the measure of the full stature of Christ, we cannot keep emphasizing other people's defects and imperfections (Fp 1.6).
3. SURRENDERING TO THE SPIRIT OF GOD
The Spirit of God testified in the heart of the Shunammite woman: this man is a holy man of God! The third characteristic of maturity observed in the Shunammite is, therefore, her surrender to the Spirit of God. From this perspective, comparatively, which attitudes of the servants of Christ validate, in practice, this virtue?
3.1. Servants of Christ live according to the Spirit, not according to the flesh
Living according to the Spirit, and not according to the flesh, is, above all, knowing how to recognize the eternal Voice that speaks to our hearts, indicating the right path to follow. The Shunammite woman was under no obligation to welcome the prophet, but her heart was enlightened to understand that Elisha was someone special to God and his people.
Keeping your ears permanently open to the voice of the Spirit is the wisest attitude a Christian can adopt; it is a sign of growth (Ap 2.29).
CONCLUSION
By investing in the prophet, Shunammite deeply touched the heart of God. She, with her attitude, released the Lord's power over her life, experiencing prosperity in all areas. Shunem's wife received seven miracles. There is no one in all of the Bible, male or female, who received as many blessings as she did:
GOD BLESS YOU!
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