Faith: Transforming Emptiness into Abundance
Summary
Today, we gathered to explore how faith can fill our emptiness, especially focusing on the story from 2 Kings 4:1-7. This passage tells the story of a widow who, despite her dire circumstances, found that faith in God could transform her situation. We began by acknowledging the importance of faith and how it can fill the voids in our lives. I encouraged everyone to high-five their neighbor and affirm that God will fill their emptiness. This set the tone for our exploration of faith and its power to transform our lives.
We then delved into the story of the widow, who was left with nothing but a small jar of olive oil after her husband's death. Her situation was dire, as creditors were coming to take her sons as slaves to pay off her debts. Elisha, the prophet, asked her, "What do you have in your house?" This question was pivotal because it shifted her focus from what she lacked to what she had, however small it seemed. This is a crucial lesson for us: to recognize and value the little we have and trust God to multiply it.
Elisha instructed the widow to gather as many empty jars as she could from her neighbors and to pour her small amount of oil into them. This act required faith and obedience. She involved her sons in this process, teaching them a valuable lesson about faith and God's provision. As she poured the oil, it miraculously kept flowing until all the jars were filled. This miracle not only met her immediate needs but also provided enough for her and her sons to live on.
We discussed how this story illustrates that faith requires action. The widow had to step out in faith, gather the jars, and start pouring the oil. Similarly, we must take steps of faith, even when we don't see the full picture. God often asks us to use what we have, no matter how small, and trust Him to do the rest. This principle applies not just to our finances but to every area of our lives—our relationships, our careers, and our spiritual growth.
I also emphasized the importance of community and asking for help. The widow had to reach out to her neighbors for empty jars. This act of humility and community involvement was crucial for her miracle. We, too, need to be willing to ask for help and support from our community. It's a reminder that we are not meant to do life alone; we need each other.
As we moved towards the conclusion, I highlighted the importance of teaching our children about faith. The widow's sons witnessed firsthand the power of faith and God's provision. This experience would have a lasting impact on their lives. We, too, must involve our children in our faith journey, teaching them to trust God and to see His hand at work in our lives.
Finally, we ended with a call to action. I encouraged everyone to take a step of faith in the next 30 days, whether it's in their giving, their relationships, or their personal walk with God. We prayed for those who are struggling, especially single mothers, and asked God to fill their emptiness with His presence and provision.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Can Fill Your Emptiness: The story of the widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 teaches us that faith in God can fill the voids in our lives. When we focus on what we have, no matter how small, and trust God to multiply it, He can turn our emptiness into abundance. This principle applies to every area of our lives, not just our finances. [01:06:53]
2. Faith Requires Action: The widow had to gather jars and start pouring her small amount of oil, even though it seemed insufficient. This act of faith and obedience led to a miraculous provision. Similarly, we must take steps of faith, trusting God to do the rest. Our actions, combined with our faith, can lead to extraordinary outcomes. [01:13:31]
3. Community and Humility: The widow had to ask her neighbors for empty jars, demonstrating the importance of community and humility. We are not meant to do life alone; we need each other. Asking for help and being part of a supportive community can be crucial for experiencing God's miracles in our lives. [01:17:04]
4. Teaching Faith to Our Children: The widow involved her sons in the miracle, teaching them about faith and God's provision. It's essential to involve our children in our faith journey, showing them how to trust God and recognize His hand at work. This will have a lasting impact on their lives and faith. [01:22:13]
5. God Multiplies What We Have: The miracle of the oil teaches us that God can multiply what we have when we offer it to Him in faith. Whether it's our time, talents, or resources, God can use it to meet our needs and bless others. We must be willing to give what we have and trust God to do the rest. [01:27:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:00:47] - Introduction and High-Five
[01:06:53] - Faith Can Fill Your Emptiness
[01:13:31] - Faith Requires Action
[01:17:04] - Community and Humility
[01:22:13] - Teaching Faith to Our Children
[01:27:13] - God Multiplies What We Have
[01:38:51] - Call to Action and Prayer
[01:43:23] - Offering and Announcements
[01:51:11] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Kings 4:1-7 (ESV)
> Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.” And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”
2. James 4:2-3 (ESV)
> You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
3. Malachi 3:10 (ESV)
> Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
### Observation Questions
1. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, what was the widow's initial response to Elisha's question about what she had in her house?
2. What specific instructions did Elisha give to the widow regarding the empty jars?
3. According to James 4:2-3, why do people often not receive what they desire?
4. What promise does Malachi 3:10 give to those who bring the full tithe into the storehouse?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elisha asked the widow what she had in her house instead of immediately providing for her needs?
2. What might the act of borrowing empty jars from neighbors symbolize in the context of community and faith?
3. How does the principle in James 4:2-3 about asking with the right motives apply to the widow's situation in 2 Kings 4:1-7?
4. In what ways does Malachi 3:10 challenge believers to trust God with their resources?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt empty or lacking. What small resource or talent do you have that you can offer to God in faith?
2. How can you take a step of faith this week, similar to the widow gathering jars, in an area of your life where you feel uncertain or insufficient?
3. Identify a specific need in your community. How can you humbly ask for help or offer support to others, following the widow's example of borrowing jars?
4. What is one way you can involve your children or family in a faith-building activity this week, teaching them to trust in God's provision?
5. Consider your current giving habits. How can you test God's promise in Malachi 3:10 by committing to a specific act of generosity or tithing in the next 30 days?
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Transforms Emptiness
Faith in God can fill the voids in our lives, turning our emptiness into abundance. The story of the widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 illustrates this beautifully. Despite her dire circumstances, she trusted God and followed the prophet Elisha's instructions. By focusing on the little she had—a small jar of olive oil—and trusting God to multiply it, she experienced a miraculous provision that met her needs and more. This principle applies to every area of our lives, not just our finances. When we place our faith in God, He can transform our emptiness into fullness.
2 Kings 4:1-7 (ESV): "Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, 'Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.' And Elisha said to her, 'What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?' And she said, 'Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.' Then he said, 'Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.' So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her. When the vessels were full, she said to her son, 'Bring me another vessel.' And he said to her, 'There is not another.' Then the oil stopped flowing. She came and told the man of God, and he said, 'Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel empty or lacking? How can you trust God to fill that void today? [01:06:53]
Day 2: Faith Requires Action
The widow's story teaches us that faith requires action. She had to gather jars and start pouring her small amount of oil, even though it seemed insufficient. This act of faith and obedience led to a miraculous provision. Similarly, we must take steps of faith, trusting God to do the rest. Our actions, combined with our faith, can lead to extraordinary outcomes. It's not enough to believe; we must also act on our faith, even when we don't see the full picture.
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: What is one step of faith you can take today, even if you don't see the full picture? [01:13:31]
Day 3: Community and Humility
The widow had to ask her neighbors for empty jars, demonstrating the importance of community and humility. We are not meant to do life alone; we need each other. Asking for help and being part of a supportive community can be crucial for experiencing God's miracles in our lives. This act of humility and community involvement was essential for the widow's miracle. We, too, must be willing to reach out and ask for help, recognizing that we are stronger together.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for support or offer help to today? [01:17:04]
Day 4: Teaching Faith to Our Children
The widow involved her sons in the miracle, teaching them about faith and God's provision. It's essential to involve our children in our faith journey, showing them how to trust God and recognize His hand at work. This will have a lasting impact on their lives and faith. By including her sons, the widow not only secured their immediate future but also instilled in them a deep understanding of God's faithfulness and provision.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you involve your children or younger people in your life in your faith journey today? [01:22:13]
Day 5: God Multiplies What We Have
The miracle of the oil teaches us that God can multiply what we have when we offer it to Him in faith. Whether it's our time, talents, or resources, God can use it to meet our needs and bless others. We must be willing to give what we have and trust God to do the rest. This principle encourages us to look at our resources, no matter how small, and offer them to God, trusting Him to multiply them for His glory and our good.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (ESV): "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."
Reflection: What small resource or talent can you offer to God today, trusting Him to multiply it? [01:27:13]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The only thing that can fill my heart is you. And so I'm asking Jesus into my heart, my life online right now, as you're watching us today live, or maybe later you're watching this, amen, Jesus wants to come into your heart. In fact, the scripture says he's standing at the door knocking now. He's just saying, let me in so I can come in your house and change things all around. Let him do it today. If you're watching online, all you got to do is in the chat, say, I'm ready. I'm ready. I want to give my life to Christ. Something like that. And there are people watching that will take you into a private chat room so that you can have a private conversation." [01:38:51]
2. "Faith can fill your emptiness. Your husband, my, excuse me, my servant, excuse me, your servant, my husband is dead, and you know that he's revered the Lord, but now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves. She says in verse one, and she doesn't, she needs to learn that, that, that, that faith in God. Faith can fill whatever is empty in her life. That's the resurrection. That's what the resurrection is all about, that even dead things can come to life. Dead persons, dead, dead issues can be resurrected." [01:06:53]
3. "You got to shut the world out. You got to shut a man tick tock out. I'm not saying they shouldn't be on tick tock and enjoy, but you can't. That is tick tock. It's not us. You don't do that over here. You teach them. She shut the door and behind the door, mama taught her children faith. Mama taught her children how to trust God, how to see God take an empty jar that she had to borrow from neighbors and she got rid of her pride and all that y'all go cause it's embarrassing asking people for help. You got to get pride. You want to get healed. You want to be delivered. You got to stop being, you got to be bold and say, I need some help and people will help you if they know you need it." [01:25:54]
4. "You don't need a man. You need a flow. You, you, you, you don't need nobody to pay your bills. You need a flow. You, you, you, you, you don't need necessarily a third and fourth job. You need a flow. How many of y'all say I need a flow? I need a flow in my life. Amen. I need a flow to happen. And if you follow God and do it God's way, God will give you a flow and it'll keep on going. And the only reason it will stop is because you don't have no more vessels. You No more capacity to hold it. You provide nothing for him to work with. And the Bible says the oil ceased. It stopped flowing." [01:27:13]
5. "Faith requires you to get your family, especially your children involved to show them how faith operates. Now don't do it like, you know, I want my kids to know. Now I'm not saying you tell them adult stuff and go into all the, don't put that burden on your children. But you let them help you. You participate in what the family needs. You don't do that. So you, it's going to require faith and it's going to require you to ask for help, amen, from people. So you got to get rid of this pride that you may have and this whole feeling that you have. And then you got to also make sure your family gets involved." [01:22:13]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Faith requires you to take the little you have and trust God with it. But number five is, faith requires you to ask others to help where they can and don't do it alone. He says in verse three, Elijah says, go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. See, he tells her to look at your situation and have a different perspective of it because you're not as bad off as you think you are. Now, are you bad off? It's rough. It's hard. It's Rent was due on the 5th it's the 10th and it's bad, but look at what you got. There's some stuff. You got some friends." [01:16:21]
2. "Faith builds on your effort and personal responsibility. So he could have did it for her, but what he does is he lets her participate in her own deliverance, to participate in her own breakthrough, to participate in her own miracle. Your miracle is waiting on you. You waiting on a miracle, but the miracle is waiting on you to start. You can't experience, you can't expect, I should say, to get the help, amen, from God when you're not willing to help yourself. You got to help yourself. He asked her a question. What did he say? What do you have in the house? What do you have? What do you have to work with?" [01:13:31]
3. "Tell me, what do you have in your house? He, he want to know, all right, I hear the problem, but, but, but what do you have to work with? No matter how much weight you may think you can't handle, you, you, you, you got something that you can work with. She goes to her pastor, Elijah, and thank God again for spiritual covering, amen, over your life. She tells him I'm overwhelmed and I can't fix this myself. I can't pay my bills. And now they want my sons. And to pay the debts by being slaves. This trouble that I'm in now is impacting my whole family because there are certain things that happen to a family that everybody in the family is affected." [01:09:04]
4. "You got something. And if you. If you learn how to have faith and he got to help you to transmute it, stop living out of somebody else's playbook. Look at what? Amen. You asked why I'm a Falcon fan. I don't care what the score looked like. We got faith that one night we shall be free. What you have to do is you have to know what you have. The little doesn't seem like much and it seems insignificant in the face of the big that you have. Problem, the big issue. You have something, but it seems so little in the face of the challenges that it makes your little something look like nothing." [01:19:48]
5. "Faith turns you and others into producers rather than consumers to do greater things with what God has trusted you with, to do greater things with the overflow in your life. Here's my favorite part of the whole sermon right here. I mean, I love all of it, but here's the part I love. She taught her kids how to be creative. Let me say it this way. She taught her kids how to be producers, not just consumers. Did you see that? Take the oil. You got enough for yourself to heat the stove, to cook the food, to do the things you need to do. Yes. But I want you to take that extra because when God blesses us, he always has overflow." [01:28:47]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 13, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?