Striking Arrows: The Power of Choices and Faith

 

Summary

In the story of King Joash and the prophet Elisha, we find a profound lesson about the intersection of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Elisha instructed Joash to strike the ground with arrows, and Joash did so three times. Elisha was displeased, for Joash should have struck the ground five or six times to ensure a complete victory over Syria. This narrative illustrates the mysterious yet undeniable coexistence of God's eternal purposes and human free will. While God's plans are unchangeable, human actions significantly influence outcomes. This duality is a mystery that invites us to worship God, whose ways are beyond our understanding.

The story of Joash serves as a reminder of the responsibilities we hold in our hands. Just as Joash's actions determined the fate of Israel, our choices can have far-reaching consequences. Whether as parents, leaders, or individuals, our decisions can bring blessings or hardships to those around us. Even seemingly insignificant actions can lead to significant outcomes, much like the simple act of shooting arrows determined the fate of a nation.

We are called to be diligent in our spiritual journey, not settling for minimal effort. Whether in overcoming sin, growing in knowledge, or increasing our faith, we must strive for more. The Christian life is not about complacency but about pressing forward, seeking greater holiness, and deeper communion with God. Our prayers, too, should be fervent and persistent, like the importunate widow who would not relent until she received her request.

The church, as a collective body, must also strive for greater impact. We should not be content with small victories but should aim to conquer the world for Christ. Our zeal for God's glory should drive us to do more, to pray more, and to serve more. The enemy does not pause in his efforts, and neither should we. Let us be inspired by Christ, who did not stop until His work was finished, and let us resolve to serve Him with the same dedication.

Key Takeaways:

- Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: The story of Joash and Elisha highlights the mysterious coexistence of God's eternal plans and human free will. While God's purposes are unchangeable, our actions significantly influence outcomes, inviting us to worship a God whose ways are beyond our understanding. [02:14]

- The Weight of Our Choices: Just as Joash's actions determined Israel's fate, our decisions can have far-reaching consequences. Whether as parents, leaders, or individuals, our choices can bring blessings or hardships to those around us, reminding us of the responsibility we carry. [05:35]

- Striving for Spiritual Growth: The Christian life is not about complacency but about pressing forward. We must strive for greater holiness, deeper communion with God, and increased faith, never settling for minimal effort in our spiritual journey. [12:28]

- Persistent Prayer: Our prayers should be fervent and persistent, like the importunate widow who would not relent until she received her request. We must ask for greater blessings and not be content with small victories, knowing that much is available to those who seek earnestly. [15:31]

- Zeal for God's Glory: The church must strive for greater impact, aiming to conquer the world for Christ. Our zeal for God's glory should drive us to do more, pray more, and serve more, inspired by Christ, who did not stop until His work was finished. [16:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Elisha and Joash's Arrows
- [00:50] - Divine Purpose and Human Choice
- [02:14] - The Mystery of God's Will
- [03:42] - Responsibility in Our Hands
- [05:20] - Little Acts, Big Consequences
- [07:38] - The Call for Diligence
- [10:08] - Overcoming Sin
- [12:00] - Growing in Faith
- [15:05] - The Power of Persistent Prayer
- [16:09] - The Church's Mission
- [19:10] - Reasons for Pausing
- [22:09] - The Danger of Unbelief
- [25:14] - Consequences of Pausing
- [29:18] - Eagerness in God's Work
- [30:15] - Following Christ's Example

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Kings 13:18-19

Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did Elisha give to King Joash regarding the arrows? ([00:09])
2. How did Joash respond to Elisha's command, and what was Elisha's reaction? ([00:21])
3. What was the consequence of Joash's actions in terms of Israel's victory over Syria? ([00:35])

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Joash and Elisha illustrate the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility? ([02:14])
2. In what ways do Joash's actions reflect the potential impact of our choices on others? ([05:35])
3. How does the sermon suggest that small actions can lead to significant outcomes in our spiritual lives? ([06:29])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you consider the potential long-term consequences of that choice? ([05:20])
2. In your spiritual journey, are there areas where you have settled for minimal effort? How can you strive for greater growth and holiness? ([12:28])
3. Think about your prayer life. How can you make your prayers more fervent and persistent, like the importunate widow? ([15:31])
4. As a member of your church, what steps can you take to contribute to a greater impact for God's glory? ([16:09])
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel complacent. What practical steps can you take this week to overcome that complacency? ([10:08])
6. How can you ensure that your actions and decisions align with God's eternal purposes while exercising your free will? ([02:14])
7. Consider a small action you can take this week that might have a significant positive impact on someone else's life. What will you do? ([06:29])

Devotional

Day 1: The Dance of Divine Sovereignty and Human Choice
In the story of King Joash and the prophet Elisha, we see a profound illustration of the mysterious coexistence of God's eternal purposes and human free will. Elisha instructed Joash to strike the ground with arrows, and Joash did so three times. Elisha was displeased because Joash should have struck the ground five or six times to ensure a complete victory over Syria. This narrative highlights that while God's plans are unchangeable, human actions significantly influence outcomes. It invites us to worship a God whose ways are beyond our understanding, acknowledging that our choices matter in the unfolding of His divine will. [02:14]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’"

Reflection: Consider a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek God's guidance while also taking responsibility for your actions in this situation?


Day 2: The Impact of Our Decisions
The story of Joash serves as a reminder of the responsibilities we hold in our hands. Just as Joash's actions determined the fate of Israel, our choices can have far-reaching consequences. Whether as parents, leaders, or individuals, our decisions can bring blessings or hardships to those around us. This narrative encourages us to be mindful of the weight of our choices, understanding that even seemingly insignificant actions can lead to significant outcomes. We are called to act with wisdom and discernment, recognizing the responsibility we carry in shaping the lives of others. [05:35]

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."

Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made that affected others. How can you ensure your future choices align with God's will and bring blessings to those around you?


Day 3: Pursuing Spiritual Growth with Diligence
The Christian life is not about complacency but about pressing forward. We must strive for greater holiness, deeper communion with God, and increased faith, never settling for minimal effort in our spiritual journey. This call to diligence is a reminder that our spiritual growth requires intentionality and perseverance. Just as Joash's limited effort resulted in an incomplete victory, our half-hearted attempts can hinder our spiritual progress. We are encouraged to pursue God with all our hearts, seeking to grow in knowledge and faith, and to overcome sin with determination. [12:28]

2 Peter 1:5-8 (ESV): "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Identify one area of your spiritual life where you have become complacent. What specific steps can you take this week to pursue growth in that area?


Day 4: The Power of Persistent Prayer
Our prayers should be fervent and persistent, like the importunate widow who would not relent until she received her request. We must ask for greater blessings and not be content with small victories, knowing that much is available to those who seek earnestly. This call to persistent prayer challenges us to approach God with boldness and faith, trusting that He hears and answers our prayers. It reminds us that prayer is a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal, capable of bringing about change and transformation in our lives and the world around us. [15:31]

Luke 18:1-5 (ESV): "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, 'In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, "Give me justice against my adversary." For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, "Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming."'"

Reflection: Reflect on a prayer request you have given up on. How can you renew your commitment to pray persistently for this need?


Day 5: Zeal for God's Glory and the Church's Mission
The church must strive for greater impact, aiming to conquer the world for Christ. Our zeal for God's glory should drive us to do more, pray more, and serve more, inspired by Christ, who did not stop until His work was finished. This call to action challenges us to be proactive in our faith, seeking to make a difference in our communities and beyond. We are reminded that the enemy does not pause in his efforts, and neither should we. Let us be inspired by Christ's example and resolve to serve Him with dedication and passion, working together as a collective body to fulfill the church's mission. [16:09]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can contribute to your church's mission this week? How can you let your light shine in your community for God's glory?

Quotes

It is a very difficult task to show the meeting place of the purpose of God and the free agency of man. One thing is quite clear: we ought not to deny either of them, for they are both facts. It is a fact that God has purposed all things, both great and little. [00:47:36]

In the case before us, the arrows are in the hands of the king of Israel, and according to whether he shall shoot once, twice, thrice, or five or six times, so will the nation's history be affected. Now, how these two things can both be true, I cannot tell you. [00:82:88]

You do not know, dear friends, what responsibility lies upon you. You are the father of a family. What blessings may come to your household or may be missed by your children through your conduct. Dear mother, you think yourself obscured, yet your child's future will depend upon your teaching or non-teaching. [00:280:56]

Notice what great results may come from very little acts. It was a very trifling thing, was it not, to shoot an arrow from a bow? Your child has done it many times in his holidays. He has taken his bow and shot his little homemade shaft into the air. [00:351:28]

Some, as soon as they begin their Christian life, fit an arrow to the string and shoot down big sins such as swearing or drunkenness or open uncleanness. When they have shot these three times, they seem to think that the other enemies within them may be tolerated. [00:492:16]

There are some who shoot three times and then leave off with regard to Christian knowledge. They know the simple truth of justification by faith, but they do not want to know much about sanctification by the Spirit of God. Why not, my brother? Can star be saved unless thou art sanctified? [00:644:399]

Come, my dear friend, if thou has little faith, do not rest till thou hast great faith, till thou hast full assurance, till thou has the full assurance of understanding. Thou love is Christ, but why not love him more? Thou hast hope, but why not a clearer expectation? [00:741:6]

You do pray, else were you not the living children of God at all, but offer more power in prayer. You have asked for a blessing; why not ask for a far greater one? We want more Christians of the type of the important widow. [00:898:72]

Oh, that the church of Christ had a boundless ambition to conquer the world for her Lord. Oh, that we never rested day nor night till our neighbors know the Savior, till sinners of every class were made to know that there is a God in Israel. [00:966:24]

If we will but persevere, we shall prove that there is life in the old dogs yet. We can do something yet in the cause of God, even though the hair does turn gray and the voice is getting weak. Let us not make an excuse out of our age. [01:122:72]

If you do not overthrow the powers of evil, the powers of evil will overthrow you. Oh, that God would give us to have no hesitation about our choice, but may we continue by the power of the Spirit to shoot the arrows of God's deliverance till Christ himself shall come. [01:735:2]

Did he stop anywhere? Did he cry a halt when the work was half done? Did he not set his face steadfastly to go up to Jerusalem? When the scourges fell, he did not turn back and leave us. When the nails were driven into his hands and feet, he did not desert us. [01:818:64]

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Transcript
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