Lean In // 5 minutes
When was a time you buried yourself in a lie and had to come clean?
Leader Note: The question will naturally lead to a story. So, as you pose the question, make sure everyone has an opportunity to share while also being mindful of time.
Look Down // 15 minutes
Read 2 Kings 5:1-27
What do you learn about the characters in the story—particularly Naaman and Gehazi?
Sample answers may include…
Naaman
- Military leader- “Commander…of the army of Aram” (v. 1)
- Highly respected- “Great man…and highly regarded” (v. 1)
- Warrior/Hero- “Valiant soldier” (v. 1)
- Very Wealthy- “Naaman took…silver…gold…clothing…” (v. 5)
- Highly influential- “…the letter he took to the king of Israel…” (v. 6)
- Major flaw- “…but he had leprosy.” (v. 1)
Gehazi
- Pastor/Prophet-in-training- “…the servant of Elisha the man of God…” (v. 20)
- Prejudiced- “[He] was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean…” (v. 20)
- Greedy- “I will run after him and get something from him.” (v. 20)
- Liar- “My master sent me to say…” (v. 22) // “Your servant didn’t go anywhere…” (v. 25)
Other characters
- Elisha—Uses Naaman’s request for healing to point him to God (v. 8) and communicates God’s judgment to Gehazi (v. 27)
- Israelite servant girl—Taken captive but points Naaman to God and healing (vv. 2-3)
- Naaman’s servants— Talk Naaman into listening to Elisha’s instruction (v. 13)
Commentary: There are quite a few characters in the story but the author directs the reader’s attention to Naaman and Gehazi and also uses the irony in their stories to communicate a powerful truth. The story begins with a leprous Naaman and his attempt to cover it up. It’s not until he uncovers his leprosy that he finds healing. However, Gehazi begins his story without leprosy but attempts to cover up his brokenness to Elisha and ends up with leprosy. As you lead your group, help them to see how each character dealt with their brokenness.
Look Out // 10 minutes
What is some of the armor people use to protect or cover-up their flaws and brokenness?
Sample answers may include…
- Gaining knowledge to appear smarter than others
- Making it look “good” outwardly
- Only showing strengths; never weakness
- Associating with the “right” people
- Buying stuff (cars, clothes, toys, etc.)
Look In // 20 minutes
Where are some areas that you have attempted to camouflage brokenness in your life?
Where are places that you have received God’s grace?
Leader Note: Naaman’s story is not too different than our own. We all have flaws and a tendency to cover-up those flaws. However, the way to fix a flaw is to come clean and receive God’s grace. Naaman couldn’t earn it or buy it and neither can we. Gently help your group identify potential areas where they have attempted to cover-up or fix a flaw. Also, help them to see places where they have received God’s grace in their life (Example- Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace).
Live It Out // 5 minutes
What if we didn’t try to cover-up our flaws and brokenness with “armor” but rather came clean before God and one another? Imagine the depth of relationship it would create and the impact on our world to see us living in God’s grace?
Leader Note: As you finish the discussion, it could be a great time for confession. This can be accomplished through a general prayer over the group or by splitting up into smaller units (men with men; women with women) for a time of confession and prayer.
Scriptures:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. -1 John 1:9
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. –James 5:16
Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.
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