October 20-21, 2001 Bible Study

DEEPER IMPACT
A study sheet for further exploration
October 20-21, 2001

Livin' Large
Isaiah 54:2

When you were a kid, did you ever go camping with your family? What were those days in a tent like for you?

Isaiah 54 contains God's word to the nation of Israel. Read through the first two verses and think about God's message to you.

Looking at your life, what would you identify as your barren place - that place where you tend to stay in the status quo and live unproductively?
What do you think it means for us when God says, "Enlarge the place of your tent?" - "Enlarge the place...

Look at 2 Kings 4:1-7.

What did God call this widow to risk?
Why does the widow obey? What are her alternatives?
Have you ever felt desperation similar to that reflected in verse 1? What did you do?
What would you think if your neighbor asked you for an empty jar?
Why did the oil stop flowing?
How did the widow "expand the place of her tent?"

A basic principle of investment states that the return achieved is based on what the investor is willing to risk.

In what ways do you feel you are resisting God's enlargement of your life?
How do you sense God calling you to trust him more?
What are you willing to risk in order to enlarge what God will do in your life?
How will you invest yourself and your resources?