By what means was Naaman healed?
(Daniel 4; 2 Kings 5:1-19; Matt. 19:16-22; Luke 19:1-10; John 3:1-12; 19:38-42) Blog: Nov. 26-Dec. 02, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: The mission of the church is to call everyone, be they friends or not, to come to Jesus Church members prepare for mission by praying, counseling together, organizing, & agreeing on a Bible-based plan. God works with them to fill his church with disciples who fellowship together and continually desire to learn more about God.
Employees and Prisoners
1. Who did God place in the court of Babylon as a witness to Nebuchadnezzar? God placed Daniel & his three friends in Nebuchadnezzar’s court as witnesses for the true God (Dan. 1:6).
2. Through what events did God try to win Nebuchadnezzar to himself? God used the dream of Daniel 2, the fiery furnace experience of Daniel 3, & the dream of Daniel 4 to bring the king to himself (Dan. 2, 3, & 4).
3. In what way was Daniel prepared to so quickly interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream about a tree? It was because Daniel believed God’s interpretation of the dream in Daniel 2 that he was able to interpret the dream of the tree so quickly (Dan. 4:19; 2 Chron. 20:20).
4. What was revealed in Daniel 2 that helped Daniel interpret the dream of the tree? God told Nebuchadnezzar that the birds & beasts were under his rule, that brass represented worldwide rule, that iron represented strength, & Daniel studied the book of Kings where kings are compared to trees (Dan. 2:38-40; 4:12, 15; 2 Kings 14:9).
5. What does Nebuchadnezzar’s seven-year insanity and recovery tell us about God? God can use extreme measures for the conversion of a soul (Dan. 4:33).
6. By what means was Nebuchadnezzar restored to sanity? It was by lifting the eye of faith to the God of heaven that Nebuchadnezzar was restored (Dan. 4:34; Psa. 123:1-4; Eph. 2:8).
7. Who did God supply as a witness to mighty Naaman in Syria? God provided a captive maid who only commented about God’s prophet in Samaria. She must have had a reputation for honesty (2 Kings 5:3).
8. By what means was Naaman healed from his leprosy? It was by faith in the word of God’s prophet that Naaman was healed (2 Kings 5:13-14; Luke 17:19).
9. What should we learn from the way both Nebuchadnezzar and Naaman were brought to faith in the true God? Both were brought to faith by the words of a captive employee. Those with powerful employers should take courage & speak boldly to their boss when an opportunity arises & prisoners with their jailers (Acts 4:31; Eph. 6:20).
10. How did Paul, the prisoner, win some of mighty Nero’s household to faith in Jesus? Paul must have been a living testimony in behavior & speech to those who guarded and visited him while a prisoner in Rome (Phil. 1:20; 4:22; 1 Cor. 9:22).
Religious Leaders
11. What brought Nicodemus to Jesus? The miracles that Jesus did prompted Nicodemus to go to Jesus (John 3:2).
12. Was Jesus a friend of Nicodemus before their night interview? No, friendship is not necessary before telling a person the truth about Jesus (John 3:1-2).
13. What did Jesus determine that the law-abiding Nicodemus needed? Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be born again: right doctrine alone will save no one (John 3:7; Phil. 1:15-16).
14. What did Jesus tell Nicodemus that he would have to do before he could be born again? Jesus told Nicodemus that he must believe in the crucified Savior in order to receive the Holy Spirit & be born again (John 3:14-18; Gal. 3:2, 14).
The Rich
15. Was Joseph of Arimathea already a believer in Jesus before Jesus was crucified? Yes, he is called “Jesus’ disciple” when he came to the cross (Matt. 27:57; John 19:38).
16. Why is it so hard for rich people to follow Jesus? Those who are rich usually trust in their riches rather than in God (Matt. 13:22; 19:21-26; 1 Tim. 6:17).
17. How did Zaccheus demonstrate that he believed in Jesus? Zaccheus showed his faith by his works for he gave half his wealth to the poor & to anyone he had cheated he returned fourfold (Luke 19:8-9; Jam. 2:17-18)
18. Did Jesus have many friends among the mighty? No, most of Jesus’ friends were humble fishermen or despised women (John 15:14; 1 Cor. 1:26).