The Volunteer Builder

The Floating Axe Head

A man volunteered to help rebuild homes after a hurricane. He had no construction experience, but he felt led by God to serve. One day, while cutting lumber, the generator failed, and they were at risk of losing an entire day's work. Frustrated, he prayed silently for help. Minutes later, another crew drove up unexpectedly with a spare generator they weren't using — exactly the size needed.

Sometimes, when you're doing God's will, challenges will come — but God will provide what's needed, just in time. Like the prophets building under Elisha's direction, God honors obedience even when resources are limited or borrowed.

Theme: When you step out in obedience, God takes responsibility for the outcome.

2 Kings 6:1-7 (ESV)

1 And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, "See now, the place where we dwell with you is too small for us.

A. Like minded people together seeking mentoring in a positive direction B. Identified a problem ⁃ Most people are great at pointing out problems but stop short of fixing the problem ⁃ Many people see someone naked and hungry, but say "be warmed and be fed"

2 Please, let us go to the Jordan, and let every man take a beam from there, and let us make there a place where we may dwell." So he answered, "Go."

A. Identified a solution B. God wants men and women of initiative and fervency of spirit. Paul taught us to be diligent, not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord C. Talk about Tiana in labor, she had to work to produce that baby, the doctors kept saying one word, "push". D. Talk about our growth, the building, we're close, we're in labor. E. The building is close and it's time for us as a body to push! ⁃ Let everyone work for the good of everyone ⁃ 80/20 rule; too many times 20% is doing 80% of the work ⁃ 80% enjoy the labors of the 20% ⁃ 80% interested but not committed ⁃ Sadly 20% of congregation will serve in our church, and the other 80% will enjoy it ⁃ Tell joke about couple walking in the woods and bear attacks them

F. They got approval from the man of God ⁃ We often desire to do or accomplish things but don't get God's approval ⁃ Get married ⁃ Start a business ⁃ Buy a home, car ⁃ Date a person ⁃ It is always better to be in God's perfect will, and not just his permissive will

3 Then one said, "Please consent to go with your servants." And he answered, "I will go."

4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees.

A. Why is it that sometimes we get God's approval but we don't bring him along on the journey ⁃ If we get his blessing on a marriage, we forget to invite him into the marriage ⁃ If we get his blessing on a business, we forget to invite him into the running of the business ⁃ If we get his blessing on an increase in income, we forget to ask him how to use the funds ⁃ If we get his blessing on a job, we forget to invite him on the job with us

5 But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, "Alas, master! For it was borrowed."

A. Even when you're busy in the service of God, trouble will come B. God cares about your individual concerns C. He recognized that his power left him ⁃ Many of us keep trying to chop in our own strength with out the power with poor results

D. He cried out at outset of his problem E. How many of us have made a bad situation worse by trying to solve the situation first without going to God or seeking Godly wisdom?

1 Peter 5:6–8 (ESV)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

G. Story about Christian on a safari H. Satan wants us to navigate through life and issues without seeking God first and help from each other ⁃ This young prophet didn't try to solve the situation himself ⁃ Jordan River is a deep, fast flowing river; he could have jumped in and drowned, from bad to worse

I. An iron tool was very valuable, and if he couldn't replace it, he would become a slave to repay debt ⁃ Becoming indebted and enslaved would distract him from his calling and his service to God ⁃ When we are indebted, it can distract us from our calling and our service to God

6 So the man of God said, "Where did it fall?" And he showed him the place.

The ax head represented his power to get the job done (Holy Spirit or relationship with God) and he lost it

Where did it fall?

A. We can recognize where it fell for others in the bible ⁃ Where did it fall for Eve, Samson, or David? ⁃ Where did you lose your power? ⁃ How did you lose your effectiveness ⁃ What did you stop doing that caused you to lose your power? ⁃ reading your bible ⁃ praying ⁃ giving to God ⁃ attending church ⁃ being faithful to your mate ⁃ What did you start doing that caused you to lose your power? ⁃ Wrong relationships ⁃ Wrong television shows ⁃ Self medicating ⁃ Your job became more important than your family

B. Sometimes we get so caught up in a thing that we don't know that we're caught up C. Sometimes we get so caught up in a thing that we don't know how to get out of the situation D. There are some things that start out to be a good thing that we allow to become more important than our relationship with God or the kingdom of God E. This man was able to identify where his power went

2 Kings 6:6

So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float.

A. If that stick had not been cut from that tree and thrown into the water, the young prophet would have had a debt that he couldn't pay

2 Kings 6:7

Therefore he said, "Pick it up for yourself." So he reached out his hand and took it.

A. The stick represents the redemptive power of Jesus ⁃ The lost iron ax head took on the characteristics of the stick when the stick was cast into the water and the iron ax head floated. ⁃ Jesus left his Father in heaven and was cast into a sinful world ⁃ We take on the sinless characteristics of Christ when we accept his redemptive work in our lives

2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

B. It's there for everyone that is willing to reach out and take it for themselves.

C. If Jesus hadn't come down from heaven into this sinful filthy world and we would have had a sin debt that we couldn't repay.

D. It doesn't matter what mess or messed up state that you find yourself in right now, Jesus can fix it

Steps to a Victorious Life (Sharper Axe):

1. Seek first the kingdom of God
2. Seek to be a servant in the kingdom of God
3. Associate with like-minded spirit led/fed people
4. Sit at the feet of a man of God
5. Seek God in all of your decisions
6. Take Him with you in everything you do and everyplace you go
7. Call on Him first in times of trouble
8. Receive his gift of life; take on the characteristics of Christ

Never Again

• Never again will I say, "I can't," for "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength"

• Never again will I admit lack, for "My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus"

• Never again will I fear, for "God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of self-discipline"

• Never again will I harbor doubt and lack of faith, for "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear"

• Never again will I allow the supremacy of Satan over my life, for "the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world"

• Never again will I admit defeat, for "God always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him"

• Never again will I lack wisdom, for "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him"

• Never again will I be in bondage, for "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom"

Discussion Questions

1. The theme states: "When you step out in obedience, God takes responsibility for the outcome." How does this truth free us from the fear of failure when God calls us to do something beyond our abilities?
2. The sons of the prophets identified a problem and a solution. Why do many people stop at identifying problems without proposing solutions? How can we move from complaint to constructive action?
3. The notes mention the "80/20 rule" where 20% do 80% of the work in the church. What causes this imbalance, and how can we encourage more people to move from interested to committed?
4. The young prophets got God's approval before starting their project. What's the difference between God's "perfect will" and His "permissive will"? How do we discern the difference?
5. Elisha agreed to go with them, yet trouble still came. Why does the presence of God not guarantee the absence of problems? What does His presence guarantee instead?
6. The young prophet immediately cried out when the ax head fell. Why do we often try to fix problems ourselves before going to God? What makes us wait?
7. Elisha asked, "Where did it fall?" This question helps us identify where we lost our spiritual power. Reflect on the diagnostic questions in the notes—what practices have you stopped (or started) that caused you to lose effectiveness?
8. The iron ax head was borrowed, making the debt even more serious. How does debt (financial, relational, or spiritual) distract us from our calling and service to God?
9. The stick that made the iron float represents the redemptive power of Jesus. How does this miracle illustrate what happens when we accept Christ—taking on His characteristics even though we're "heavy with sin"?
10. Review the "Never Again" declarations at the end. Which declaration do you need to speak over your life right now? How can declaring God's Word change your perspective on your current situation?

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