Naaman's Conversion and Grace

Questions and Answers

What significant request did Naaman make to Elisha regarding his duties?

To be excused from bowing in the temple of Rimmon. (correct)

To build a temple for the God of Israel.

To renounce his position as general.

To worship the gods of Syria exclusively.

What was the temple of Rimmon primarily built to honor?

God of the sea.

God of wisdom.

God of storms, Hadad. (correct)

God of fertility.

How did Elisha respond to Naaman's request regarding his act of bowing?

He condemned Naaman's actions.

He granted a detailed explanation.

He ordered Naaman to abandon his position.

He said, 'Go in peace.' (correct)

What transformation did Naaman experience?

Healing of body and spiritual transformation. Signup and view all the answers

What was Naaman's role before his conversion?

An Aramean general. Signup and view all the answers

What did Naaman plan to do upon returning to Syria?

Offer sacrifices to the God of Israel. Signup and view all the answers

How did Elisha likely view Naaman's act of bowing in a foreign temple?

As an empty action without spiritual significance. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary influence of Naaman's conversion on others?

Awareness of God's grace among his entourage. Signup and view all the answers

What was Gehazi chastised for in the conversion story of Naaman?

His desire to profit from Naaman's wealth Signup and view all the answers

What should motivate individuals to share their faith according to the content?

A vision for the reconciliation of the whole world Signup and view all the answers

Which biblical figure was mentioned as an example of God's grace extending outside Israel?

Caleb Signup and view all the answers

What does the missio Dei refer to?

God’s mission to reconcile the world to Himself Signup and view all the answers

What does Elisha's healing of Naaman represent in the context of evangelism?

The power of God to transform lives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is emphasized as a requirement for sharing the gospel?

A sincere examination of one's motives Signup and view all the answers

How does the New Testament portray evangelism after Jesus' resurrection?

As a call for all believers to make disciples Signup and view all the answers

What does Colossians 1 focus on concerning Christ's role?

His authority over all creation Signup and view all the answers

Which lesson is conveyed through Gehazi's story?

Ulterior motives can corrupt good intentions Signup and view all the answers

What was Naaman's initial reaction to Elisha's instructions?

He was initially resistant to follow them Signup and view all the answers

What role do ambassadors for Christ have according to the content?

Representing God's mission of reconciliation Signup and view all the answers

What is highlighted as a necessity for engaging in evangelism?

Understanding of cultural sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

What does the biblical narrative encourage regarding the nations?

All nations will be a part of God's plan Signup and view all the answers

What representation is used to show God's authority over all things?

Christ as the image of the invisible God Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of Christians as stated in the writings of Paul?

To be ambassadors for Christ Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'apostolic' signify in the context of evangelism?

Being sent out with a message Signup and view all the answers

According to the writings, what is the source of the call for evangelism?

God's very nature as revealed in Scripture Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'missio Dei' represent?

The mission of God in the world Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the forms of alienation described in the Genesis story?

Alienation from nature Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul identify as the 'works of the flesh'?

Recognizable immoral behaviors Signup and view all the answers

In the context of sharing the faith, what does the term 'reconciliation' imply?

Restoring a relationship with God Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the Nicene Creed emphasize about the Church?

Its unity and holiness Signup and view all the answers

What does the alienation from self entail as described in Genesis 3?

Shame over moral decisions Signup and view all the answers

What are Christians encouraged to share in the context of evangelism?

The good news of reconciliation with God Signup and view all the answers

What does economic inequality represent in the context of human brokenness?

A form of alienation in society Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately leads to feelings of alienation from each other?

Blame and shame Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical reason for Christians to engage in evangelism?

To share hope and good news amidst human alienation Signup and view all the answers

How does the fall in Genesis impact humanity's relationship with creation?

It results in exploitation and hardship Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Naaman's Conversion and Growth

Naaman, an Aramean general, undergoes a significant transformation after healing, realizing his faith will influence his daily life.
He seeks Elisha's pardon for bowing in the temple of Rimmon, reflecting a conflict between his new faith in God and his duties.
The temple of Rimmon in Damascus honors Hadad, the storm god, indicating Naaman's past practices were seen as acts of worship.
Elisha's response, "Go in peace," signifies God's grace, highlighting the transformative power of faith over external rituals.

Gehazi's Warning

Gehazi, Elisha's servant, is condemned for his greed and lack of humility, contrasting with Naaman's transformation.
His desire to profit from Naaman’s wealth serves as a caution against ulterior motives in evangelism.
Questions arise regarding the integrity of one's motives in ministry, highlighting potential biases and self-interest in outreach efforts.

Biblical Foundations for Evangelism

Naaman's story exemplifies God's mission (missio Dei) to reconcile humanity, which is integral to the biblical narrative.
The Abrahamic blessing emphasizes that Abraham and his descendants are meant to be a blessing to all nations, showcasing God's inclusive nature.
Numerous biblical figures (e.g., Melchizedek, Ruth, Nineveh) illustrate God's grace reaching beyond Israel.

New Testament Mandate

Jesus sends disciples to share the good news, representing a continuation of God’s outreach to all nations.
Scriptural commands from Matthew 28:18–20 and Acts 1:8 underline the call for evangelism to all peoples, reinforcing the church's mission.

Theological Basis for Evangelism

The triune nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—focuses on calling and sending, emphasizing the church's role in God's mission.
Paul describes Christians as ambassadors for Christ, signifying that evangelism stems from God's reconciling work through Jesus.

Ecclesiological Insight

The church is described in the Nicene Creed as "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic," indicating its universal mission rooted in apostolic teachings.
The term "apostolic" signifies a church called to actively share a transformative message.

Understanding Human Condition

Human brokenness is evident through societal issues: violence, inequality, and fractured relationships.
Paul's description of "works of the flesh" in Galatians highlights the pervasive moral failures affecting human existence.
The account of the fall in Genesis 3 outlines alienation from God, self, others, and creation, framing the need for reconciliation.

Importance of Evangelism

Sharing faith responds to the human experience of alienation and offers hope, healing, and purpose.
Testimonies of personal transformation underscore the impact of conversion, emphasizing the beauty of the Christian narrative.
Evangelism is seen as a participation in God's larger mission of reconciliation and restoration in the world.

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Description

Explore the profound narrative of Naaman's conversion and his interaction with Elisha after his miraculous healing. This quiz delves into how faith impacts daily life and the challenges faced by Naaman as an Aramean general. Understand the significance of grace and transformation in his story.