SERMON NOTES: I GOT IT

HOW OVERFLOW WORKS

“I GOT IT!”

2 KINGS 4:1-7

Sunday, August 16, 2026

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INTRODUCTION

The fourth chapter of 2 Kings consists of four prophetic miracle legends that move from problem to solution, from insufficiency to abundance, death to life, and from hunger to plenty.  This particular story has a theological touch in the dead husband’s reverence of The Lord. v.1 The need expressed in v.1 is met by the answer in v. 7. The piety of the husband motivates Elisha’s positive response.

Slavery for debt was part of the Hebrew legal system (Exodus 21:7). The oppressive economic conditions that brought this system about are reflected in Amos 2:6; 8:6 and Micah 2:9. Verse 2 makes the widow’s need even more apparent and dramatic.  Miraculously and paradoxically, the one little thing left in her home will prove to be the tool for her salvation. I invite you to thank The Lord for the ministry of the “buts” and the one “things”!   v. 2

The widow’s actual act of borrowing jars is not reported. The plot has been stripped down to its core. The emphasis is on the miraculous process itself. Elisha’s absence in verses 3 through 7 adds to the focus on The Lord!

The Lord wants you to receive and be a faithful steward of every blessing He gives you, including overflows. This is how overflow works in 2 Kings 4:1-7.  May it be unto you according to The Lord’s Word!

THE CRISIS 1

1. The widow is in deep debt; her sons are subject to human trafficking; her livelihood is in jeopardy; and death is knocking on her door.
2. When you are confronting a crisis, do not exacerbate it with your words or actions.

THE CONVERSATION OR CALL OUT 1, 2

1. The widow expressed the severity of her predicament clearly and concisely.
2. When you “call out” to The Lord, The Lord will answer!  Luke 23:42, 43; Matthew 14:30,31; 2 Chronicles 18:31; and Judges 15:18, 19.

 THE COMMENCEMENT 2

1. There are two commencements in this verse: the “but” and the “a.” The Lord used the “but” and a single jar to perform a miracle. Moses had a staff. David had a slingshot.
2. Never underestimate the power of the “buts” and “a’s” in your life. The Lord’s “but and a ministry” can change your life!

 THE CATALOGUE 2

1. The widow was told to identify the resources in her home, catalog her assets.
2. When you give The Lord what you have, The Lord can change what you have!

The Lord will take it; bless it; multiply it; and transform it.  Matthew 14:17-21.

 THE COMMUNITY 3

1. Elisha commanded the woman to borrow vessels from her neighbors, folk in her community. Borrowing requires humility.
2. If you don’t have what you need, ask someone. Don’t fear a “no”.  Tap into your community, your posse, or balcony.

 THE CONFIDENTIALITY 4

1. The widow was told to shut the door after she gathered the borrowed vessels.
2. Private miracles are not for public consumption.

 THE COMMERCE 5-7

1. The Lord filled as many vessels as the widow presented to be filled.  When the vessels ran out, the oil did too. The widow became a distribution center and channel. Her product was sellable!  By faith, the woman became part of the solution to her (own) problem. This whole process started with a small jar. The oil represents The Holy Spirit. The vessels represent humans.
2. Sow where you want to go!

August 16, 2026

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