"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a

Precious Lord, I love You! Take my heart and my life and lead me into ever deeper knowledge of Yourself and of our wonderful union with You in Your death and resurrection life. Thank You, my Strength, my Peace, my Life, my King.

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1.    Read 2 Chronicles 15.

A.  God knows the weaknesses of His children and faithfully warns and guides His own.  1. What message does His prophet bring Asa? (See both promise and warning in vs. 1-7)

 

2. (Personal) How do the above words encourage you?


3. (Personal) It is important that we see Old Testament exhortations and warnings in the light of New Testament truths. Our God will not forsake those who are His. (Rom. 8:38-39 and Heb.13:5-6) But if His beloved ones choose to go their own way they will face the consequences of their choice. (Gal. 6:7-8 and Rom. 11:2O-23) What choices do you make day by day which show Him that you delight to be with Him and to do His will?
 

B. How did Asa choose to respond to God’s admonition? (See especially v. 12)
 

2. Read 2 Chronicles 16.

A. According to vs. 1-8, what “mistake” did Asa make?

 

B. What would be the consequence of his sin?

 

C. How did one sin lead to further sin?

 

D. (Personal) Do you see this pattern anywhere in your own life?    How can this pattern be broken?

 

E. God wants you to know Him personally, intimately and continually. What do you learn about God, your Father, in v. 9a?

3. Read 2 Chronicles 17. Describe Jehoshaphat, his attitudes and his goals.

 

4. Read 2 Chronicles 18.

A. Describe Ahab. (See also 1 Kings 16:29-33)

 

B. What was God’s attitude toward the alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahab?
(2 Chron. 19:1-3)


C. After involving himself in a commitment not directed by God, Jehoshaphat "inquired of God” for His guidance.

1. Why did Jehoshaphat get into this predicament? (See vs. 1-3)


2. (Personal) Why might you sometimes find yourself in a similar situation?
 

D.     1.  From whom did Ahab seek counsel?       What answer was given?
 

2. Why was Ahab reluctant to seek God’s counsel through Micaiah? (Consider whether you might occasionally, like Ahab, seek counsel to your own liking, or, like Jehoshaphat, show persistent effort to know the true will of God.)

E. What was Micaiah’s message to the two kings? (vs. 15-22. Notice the sovereignty of God and His dominion over the “spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places”. Eph. 6:12)

 

F. Look now at Ahab’s attempt to manipulate the outcome of the battle and consider the odds of his success from a human point of view. Then look at your sovereign God.

1. What impressed you about God and His ways? (See also Matt. 19:26 and Prov. 16:4 and 19:21)

 

2. (Personal) Apply the above truth about God’s sovereignty to a situation in your own life where you face opposition or injustice. What can you know about God’s sufficiency in your own circumstance? (See also Romans 8:31)


3. What did you learn from Jehoshaphat‘s example?

 

5.  Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-22.

A. Again strong enemies “came to make war” against Jehoshaphat. What steps of action did he take?


B. In his prayer, Jehoshaphat affirms who God is and then ‘girds his loins with truth” (putting on Armor of God according to Eph. 6:13-14)

1. Describe God as you see Him through Jehoshaphat’s eyes.

 

 

2. What does Jehoshaphat realize about himself and the action he must take? (v. 12)

C. What is God’s answer in v. 15b and 17a? (Delight in these words and take them for yourself.)

 

 

D. How did the people then respond to God and prepare for battle?

 

E. What was the outcome of the battle? (vs. 23-30)

7. Read Psalm 46. Which part(s) of this psalm expresses the message of this lesson?
 

Thank Him for the part(s) that encouraged you today?
 

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SUGGESTED HYMN:   O Worship the King 

 Next: Lesson 35: The Fall of Israel