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Bible Study: June 14, 2015


NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.

This week’s Bible study is adapted from the YOU curriculum.

Bible Passage: 2 Chronicles 20:1-7, 9, 12

Discussion Questions: What do you do and where do you go when problems, big or small, enter your world? How do victories from your past empower you to press beyond fear to faith?

Food for Thought:

A 2014 CareerBuilder.com survey revealed 10 roles Americans found most frightening. Surprisingly, kindergarten teachers, parents and stand-up comedians’ jobs were deemed just as horrifying as a politician’s. However, when equipped with the right tools, even politicians don’t have to be overwhelmed with fright. Today’s lesson focuses on one of Judah’s kings who was racked with fear because of a sudden invasion. His army’s weapons were prayer, praise and singing. Turns out, that’s all they needed for victory.

Second Chronicles 19 gives the historical context for chapter 20. It shows how the prophet Jehu admonished Judah’s king, Jehoshaphat, for his alliance with King Ahab (pagan ruler of the Northern Kingdom of Israel). Consequently, God’s wrath would be on Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 19:2). However, His mercies would also be evident because of Jehoshaphat’s removal of the Asherah poles and his decision to seek God (2 Chronicles 19:3).

Jehoshaphat’s army came out unscathed. However, God may not always answer us as we expect. Instead of vengeance, He may offer mercy to our enemies. Instead of an immediate victory, He may require us to wait patiently. He may allow our calm routine to become a tremendous struggle. Regardless, we must trust Him to work out His perfect will in His timing.

Many times, we clean up our act and expect peaceful times to be ahead. Sometimes, though, that’s when trials hit us the hardest. This was the case with Jehoshaphat. Through his character, fervent prayer and actions, believers get a glimpse of what to do and where to go when our own problems — big or small — enter our world. We also realize that we don’t have to be powerless when we have a powerful God.

We may not have to protect an entire nation, but we can get overwhelmed caring for aging parents, settling unexpected debt, or fighting illness. But when we focus on God and His power, we gain confidence in knowing we have all we need. When we recall our past triumphs with God and understand His character (eternal, omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, faithful, just and more), we’re able to trust Him regardless of the reality we face.

YOU
Intentionally focused on African-American, urban and multicultural believers, YOU is biblically based with culturally relevant and affirming lessons to help people connect, grow, serve, and ultimately be engaged in impacting the world for Christ. This flexible, non-dated all-in-one quarterly resource offers weekly Bible study for leaders and learners, devotionals and teaching plans, as well as articles on hot topics and missions. For additional online teaching resources, visit LifeWay.com/YOU.

Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.

    About the Author

  • Staff/Lifeway Christian Resources