fbpx
News Articles

Bible Study: Oct. 14, 2018


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 Passages: 1 Kings 19:1-7, 15-18

Discussion Questions: What hope do you have when facing depression? How might God want to use you to help move someone you know from depression to hope?

Food for Thought:

Being a follower of Jesus Christ does not exempt us from suffering depression. Depression can show up in anyone’s life. Believers are susceptible to similar mental, emotional and spiritual ills that plague nonbelievers. The difference for believers is that we find comfort, strength and power to overcome in the Holy Spirit.

In 1 Kings 18, God’s prophet Elijah, through whom God performed many miracles, sent fire during a confrontation with the prophets of Baal. Elijah stood against all odds and emerged victorious. His faith was unshakable.

While the rest of Israel rode the fence, Elijah refused to back down. But when Baal fan Queen Jezebel heard what Elijah had done, she vowed to kill him. Elijah’s vigorous confidence disappeared and in total despair he ran for his life. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah faced an existential crisis he did not know how to handle. It was not a faith crisis because Elijah never stopped trusting God. But his confidence in himself had waned. Doubt entered his mind and made him depressed.

You’re probably not literally running for your life from people who want you dead, but life can sure feel that way at times. Don’t give up. If you are battling depression, you need to know there is hope in the Lord.

You don’t have to live in fear or be isolated from others out of shame. Seek professional help as soon as you begin to feel depressed. Learn to identify the major sources of depression –– fear, stress, fatigue and chemical imbalance –– so you can take better care of yourself. And remember that God’s power is still as real as it was during your greatest victories. You can move from depression to hope.

YOU
Intentionally focused on 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 downloadable teaching resources, visit LifeWay.com/YOU.

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