Bible Lessons

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2 Kings: Lesson 16 — I Don’t Care

The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 2 Kings.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

The Unraveling of a Nation

A Study of the Book of 2 Kings

Lesson 16 (I Don’t Care)
 2 Kings 16
  April 23, 2014

The Text:

  1. Who followed Jotham as king of Judah? How did his lifestyle compare to that of David and to God’s standards? Who did he pattern his actions after? What were some of his detestable practices?
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  2. What did the king of Aram and the king of Israel join together to do? Were they successful? Who did Ahaz turn to for help? What did Ahaz give and what was accomplished?
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  3. Where did Ahaz go to meet the king of Assyria? What did Ahaz take notice of? As a result, what was sent to the priest, Uriah? What did Uriah do?  
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  4. When Ahaz returned from Damascus, what did he do? What did he do with the bronze altar to the Lord? What instructions were given to Uriah the priest? How did Uriah respond?
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  5. What changes did Ahaz make to the furnishings of the temple and to the temple itself? Why?

The Application:

  1. Do you like the idea of being an example to someone? Why/why not? Do the wicked practices of others make it seem easier to do wrong? Why/why not? Are there things you have seen others do that you have said you never would, but found yourself doing at some time?
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  2. Does it ever feel like there are multiple forces joined together against you? How do you respond? What happens when you fight evil with evil?
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  3. When you visit a place, what kinds of things catch your eye? Do you ever see things that make you think you are missing out on something? Do the objects and practices of others ever make you think your worship of God is lacking something?        
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  4. Why do you worship God in the way that you do? Have you ever changed in the way you worship? What criteria did you, should you, use in making such a change?      
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  5. Do the people around you approve of the way you worship God? Are there times you are tempted to hold back, or change, your worship for the sake of someone else? Should you? Why/why not?

 

Next Week:   Enough is Enough
     2 Kings 17

 

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2 Kings: Lesson 15 — Reaping What You Sow

The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 2 Kings.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

The Unraveling of a Nation

A Study of the Book of 2 Kings

Lesson 15 (Reaping What You Sow)
 2 Kings 15
April 16, 2014

The Text:

  1. Who followed Amaziah as king of Judah? How old was he and how long did he reign? How was his life viewed from the eyes of the Lord? Where did he reign from? Why? Who had charge of the palace and the “governing” responsibilities? When that person comes to reign at the end of this chapter, what do we learn about this current king?
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  2. For another view, check out 2 Chronicles 26. What does that tell you about the reason for this king’s condition? Was the condition preventable? What other significant event happened at the end of this king’s life?
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  3. How did Zechariah live as king of Israel? How long was he king? How did his reign end? Who followed him? What ended with the end of Zechariah’s reign? Why?  
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  4. How long did Shallum reign as king of Israel? How did the end of his reign compare to the beginning of it? Who followed him as king? What enemy came against him? How did he deal with it? What was the outcome?
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  5. How did Pekahiah become king? How did he live according to God’s view? What relationship did Pekah have to the king? What did Pekah do? What happened during Pekah’s reign? How did his reign end? 

The Application:

  1. Is it easy or hard to change your actions from what you grew up with? Why? Who would you want to be your “stand-in” if you weren’t able to be in public? Why? Are you known differently by different groups of people? Why?
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  2. Why does pride seem to be such a hard sin to avoid? What are some consequences of pride? Can we avoid them? How? What are some advantages to longevity in a role?
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  3. When you look at the way people live, do you think they believe sin has consequences? How about if you look at the way you live? Does God’s promises to you give you hope for future generations?        
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  4. Do you believe that people today tend to reap what they sow? Are there times that you try to bribe the enemy rather than face it? Are there times you should?  
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  5. How well do you know the people you trust? What makes them trustworthy? What compromises are you willing to make in an attempt to live in peace? Are they worth it? 

Next Week:   I Don’t Care
    2 Kings 16

 

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2 Kings: Lesson 14 — A Measure of Obedience . . . And Pride

The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 2 Kings.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

The Unraveling of a Nation

A Study of the Book of 2 Kings

Lesson 14 (A Measure of Obedience . . . And Pride)
 2 Kings 14
April 2, 2014

The Text:

  1. Who followed Joash as king of Judah? How did God view his actions? Who did he follow, who did he not follow?  
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  2. What did Amaziah do after he was firmly in place as king? How did he limit that action? Why?
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  3. What notable thing had Amaziah done? After that, what message did he send to the king of Israel? How did Johoash respond? What did he say had happened to Amaziah? 
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  4. Did Amaziah listen to Johoash? What did he do instead? How did that turn out for Judah? How did Amaziah’s life end? Who succeeded him as king of Judah?
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  5. Who became king of Israel while Amaziah was king of Judah? How did he live according to God’s sight? What positive things did he do? Why did God use Jeroboam to rescue the people of Israel?

  The Application:

  1. How would you describe the way you live? When describing your way of life, do you find yourself comparing it to that of others? Who? In what ways could that be helpful? In what ways could that be harmful?
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  2. Is there a difference between judgment and justice? If so, what? How do you feel about suffering the consequences for what someone else does? Do you think people sometimes suffer consequences because of your actions?
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  3. Is it easier to handle success or failure? Why do you think people tend to give themselves credit for success and try to find someone to blame for failures? How do you avoid letting pride take you down a wrong path?    
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  4. Why is it so hard to listen to advice when it comes from unwanted sources? Have you ever done something just because someone said you shouldn’t or couldn’t? Should what they say matter one way or the other?     
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  5. Are there people that God could/would never use? How do you know? Does God using someone to accomplish His will say more about them, or Him?

 

Next Week:   Reaping What You Sow
   2 Kings 15

 

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2 Kings: Lesson 13 — God’s Favor

The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 2 Kings.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

The Unraveling of a Nation

A Study of the Book of 2 Kings

Lesson 13 (God’s Favor)
 2 Kings 13
    March 26, 2014

The Text:

  1. Who followed Jehu as king of Israel? How did God view his actions? What were the consequences of the way he led?  
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  2. What did Jehoahaz finally do? How did God respond? Why? What changes did this bring to the people of Israel? What didn’t change?
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  3. Who followed Jehoahaz as king in Israel? How was his life lived? What was God’s view of his life? What did he do when Elisha was near death?  
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  4. What did Elisha ask Jehoash to get? What was he to do with it? How did Elisha describe what was done? What was the message in the action? What else was Jehoash told to do? How did God respond to what was done?
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  5. What happened to Elisha? What were some Israelites doing when a band of Moabite raiders showed up? What did the Israelites do instead? What happened? How did Hazael treat Israel? What was God’s response to this? Why? What happened between Aram and Israel when Jehoash became king of Israel? Why? 

  The Application:

  1. As you consider the roles you have in life, who have you followed? Are you content to reflect the character and actions of your predecessors or do you seek a higher standard? What are some consequences you face because of the decisions of others? What consequences do others face because of your decisions?
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  2. What things tend to drive you to seek God’s favor? Why would God give it? How much does God’s favor change you?
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  3. How do you think God would describe your life? How would you want Him to? If there is a difference, what needs to change?       
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  4. How has God communicated to you His intended victory? How persistent are you at doing what God asks? Do you sometimes give up before you should?     
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  5. What affect does contact with you have on the people around you? Why? Do you think you are a recipient of God’s favor because of the actions or lives of others? Do you think God extends His favor to people because of your life?   

 

Next Week:   A Measure of Obedience . . . And Pride
  2 Kings 14

 

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2 Kings: Lesson 12 — Rebuilding . . . Eventually

The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 2 Kings.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

The Unraveling of a Nation

A Study of the Book of 2 Kings

Lesson 12 (Rebuilding . . . Eventually)
 2 Kings 12
   March 19, 2014

The Text:

  1. While Jehu was king of Israel, who became king of Judah?  How did he live?  Who was the major influence in his life?  What was allowed to continue?     
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  2. What instruction was given to the priests?  What did Joash consider to be sacred offerings?  What work was to be done?  How was it to be delegated? 
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  3. What had not happened by the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash?  What did Joash say to the priests?  What was their response?    
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  4. What did Jehoiada do?  What was done with it?  What happened when it was filled?  What was the money used for?  What was it not used for?  What financial reporting was required?  Why? 
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  5. Who set out to attack Jerusalem?  What did Joash collect?  What did he do with it?  What was the result?  How did the reign of Joash end? 

  The Application:

  1. How do you know what is right in the eyes of the Lord?  How well do you do it?  Who is, has been, a positive influence in your life?  Who are you influencing in a positive way?  What things do you allow to continue in your life that you ought to get rid of? 
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  2. How dedicated are you to the giving and collecting of offerings to the Lord?  What would you consider to be sacred offerings?  What makes them such?  What are you doing with what God has given you for the purpose of building His kingdom? 
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  3. Is there a task that you have volunteered for, been assigned to you, or you’ve been called to do that remains undone?  If the king were to ask why it is undone, what would you say?  Are there things you should hand off to someone who is better equipped?       
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  4. Are there steps you should take to bring accountability to your offerings to the Lord?  How do you decide what you should do and what you should have others do?  Have you proven faithful in the use of the resources God has given you for His work?           
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  5. Do you expect attacks to come when you are doing the right thing?  How much value do you put on peace?  . . . On peace with God?  Does doing the right thing always turn out like we think it ought to?   

Next Week:   God’s Favor
2 Kings 13

 

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2 Kings: Lesson 11 — A Boy King

The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 2 Kings.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

The Unraveling of a Nation

A Study of the Book of 2 Kings

Lesson 11 (A Boy King)
 2 Kings 11
   March 12, 2014

The Text:

  1. What did Ahaziah’s mother attempt to do?  Who was rescued?  Where did he live?  For how long?  Who was ruling Judah at this time?     
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  2. Who was Jehoiada?  Who did he send for?  What did he show them?  What instructions did Jehoiada give? 
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  3. What did the commanders do?  Where did they get weapons?  Where were the guards stationed?  What did Jehoiada do?  How did the people respond?    
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  4. What got Athaliah’s attention?  What did she find when she went to see what the people were up to?  How did she respond? 
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  5. What command did Jehoiada give?  Why?  What happened to Athaliah?  What was the result of the covenant’s made by Jehoiada?  Who was brought into the palace?  How did the people respond?  How old was the king? 

  The Application:

  1. Do you ever feel like you are loosing control of a situation?  How do you respond?  Do you tend to take what others would see as extreme measures in an attempt to maintain a sense of control?  What risks would you take to protect someone? 
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  2. How long are you willing to wait for things to be made right?  Who would you turn to when you need someone to stand with you against evil?  Who would you be willing to stand up for? 
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  3. How obedient are you to the instructions of the Lord?  What has He given to be used for protecting yourself and others?  Are you using it?  How should you respond to the Lordship of Jesus?         
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  4. What things tend to get your attention?  How closely do you check on the things that draw the attention of people?  How do you react when you feel a sense of betrayal?  What it comes because of wrong you have done?         
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  5. Are there things that you believe are inappropriate to be done in the temple of the Lord?  Where is the temple of the Lord?  Are there things in your life that a covenant with God should cause you to remove?  How do you feel about God’s ability to use you because of, or in spite of, things that you believe to be inadequacies?   

 

Next Week:   Rebuilding . . . Eventually
2 Kings 12

 

 

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2 Kings: Lesson 10 — End of the Line

The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 2 Kings.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

The Unraveling of a Nation

A Study of the Book of 2 Kings

Lesson 10 (End of the Line)
 2 Kings 10
  March 5, 2014

The Text:

  1. Who did Jehu send letters to?  What was he requesting in the letters?  How did the recipients feel about the request?  What was their response?     
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  2. What request did Jehu make in his second letter?  What did the recipients do?  What instructions did Jehu give after they were done?  What did Jehu tell the people of Jezreel?  What did Jehu do in Jezreel?
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  3. Who did Jehu meet on his way to Samaria?  Who were they on their way to see?  What did Jehu do?  Who did Jehu meet after this?  What did Jehu ask him?  What did Jehu tell him?  What did he do in Samaria?  Why?    
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  4. What did Jehu tell the people after he had gathered them together?  Why?  What did Jehu announce would take place?  Who came?  What did he have given to the ministers of Baal?  What did Jehu look for when he was in the temple of Baal? 
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  5. What instructions did Jehu give the guards and officers at the temple of Baal?  What did they do?  What happened to the temple of Baal?  What did Jehu do in Israel?  What did he still allow?  What did God tell Jehu?  Why?

 

  The Application:

  1. How do you feel when challenged by someone?  How does your view of a person change the way you would take being challenged by them?  How do the words of Jesus in Matthew 14:31-33 fit with what takes place here in the beginning of 2 Kings 10? 
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  2. Are there things that God calls you to get rid of or destroy that are hard or messy to do?  Why would He make such a request?  Are there advantages to getting rid of evil publicly?  Are there times or reasons you shouldn’t? 
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  3. In what ways do people tend to honor or show respect to evil?  How hard is it to stand up against the honoring of evil?  Why is it so hard?  Do you believe that God wants you to remove all evil from you life?  What do you do about it?         
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  4. Are there advantages to dealing with sin all at once?  How careful are you to protect the innocent while you are dealing with sin?  What does God say about His ability to protect the righteous?           
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  5. Are there times when we tend to let sin escape our notice?  Are there things we tend to accept because we think our dealing with the “big things” ought to be enough?  

 

Next Week:   A Boy King
2 Kings 11

 

 

 

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2 Kings: Lesson 9 — Unfinished Business

The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 2 Kings.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

The Unraveling of a Nation

A Study of the Book of 2 Kings

Lesson 9 (Unfinished Business)
 2 Kings 9
February 26, 2014

The Text:

  1. Who did Elisha send one of the prophets to look for?  What was the prophet to do when he found him?  What was the prophet to do after he completed his task?
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  2. How did the prophet address Jehu while he was with the army officers?  What was Jehu’s response?  What did the prophet do?  What was Jehu told his task would be?  What did the prophet do after delivering God’s message?  What did Jehu’s fellow officers want to know after the prophet left?  What did Jehu tell them?  What did they do?
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  3. Where did Jehu go?  Who was sent to meet Jehu?  What did they want to know?  How did Jehu respond?  When this happens a second time, what conclusion is reached?  Who went out to meet Jehu?  What did they want to know?  How does Jehu respond?
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  4. When the king of Israel fled from Jehu’s presence, what did Jehu do?  What instructions were given regarding the king’s body?  Why?  How did the king of Judah respond to theses events?  What happened to him?
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  5. What did Jezebel do when she heard Jehu had come?  How does she greet him?  What does Jehu call out to be done with Jezebel?  What did Jehu say to do with Jezebel’s body?  Did they?  Why not?

  The Application:

  1. Who would you trust to deliver an important message for you?  Why?  How hard is it to stay on task?  Is it hard to leave something when you know your part is done but a bigger situation is about to unfold?
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  2. Do you ever wonder if God has directed a specific message at you?  How would you find out?  Does your enthusiastic response to God make people wonder what you’re up to?  How do, can you, make the most of that opportunity?
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  3. Are there times when people want to avoid conflict but don’t really want peace?
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  4. Have you ever thought you could run from God and not be caught?  How does recognizing God’s judgment in the life of someone else influence your actions?
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  5. Have you ever had a boldness that ends up being unwarranted?  How hard is it to do the right thing as the risk of doing so increases?

 

Next Week:  End of the Line
2 Kings 10