The Biblical Path of Life

Author: mjross

  • How Can One Love Jesus?

    “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
    John 14:15

    Why is it so important to study the books of History and the Prophets in the Old Testament, along with the New Testament? “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). As we remember the history of Israel and Judah, we are to remember that God always dealt with his people. He warned of discipline for disobedience and promised restoration of His people when they repented. God is the same today. God disciplines Christians to bring them back to Him when they are not living according to the Bible’s teachings. “5. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:5-6). Remember, God loved us so much, He sent His only begotten Son to die upon the cross to pay for our sins. We are to show our love to Him by obeying His commands – remember Jesus’ words. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

    Recognize some things we just cannot help but notice. God has always warned His people to avoid sin and people who sin. “14. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. 16. For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. 17. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:14-19). 

    God has always called people to turn from their sin toward Him. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). These were encouraging words for the Israelites in King Solomon’s day.

    God wants people to live a just life, not a wicked life. God also warned us in the following verses.  “23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life … 27. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:23, 27). It is important to protect each heart – for what is placed in each individual’s heart will come out. Avoid wickedness and evil.

    Christians today are to recognize the destruction sin can do to a life. Remember what James teaches. “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15). Lust means “to satisfy the carnal appetites.” Christians are to choose to do what is right (what pleases God) over what we want to do. When we choose our own pleasures over God’s plan, it is sin and it brings death. Also, see the following verse. “As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death” (Proverbs 11:19). 

    Christians must also be careful that something that has the appearance of good is not just a form of godliness, denying the power of Jesus (never having known Jesus themselves). “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). We are to be cautious and make sure that what seems good is something that is truly from God.

    There is something else important to recognize. Once one becomes a Christian and begins to follow the Lord, that person must forsake all of the things of their past life. When Jesus called his disciples, they forsook all to follow Him. “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him” (Luke 5:11). When the people in Ephesus believed in Jesus and confessed Him as their Lord. “And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds” (Acts 19:18). Deeds means “an act, practice; works; meaning conduct.” They had to remove their “deeds” from their sinful past. “Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver” (Acts 19:19). Curious arts means “a standard term for magic or black arts; pointing to the lengthy and various rituals involved in incantation ceremonies and the precision with which they were performed.” The people understood that they must eliminate theses wicked things from their lives. It did not matter to them the monetary cost.  They wanted to live a new life pleasing God. Once they did this, read what followed. “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed” (Acts 19:20). Many people were saved, and God’s Word was spread.

    Are you avoiding evil and eliminating wicked things from your life, choosing to obey Jesus’ commands?

  • Lesson 11: Jeremiah, God’s Suffering Servant

    Key Verse

    For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

    —Romans 8:18

    Key Verse Thought: Read the key verse. Have you ever suffered? Suffered means “endured affliction (hardships, troubles, misery, etc.).” This verse is comparing suffering here in this life with the eternal “glory” that we will know one day. (Glory means “the ideal condition God created man –the condition that was lost in the fall, but that can be recovered in Jesus.”) We will learn about a prophet who suffered greatly, yet remained faithful to God. He understood that sufferings now “are not worthy to be compared” to what we will be in heaven one day.

    Emphasis: We are to be faithful to God (just like Jeremiah was) – no matter what “sufferings” we think we endure.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, as we began the book of Jeremiah, we learned that God knew him before he was even born. And that he would be a prophet to the nations! We read many of the words that Jeremiah spoke to God’s people, and even to the kings of Judah.

    As we continue in our study of Jeremiah, we will read about some of his rejections and sufferings. We will begin to understand why Jeremiah is known as the “Weeping Prophet.” Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed God’s Words to the people, warning them of the coming destruction and captivity, if they did not repent and return to God. When the people failed to repent, God allowed the Babylonians to besiege them. Jeremiah witnessed the captivity of Judah by Babylon and the destruction of Jerusalem, the city where God had chosen to place His name. Even through all of this, Jeremiah faithfully shared the Word of the Lord with the people. We will learn of God’s protection of Jeremiah, allowing him to remain in the land to continue delivering God’s Words to the remnant that was left behind.

    God gave Jeremiah many words on the future of the nation Israel. We will look at a few of them today. He also reminded the people that God would keep His promise and send that Promised One, Jesus. See one of those promises. Jeremiah called Jesus the Branch of David. “In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land” (Jeremiah 33:15).

    Tradition has it that Jeremiah was stoned to death.

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 11 Questions

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 11 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to younger children, the following is an idea for a craft that may go with this lesson:

    We made wall hangings with stickers and a verse (Jeremiah 38:6) to remind us of Jeremiah and his faithfulness to proclaim the Word of God no matter what they did to him.

  • Can One Know God?

    “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.”
    Deuteronomy 4:29

    Not many people today were born into a Christian family. What does this mean? Most often, they do not understand or know God. How can one find God? How can one know God?

    In the life of King Hezekiah, we can read of a hope for someone whose family does not know of God or the things of God. King Hezekiah was the son of a terrible king of Judah, King Ahaz. King Ahaz had not only forsaken God, but he also worshiped idols – even sacrificing some of his sons to the false god Molech. Still through all of that, Hezekiah came to know God, and he pleased God in all that he did. When Hezekiah became king, he removed all of those high places where his father worshiped and even broke down all of those images the people worshiped. 

    How was Hezekiah able to come to know God, knowing the family into which he was born? Read the following verses: “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29). One has to seek God. Also read the following: “The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God” (Psalm 14:2). God knows when someone seeks after Him, for He is watching and waiting! Hezekiah opened the doors of the house of the Lord at the beginning of his reign (see 2 Chronicles 29:2). That was the place to begin. He then followed God’s Word.

    According to the following verses, we can understand that King Hezekiah took the time to seek God’s Word so he would know what God required to reestablish the relationship that had been severed. “22. And if ye have erred, and not observed all these commandments, which the LORD hath spoken unto Moses … 24. Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, … 25. And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: … 26. And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance” (Numbers 15:22-26). That was what God required in the Old Testament times, while the kings ruled. It is always important to know what God requires – and it is recorded in His Word. As we read the New Testament, Jesus came to set us free from the rigorous duties of the Law. “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect” (Hebrews 10:1). See simply what Jesus did: “8. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9. Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:8-10). Jesus came to set us free from the continual sacrificial system of the Law.

    Read what God did for Hezekiah for seeking Him with all of his heart. “And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered” (2 Chronicles 31:21). Because King Hezekiah sought God, doing just what God’s Word required, he not only found God, but God was honored. God then caused King Hezekiah to prosper. God was then free to bless His people openly – revealing Himself to not only Judah, but also the nations around. King Hezekiah became one of the greatest kings of Judah.

    Anyone who seeks God can know God. However, what does it take to know God? “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). It takes faith. “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). One can know God only by faith in Christ Jesus.  

    King Hezekiah is a great example of one who can give us hope. A hope that when God is sought, He will hear – as long as one comes to Him with a repentant heart. God can forgive anyone who will ask. “8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation … For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:8-10, 13).

    Have you come to know God, understanding knowledge of God only comes by faith in Jesus?

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 10: Jeremiah, God’s Prophet

    Key Verse

    Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

    —2 Timothy 4:2

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse and use the following definitions to help you understand it better:  

    • preach means to herald (as a public crier) especially the divine truth (the gospel); proclaim
    • instant means to stand upon, that is, be present; be at hand, present, stand
    • in season means conveniently.  From the word that means well timed, that is, opportune.
    • out of season means inopportunely.  From the word that means to be inopportune (for oneself)
    • reprove means to confute, admonish:  convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove
    • rebuke means to tax upon, that is, censure or admonish; by implication forbid; (straitly) charge
    • exhort means to call near, that is, invoke (by imploration, or consolation): beseech, call for, intreat, pray

    We will see today that Jeremiah had this call upon his life. It wasn’t an easy message he had to deliver, but he remained faithful through much!

    Emphasis: We are to hear and understand the call of God upon our life. Christians are to be faithful, as Jeremiah was, to obey that call no matter how difficult it may seem.

    Lesson Summary: There is so much information found in the book of Jeremiah (much like the book of Isaiah), that we could never fully understand it in a couple of lessons. The next couple of lessons are meant to help one grasp a few of the important things found in the book of Jeremiah. In addition, one should recognize that Jeremiah too, preached Jesus.

    Jeremiah lived about one hundred years after Isaiah. Jeremiah was both a priest and prophet. God ordained Jeremiah as a prophet before he was even born (see Jeremiah 1:4-5). He lived during the last five kings of Judah; the kings we studied the last couple of lessons. Remember that only one of them was a good king and that was King Josiah. Jeremiah preached during his reign (see Jeremiah 2-12) during which time King Josiah began eliminating idolatry and cleaning out the temple. Remember that while repairing the temple, a copy of the Law was found. King Josiah read the law, leading Judah to one final time of repentance and reformation. Today we will find new information about the heart of the people during this time of reformation in Judah.

    Jeremiah was given many signs for God’s people, and he had many messages from God for the people. We will take time to look at some of the words he spoke to the kings. We will especially remember the time that Jeremiah wrote the words of the Lord, and the evil king Jehoiakim cut it up with a penknife and threw it into a fire.

    Jeremiah was a prophet to Judah before they were carried into captivity, and he prophesied that the people would be held in captivity for seventy years. We will continue to consider Jeremiah in our next lesson.

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 10 Questions

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 10 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to younger children, the following is a craft idea to go along with this lesson.

    We made a wall hanging picturing Jeremiah speaking the Word of the Lord to the people.

  • Barnabas, a Friend

    “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
    2 Timothy 2:15

    The Gospel message began to spread out of Jerusalem after Stephen’s death. This event let to the church being persecuted. One of the great persecutors of the church, Saul, met Jesus and was saved on the road to Damascus. There was a drastic change in Saul when he met Jesus – for even his name was later changed to Paul. However, it took time for the Believers in the church to recognize and understand this fact.

    God gave a couple of men that helped during that time. One was Ananias, whom God sent to speak with Saul first. This was important. Remember that Ananias had a message from God that Saul was chosen by God to “bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Keep in mind that Saul had been one of the religious leaders, a Pharisee, having been trained and taught in the Old Testament Scriptures. Saul later declared before the council, “… Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee …” (Acts 23:6). He was a Pharisee, taught in the ways of the Pharisees in the “Jews’ religion.” Although he knew the Old Testament Scriptures, he needed to understand them anew after having believed Jesus was a fulfillment of those Scriptures. It would take time and much study to prepare for the task Jesus had for Paul’s life – to be the Apostle sent to the Gentile people. As we can read in Galatians, when he left Damascus, there was a three-year period that Saul was taught by Jesus, enabling him to preach the Gospel (see Galatians 1:10-19). Those three years were very important. He had to know and understand the Gospel message before he would be able to share it with others.

    After those three years of learning from Jesus, Saul returned to Jerusalem. “And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple” (Acts 9:26). Saul was an unusual case – for he had been a viable threat to Believers, also called disciples of Jesus. Remember: he had been on a mission to arrest and kill them. Because of this, most Believers were afraid of Saul. Understand that they did not believe that he had become a disciple. “But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27). Nevertheless, see that God gave Saul an ally, a friend, in Barnabas. Do you remember Barnabas? He was one of the many Believers who sold their possessions, lands and houses and brought the money to the apostles (see Acts 4:36-37). The early Believers helped one another. This is yet another opportunity that Jesus was able to use Barnabas: he was a vocal friend of Saul’s.

    Although the new Believers were going out from Jerusalem into the surrounding areas, they still only told Jewish people about Jesus. There was a report that was sent back from Antioch to Jerusalem declaring many believed and turned to the Lord. When the report was received, they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. Recognize how Barnabas is described here: “23. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:23-24). He faithfully taught the people, and many more believed in Jesus.

    Read what happened next: “25. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26. And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:25-26). Barnabas went and found Saul. They worked together, teaching the people about Jesus. It was at this time in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

    Shortly thereafter, we understand that God had a special job for Barnabas and Saul. “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them” (Acts 13:2). And the people sent them – just as God wanted. When Saul begins his ministry to the Gentiles, he is no longer known as Saul, but Paul. “Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost …” (Acts 13:9). This began the First Missionary Journey of Paul and Barnabas.

    It is very important for each person who becomes a Christian, to learn the truths found in God’s Word – so they will be able to share those truths with others (“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15). This takes time, and much reading of the Bible. A good Christian friend helps tremendously! Just as Barnabas helped Saul (Paul).

    Are you one who has shown yourself approved unto God, a workman, and even a friend, who will share the Gospel of Jesus?

  • Lesson 9: 2 Kings 23:31 – 25; 2 Chronicles 36: Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah

    Key Verse

    For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.

    —Jeremiah 16:7

    Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse and understand that God sees and knows all.  God knows when His people do wrong. Nothing can be hidden from God. Keep that thought in mind as we remember the final kings of Judah today. God saw and knew of their wickedness, and He did not let it go unpunished.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that God sees and knows all – there is nothing hidden from God. He sees mankind’s sin. We will remember again in this lesson, that there is a penalty for sin. Nevertheless, God left them with hope.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we read of the last good king of Judah, King Josiah. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. King Josiah made many great reformations, including repairing the house of the Lord. While repairs were being made, a book of the Law was found. When the king heard the Words read, he rent his clothes in repentance. He led all of Judah to make a covenant with the Lord to obey His commands. King Josiah died, and we then come to the final four kings of Judah:  Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. Jehoahaz did evil and only reigned for three months because the king of Egypt took him. Jehoahaz died in Egypt. The king of Egypt made his brother, Eliakim (changing his name to Jehoiakim) king instead. He too, was an evil king, and King Jehoiakim reigned for eleven years. During his reign, Babylon became known as their enemy, and King Jehoiakim served them for three years. “So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead” (2 Kings 24:6). Babylon began to besiege Jerusalem during his reign, “and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign” (2 Kings 24:12). After carrying away everything of value (including the king, his family, princes, and servants), the king of Babylon made Jehoiakim’s brother, Mattaniah, the king – changing his name to Zedekiah. Zedekiah was a bad king and he reigned for eleven years. None of these men were good kings, and all of them led Judah further from God’s commands – until God allowed Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, to invade the land. He destroyed the house of the Lord, broke down the walls of Jerusalem and burned the city gates.  He killed many and took more hostages to his land, making them his servants.  Babylon besieged Judah in the 9th year of King Zedekiah, and then they took Judah captive. Nevertheless, we find a word of promise – God touched the heart of a king seventy years later, sending God’s people home to rebuild the house of the Lord.

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 9 Questions

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 9 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to younger children, the following is a craft idea to reinforce this leson:

    We made a door knocker with stickers and the verses from 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. Although they were carried captive, God left them with the hope of return to Jerusalem.

  • Great is Thy Faithfulness

    “22. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
    Lamentations 3:22-23

    Today is a day of uncertainty. The news is full of earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, illnesses, the possibility of food shortages, wars and rumors of wars, and so many other things of which to be fearful. This leads to much apprehension in the world today. I have never known a time when so many people are anxious about almost everything. The constant onslaught can be almost overwhelming!

    Why should a Christian not be afraid?

    What does God’s Word teach us about fear? We are to remember that God is with us. “1. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3. Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof” (Psalm 46:1-3). If we walk with God, He will be with us.

    Jeremiah was a prophet who spoke God’s Word to the Israelite people for around forty years. The people were not walking with God, and it was a time of much trouble in the land. Eventually, the enemies came, destroyed Jerusalem, and carried the people away captive. Jeremiah witnessed these events. Although he had warned the people of the coming invasion, they had not heeded his warnings to turn back to God. The whole nation suffered because of this – even Jeremiah. Understandably, Jeremiah was greatly saddened with these events. Jeremiah wrote the following as he witnessed God’s judgment upon His people for their continual rejection of His Word: “The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow …” (Lamentations 1:18a). He wrote the book of Lamentations, revealing the horrors he witnessed, and the sorrow in his heart. Yet in the midst of that sad book, he reminded us of a very pleasant hope. “22. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. 24. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. 25. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him” (Lamentations 3:22-25). Jeremiah knew God was with him. He understood that God is a forgiving God – even when we fail Him miserably! Have you heard the song we often sing in churches written from these verses? Great is Thy Faithfulness. Read the following encouraging words:

    “1. Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

    Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not; As Thou has been Thou forever wilt be.

    2. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

    Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

    Refrain: Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see;

    All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! Amen!”

    It is easy to constantly be distracted by the relentless onslaught of bad news. As one hears the new potential crisis almost every day, it is hard to focus one’s thoughts upon God and the things of God. When we forget God and begin to focus upon the troubles of the world, the problems can appear to be overwhelming. It is before one reaches this point that a decision must be made. What must a Christian decide? To trust God! It is then that when all of the troubles of the world seem to come against us, we can stop and be at rest knowing God is in control. “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10). We will then remember that God will take care of His own. “5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7). We are to fear the Lord, doing what His Word says to do. That should be rather easy – for if we walk with God, we will depart from evil.

    Christians should not be so entangled in the troubles of the day that one forgets to walk with (and especially trust) God. Turn off the news and read the Bible. Remember: “… his compassions fail not. 23. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Also keep in mind: “The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him” (Lamentations 3:25). It is important for Christians to seek the Lord and not the potential troubles of the day.

    Do you seek the Lord, understanding that if we walk with Him, He will be faithful?

  • Lesson 8: 2 Kings 22 – 23:30; 2 Chronicles 34-35: Josiah

    Key Verse

    Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

    —Psalm 34:14

    Key Verse Thought: As you read the Key Verse, think about what it means to “depart from evil.” Read the following to help in the understanding: depart means “to turn away; to remove; to put away” and the word evil comes from the word that means “to make useless, to break; to live wickedly or contrary to God’s will; i.e. an attitude that rejects God’s authority.” Instead of evil, we are to do good (means “right; correct; virtuous”). Not only that, but we are to seek peace (remember that seek means “to look, search”). Christians are to stay away from things contrary to God’s will and instead search, choosing to do what is right or virtuous. We will learn about a king who rejected the evil things of his fathers, and instead chose to seek after the things of God – and he pursued them.

    Emphasis: In this lesson, we will learn the importance of departing from evil, much like King Josiah, and choosing instead to do what is right.

    Lesson Summary: After learning about the prophets Zephaniah and Habakkuk in our last two lessons, we can now better understand the condition of the people of Judah. Especially remember the reign of King Manasseh and King Amon and there will be no question about the state of Judah. They were living very wicked, idolatrous lives. Amon was a bad king and did evil in the sight of the Lord. He never humbled his heart as his father, Manasseh had. Remember that there was a conspiracy against bad King Amon after only two years. When he was killed, his son Josiah became king of Judah. “1. Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem … 2. And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left” (2 Kings 22:1-2).  

    King Josiah was the last good king of Judah. We will learn today that he sought God while he was still young, and he removed much of the wickedness out of the land. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord. King Josiah made many great reformations, including repairing the house of the Lord. While repairs were made, a book of the Law was found. When the king heard God’s Word read, he rent his clothes in repentance. After the book of the Law was read to all of the people, a covenant was made before God, and King Josiah reinstituted the temple worship. He led all of Judah to make a covenant with the Lord to obey His commands. Not only did King Josiah remove idol worship out of Judah and Israel, he led the people to keep the Passover in Jerusalem.

    King Josiah died in battle with Egypt, and his son, Jehoahaz, became king in his stead.

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 8 Questions

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 8 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to younger children, the following is a craft idea to go with this lesson:

    We used rolls of paper and dowel rods to make scrolls. We then glued different Bible verses inside (and wrote a few) to remember the importance of having and reading God’s Word.

  • Be Faithful

    “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful”
    1 Corinthians 4:2

    God has a special plan for each Christian’s life. It is important to read God’s Word (Bible), hearing from God, to learn what that plan is. It is then a choice to either follow God’s plan for that life, or choose to disregard what God has planned. There are many examples of this in the Bible. Consider the following events.

    Saul had been with the religious leaders when Stephen was stoned because he spoke of Jesus. In Acts chapter nine, we read that Saul went to Damascus to find anyone who followed Jesus so he could take them bound to Jerusalem. “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went …” (Acts 9:1). However, on the way, Saul saw the glory of the Lord revealed to him and was told to go to Damascus and wait. It is here that we are introduced to a “certain disciple at Damascus” whose name was Ananias. He lived in Damascus at this time. The Lord came to Ananias in a vision, and told him to go, “… and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12. And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight” (Acts 9:11-12). 

    Once again God called one of his disciples (a Christian) to go and speak His Words to one particular individual (remember Philip who was sent to the Ethiopian Eunuch). Saul would be expecting Ananias to come see him. What did Ananias do? “13. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name” (Acts 9:13-14). Ananias was understandably afraid. He had heard of Saul. He also knew what Saul was doing to anyone who believed in Jesus. “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Chosen vessel means “a person as the instrument of usefulness for someone.” God had plans for Saul – just as He has plans for each person who belongs to Him. God told Ananias what His plans for Saul were – to tell the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel about Jesus.

    Ananias was asked to do something very difficult. He had a choice to make. Obey God, or walk away in fear. “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight …” (Acts 9:17). Recognize that Ananias trusted in God, more than he was afraid of Saul. Ananias believed the Lord when He said that Saul was a chosen vessel for God, and he greeted Saul as, “Brother Saul.” What happened to Saul? He received his sight. This sight was more than physical sight. Read how Saul (later called Paul) described the lost condition of a life apart from Jesus and His Gospel message: “3. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:3-6). Saul’s (Paul’s) eyes and his heart had been blinded. Yet he received the Truth of God’s Word and believed. He not only believed in Jesus, but he became a servant who told many others about Christ Jesus the Lord. What did Saul do after he believed in Jesus and received his sight? “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20). There was a change that took place in Saul’s heart that was pictured in his life when he was blinded and then received his sight. He had been brought out of the darkness into the “light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

    This is a great testimony to the faithfulness of Ananias. He chose to go speak to Saul – just as the Lord had told him to do. This event should encourage us never to be afraid to obey God’s will. “1. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). The mystery of God is the introduction into the truths of the Gospel message. Never undervalue the importance of sharing the Gospel message with one individual who may be brought to Christ. Saul (Paul) was important to God.

    Are you a faithful steward of the mysteries of God, willing to share the Gospel message when God asks?

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 7: Habakkuk: He Asked God Why and Was Answered

    Key Verse

    For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

    —Romans 1:17

    Key Verse Thought: Read the key verse, and understand the “faith to faith.” The first faith is believing in Jesus and He saves you. The second is living a life obeying Jesus and his commands. For as we will learn today (as it is written), the just (those who conform to God’s standard and authority) shall live by faith.

    Emphasis: We must learn to seek the Lord, learning to live a life of faith. It is then we realize we can take our burdens to God – for He will answer!

    Lesson Summary: In this lesson, we will continue our break from the kings of Judah to study a minor prophet, Habakkuk, keeping in mind that we will study them as close to where they belong in Judah’s history as possible. Remember the last kings about whom we learned: King Manasseh and King Amon. Both of them were bad kings – actually King Amon continued in his wickedness and never humbled himself before God. Therefore, we are to remember that the nation of Judah was in a deplorable condition.

    As we learn about Habakkuk this week, we will find he was a unique prophet because he recognized the condition of God’s people, and it disturbed him. When something troubled him, he took his trouble to God. He was a prophet who asked God a question, and God answered him.  God knew the problem, and He would deal with it. God was going to do such a mighty work among His people; they would hardly be able to believe it. Probably the most important verse in Habakkuk is Habakkuk 2:4, where it says: “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). We will discover that Habakkuk learned to have faith in God. We also should be as bold as Habakkuk – when we have a problem, we should know to take it to God first!

    As we learned Zephaniah’s message last week, we find much of the same message for God’s people from Habakkuk this week: Both warned the people of God’s coming judgment, but both prophets left the nation with the hope that God promised to restore His people.

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 7 Questions

    Y2Q3 – Lesson 7 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to younger children, the following is a craft idea to go along with this lesson:

    We decorated frames with stickers and placed the verse Habakkuk 2:4 inside.