The Biblical Path of Life

Author: mjross

  • Lesson 6: 1 Kings 12:1 – 15:24; 2 Chronicles 10-16 Rehoboam, Abijam (Abijah), and Asa

    Key Verse

    Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left.

    —Joshua 23:6

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. In this verse, courageous means “to be firm; be strong; to retain, hold fast, or keep.”  What are we to be strong doing? We are to do all that is written in God’s Word. Notice especially the addendum:  “that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left.”  There is no allowance for variance – one must adhere directly to God’s Word and hold fast to it with all of our might. In this lesson, we will learn of three kings. Rehoboam, who was not courageous to do all written in the book of the law; Abijam (Abijah), who walked in the sins of his father, and a king (Asa) who, after being very courageous, turned aside at the end of his life.

    Emphasis: In this lesson, we are to understand that God wants to show Himself mighty to His people (Christians). We are also to recognize the importance of remaining courageous – obeying God and His Word all throughout our lives – never failing as King Asa did toward the end of his life.

    Lesson Summary: In the last quarter, we learned about Israel, the Northern Kingdom, and how they were carried captive. In this lesson, we will begin our study of Judah, the Southern Kingdom. 

    We will begin by remembering King Rehoboam’s reign and what happened to cause the nation to divide into two separate kingdoms. King Rehoboam was considered a bad king because he forsook God. When Rehoboam died, his son, Abijam (Abijah), became the king of Judah. He “… walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father” (1 Kings 15:3). Abijam (Abijah) was also considered a bad king. Little is recorded about him in First Kings, so we will focus on information in Second Chronicles. He only reigned for three years, and although God used him to do good things for Judah (King Abijam had the right reasons for fighting King Jeroboam), God knew King Abijam’s (Abijah’s) heart.

    When King Abijam (Abijah) died, his son, Asa, became king. Asa reigned for 41 years in Jerusalem, “And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father” (1 Kings 15:11). He was a good king and it was during his reign that he made many great reformations, and the people of Judah turned their hearts back to God. King Asa knew to cry out to God when the enemy came against Judah, and God was able to show himself mighty before the people. When God sent His prophet to speak to King Asa, he listened. He was told to be strong and seek God, continually. He took courage, and removed the idol worship and broke down the false places of worship. The people recognized God was with King Asa. He even removed his grandmother as queen because she worshiped an idol. He also destroyed her idol. Nevertheless, toward the end of King Asa’s reign, King Baasha of Israel came against a city in Judah. King Asa sought the help of an enemy nation. Although they gained the city back, Asa had failed to seek the Lord. God sent his prophet with a message, but King Asa rejected the message. After this, King Asa was diseased in his feet, but he sought the physicians and never sought God. He died of the disease in his feet.

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 6 Questions

    Y2Q4 – Lesson 6 Children’s Worksheets

    See the following for a craft idea if you teach this with young children:

    We made a book with the Ten Commandments in them to remember the importance of obeying God’s commands.

  • A Christian’s Duty

    “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
    Ecclesiastes 12:13

    Can you name any of God’s commandments? Without knowing what God’s commandments are, people would never understand they have sinned. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). One must first recognize that they are sinners. That comes by knowing what God’s Law says, for God’s Law reveals sin. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). The penalty for breaking God’s Law is death. What do you do with that information? One should understand that Jesus came to die on the cross to take away that sin. He then offered eternal life for anyone who would receive it.

    However, it takes faith to accept that gift of God’s grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). That guarantees that anyone who asks in faith can receive. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). That person is then called a Christian. What happens for those who trust in Jesus? “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14). Understand that when Jesus died on the cross, we were set free from sin; Christians no longer live under the Law. “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Romans 7:7). God’s Law is still important. That Law was given to keep man in constant awareness of how far he had fallen short of God’s glory and the terrible price that had to be paid to bring man back into right standing with his Creator (Jesus’ death on the cross). God’s Commandments also remind us that God is perfect and righteous, and we are a people with the propensity to sin.

    Christians are to live as if they belong to God. We should “hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering” (Hebrews 10:23). Christians can now claim new lives, so we must then live new lives. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christians are now able to live new lives of obedience to God and His commands.

    God then does something special for those who belong to Him.

    God has now written His Law on the Christian’s heart and mind. “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” (Hebrews 10:16). His Spirit lives inside each Christian, constantly reminding him or her of God’s will. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). We are then able to please God in the following of His Law that is written in our hearts. This is because we have been encouraged to do the following: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). We must hide God’s Word in our hearts so we will not sin against God but live for Him.

    “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Understand that fearing God does not mean being afraid of Him. Fear means “morally to revere; a dread of His wrath; and a reverence of His majesty.”  It is knowing what God expects of Christians and then doing it.

    Do you read God’s Word daily, hiding it in your heart so you can live a life pleasing to Him?

  • Lesson 5: 2 Chronicles 1-9 Solomon and the Temple

    Key Verse

    Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

    —Psalm 33:12

    Key Verse Thought: After reading the key verse, understand that God has promised to bless the nation who acknowledges God as supreme, and where the people establish a relationship with Him. How can one have a relationship with God? (i.e.:  first, ask Jesus in one’s heart; spend time with Him; pray; read the Bible; obey God’s commands and encourage others to obey Him as well; etc.)  In this lesson, we will see how God blessed the nation, Israel, who made God the Lord of their nation – and obeyed Him! 

    Emphasis: Christians are to choose to obey God, doing what He wants over what self wants, understanding that God will bless those who put God first.

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that David prepared greatly for the building of the Temple. He declared that his son, Solomon, would succeed him as king, and Solomon would build the house of the Lord. In this lesson, we will learn about Solomon as he becomes king of Israel.

    Solomon returned to the tabernacle Moses had built in the wilderness and offered great sacrifices to God. God came to Solomon that night, asking what he desired. Solomon took his father’s advice and asked for wisdom to rule God’s people. God not only promised him wisdom, but riches and fame as well. 

    Solomon immediately set about to build the Temple for God. Once it was completed (and the furnishings were made and placed inside), he had the Ark of the Covenant brought into the Temple, addressed the people, and prayed to God. When Solomon finished praying, God answered his prayer by sending fire from heaven that consumed Solomon’s sacrifice. The glory of the Lord so filled the Temple that no one could enter. God then gave many promises, and warnings, to Solomon.

    Solomon’s kingdom increased, and his fame extended. The Queen of Sheba heard of King Solomon and came to meet him herself. She recognized that God had given him this great wisdom.  Solomon’s fame continued to spread, and many kings gave him great gifts – increasing his wealth.

    Remember: The books of the Chronicles do not dwell upon the wrongdoings of the kings, but what good they accomplished for Judah.

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 5 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are doing this with younger children, the following area craft ideas to go with this lesson:

    We decorated a frame with the verse 2 Chronicles 7:14 in it to remind them of King Solomon’s prayer.
    This is another idea of a decorated frame with 2 Chronicles 7:14 in it to remind them of King Solomon’s prayer.

  • A Willing Mind

    “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”
    2 Corinthians 8:12

    Jeremiah was called by God to be a prophet during the time of the final five kings of Judah. “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). God called Jeremiah to be His prophet before God even formed him in the womb. God had already sanctified him. Sanctified means “to pronounce clean; consecrated (set apart) to God.”  The word ordained means “putting forth a voice.” God had set Jeremiah apart to serve Him by speaking God’s Words to the nations (including us today).

    However, like most people, Jeremiah’s initial response when God called him was that he was inadequate (see Jeremiah 1:6). If you think about it, most people feel quite inadequate when God calls upon them to do something for Him. But keep in mind that God also knew you before you were formed in the womb, and if God didn’t know you could do it, He wouldn’t have asked. 

    God responded to Jeremiah much as He would probably respond to anyone who thought they could not do what God called them to do. See what God said to Jeremiah: “7. But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 9. Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth” (Jeremiah 1:7-9). God not only encouraged Jeremiah that he could do what God asked, but God put His words in Jeremiah’s mouth.

    God told Jeremiah His plans. He was going to allow the enemy from the north to enter into Jerusalem because of the people’s continual wickedness and idolatry (see Jeremiah 1:15-16). Then God continued with amazing words of encouragement. “17. Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. 18. For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. 19. And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee” (Jeremiah 1:17-19). Did you see what God was going to do for Jeremiah? When Jeremiah spoke to the people, God would make him like a “defenced city”, “an iron pillar”, and “brasen walls” against the whole land. Jeremiah was not to be troubled by the people’s response to God’s Words – for God would strengthen Jeremiah to complete the task at hand. More importantly, the people would not prevail against (triumph or overcome) Jeremiah – because God was with him!

    There were many good things happening in the land of Judah when God called Jeremiah. However, the days were not always good. Jeremiah spoke for over forty years. The final four kings of Judah were terrible times! God called Jeremiah during those final years of Judah’s existence. During those years, God’s people were conquered, carried from the land of promise into captivity, Jerusalem was destroyed, and the Temple burned. However, God never left Jeremiah.

    As we just remembered, God knew Jeremiah before he was even born. He called, prepared, sent Jeremiah as a prophet for God and promised to be with him. Keep in mind, God will never give us anything to do that He will not help us complete. “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not” (2 Corinthians 8:12). God will be with us. We only have to trust Him (just like Jeremiah). God encouraged Jeremiah just as he had encouraged many before him by giving encouraging words when He called them to do something for Him. Think back to Moses. Moses did not think he could do what God asked, yet read God’s response in Exodus 4:10-12. Remember the encouraging words given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6). And to Joshua when he was to lead God’s people. “And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8). Even today, we are encouraged to trust God. “So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6). As we found out, that was what God expected of Jeremiah.

    Do you have a willing mind, recognizing God will help you do what He asks?

  • Lesson 4: 1 Chronicles 21-29 David

    Key Verse

    Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

    —2 Corinthians 9:7

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Understand the key verse with the following definitions:

    • purposeth means to prefer, choose, or intend for oneself; to resolve
    • grudgingly means in grief or sorrow
    • necessity means compelling force as opposed to willingness
    • loveth means to love, or regard with strong affection
    • cheerful means joyous, happy, or glad

    In this lesson, we will learn that David gave of his time and substance to prepare for the house of the Lord.

    Emphasis: We are to learn to want to please God with all of our heart – just as King David did. We are also to understand that God forgives our sin and still wants to use us to complete the work He has for us to do.

    Lesson Summary: Today we will remember when David was moved to number the people. We will learn that Satan was the one who stood up against Israel. Satan is the enemy of God’s people, and he wants to destroy them. Through this event, we will see David remember that God is a forgiving God. We will find out the importance of Mount Moriah (the threshing floor of Onan). 

    David had a burden to build a permanent house for the Lord, and God revealed to David where the Temple was to be built. God said David could not build that house, but promising that David’s son, Solomon would be allowed to build it. Even though David would not be the builder, he prepared for the Temple. The first thing David did was anoint Solomon as the next king of Israel (remember that God had told David that Solomon was to be the next king of Israel). David then organized the people, gathered many supplies to build the Temple (giving much of it himself), and made the plans for the Temple, and instructed Solomon and the people of Israel. David emphasized to the people the importance of completing the Temple – and to make it such a magnificent building that all of the world would recognize its glory. 

    David led by example when it came time to bring gifts in preparation for the building of the Temple. David was greatly pleased that he was able to give toward that building. David’s praise turned into a prayer recognizing that God saw the intent of the heart in wanting to give back to God with what He had abundantly blessed them. Solomon then became king of Israel, and God magnified Solomon greatly.

    Remember: The books of the Chronicles do not dwell upon the wrongdoings of the kings, but what good they accomplished for Judah.

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 4 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 4 Children’s Worksheets

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

    King David prepared for the building of the Temple. He gave his son, Solomon, a copy of the Law and the plans for the Temple.

  • Heartily, as to the Lord

    “23. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
    Colossians 3:23-24

    If you have ever read the book of Jeremiah, you understand that the messages God gave Jeremiah to share were extremely difficult for him to deliver. However, Jeremiah was always faithful – even when he was beaten, imprisoned, and his fellowman rejected him. He willingly obeyed God’s command to deliver His message calling Judah to repent and return to God. Jeremiah had little, if any, hope of the possibility of God’s people truly repenting and returning to God, yet he faithfully delivered the messages God had. What courage!

    There was one particularly interesting time God had him speak. There was a nomadic people that lived among the Israelites called the Rechabites (also known as the Kenites). They were descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, who had chosen to live among God’s people in tents. They occasionally are mentioned as those who helped God’s people (see Jael in Judges 4 and Jehonadab with Jehu in 2 Kings 10). God sent Jeremiah to speak to these people, take to them to the house of the Lord, and give them wine to drink. Jeremiah did what God told him to do. Read their response. “6. But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever: 7. Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers. 8. Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters; 9. Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed: 10. But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.” (Jeremiah 35:6-10). What was wrong with drinking the wine? They had made a commitment to their father that they would not. They chose to obey their father, Jonadab. God had a point He wanted to make to His people. “13. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? saith the LORD. 14. The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father’s commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me” (Jeremiah 35:13-14). God made a very good point. God commended the Rechabites for their faithfulness to the command given to them by their father. Their father had given commands, and his children obeyed. God had given the Israelites commands, yet they had disregarded them. God reminded them He had sent prophets to tell them. “… saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me” (Jeremiah 35:15b). God’s people did not listen. They did not obey God’s command to return to Him. This family of Rechab had willingly chosen to obey the words of their father, yet God’s people had willingly chosen not to obey the words of God. The Rechabites were destined to live as a nomadic people – without homes, farms, vineyards, or a place to call home. Yet this people obeyed their earthly father. On the other hand, God had given His people a land where they built homes, had farms and vineyards, and a place to call their homeland. However, the Israelites did not obey God. God blessed the Rechabites.  

    Because God’s people did not repent or choose to obey God, God allowed the enemy to destroy Jerusalem and take them captive. Jeremiah witnessed the destruction of his beloved city, and his people carried captive to a foreign land. Yet even through rejection and witnessing Jerusalem’s destruction and the people’s captivity, Jeremiah still mourned and prayed for his people. He even remained to encourage the few left in the land with God’s Words. Jeremiah understood something that had not even been written yet in his day: “23. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).

    Do you obey God’s Word heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men?

  • Lesson 3: 1 Chronicles 11-20: David Becomes King

    Key Verse

    And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

    —Acts 13:22

    Key Verse Thought: After learning of King Saul’s death last week, we must remember that God removed Saul from being king for his disobedience. We then read that God made David king. This verse helps us understand why God chose David – for David wanted to please God with all of his heart. In this lesson, we will see some ways David wanted to do things God’s way – pleasing Him.

    Emphasis: We are to learn that in order to please God we must learn to seek God first.  God demands obedience, and then He blesses. Just as David sought after God’s heart, so too should we!

    Lesson Summary: In our last lesson, we learned that God removed the kingdom from Saul and gave it to David. In this lesson, we begin to remember King David. Once the people came together making David their king, he then sets his eye upon Jerusalem – where the Jebusites lived. David’s first act as king was to take Jerusalem and make it the city of David.

    God gave David many mighty men who helped bring in David as the next king of Israel.  Not only will we learn things about those mighty men, but about the events that led David from being the king of two tribes to the king of the entire nation of Israel. We will then remember David’s failed attempt at bringing the Ark of the Lord (Ark of the Covenant) by a new cart into Jerusalem. The procession halted when Uzza was struck dead (for touching the Ark).  David recognized God’s anger, became fearful of God, and left the Ark of the Lord at the home of Obededom.

    Once the Philistines, enemies of Israel, heard that David was king, they came out against Israel. Before entering into battle, David sought God. He obeyed God, and God gave David victory over the enemy.

    David learned (by seeking God’s Word to find the answer) the proper way to bring the Ark of the Lord into Jerusalem, and he successfully brought it into the tent made specifically to house the Ark of the Lord. This time it was brought into Jerusalem with much rejoicing – in the order God demanded it be done. David organized the priests and Levites in their different ministries in the house of the Lord, and he even organized the music and the musicians that were to play before the Lord.

    David recognized that he lived in a beautiful house, but the Lord’s house was only a tent.  David wanted to build a house for the Lord. Instead, God promised to build David an everlasting house (descendants to remain upon the throne – ultimately leading to Jesus). We will see how God blessed David’s kingdom when David sought to please God first. God allowed David’s kingdom to be extended, and the enemies around defeated.

    When King Nahash died, David wanted to show kindness to his son, Hanun. We will read what happened when that kindness was rejected. David continued to extend his kingdom, conquering the enemies around.

    Remember: The books of the Chronicles do not dwell upon the wrongdoings of the kings, but what good they accomplished for Judah.

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 3 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 3 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are doing these lessons with young children, the following is a craft idea to go with the lesson:

    We made a crown to remember God chose King David.

  • The Preaching of the Cross

    “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
    1 Corinthians 1:18

    Many times in the Old Testament, we read of the promise of Jesus. No one knew His name, yet God’s people were to be looking for Him the same. At times, God revealed specific things He wanted the people to understand. “Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high” (Isaiah 52:13). “Behold, my servant” is speaking of Jesus. God said Jesus would “deal prudently” meaning Jesus would succeed in completing what God expected Him to do. Continuing through that verse, see that it says that Jesus will be “exalted and extolled” which means “to raise, or lift up; to carry off; take away; it is the idea of one who is a substitution bearing the guilt or punishment of sin.” So just from that one verse we understand that God told Isaiah that He would send Jesus who would complete the task of being lifted up as the one who would take away the guilt and punishment of sin by becoming the substitute – the one who took sinful man’s place. This is what God had promised Adam and Eve in the garden (see Genesis 3:15).

    They were to be aware of the suffering death that this One would have to endure. Remember that when Jesus came, He was scourged and delivered to be crucified (see Matthew 27:26, 29-30). Why did this happen? “So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider” (Isaiah 52:15). Understand that this verse tells us that Jesus’ death would enable Him to “sprinkle” many nations. “Sprinkle many nations” means “to cleanse from sin; the Servant of the Lord came to make an atonement for the sins of even the Gentiles.” In the Old Testament, the people understood the high priest had to sprinkle the blood of the ram upon the altar to cover their sins for another year (see Exodus 29:20). God sent His Son to take away the sin (not cover), and allowed the entire world to “see” and then to “consider.” “See” means “to gain understanding”; and “consider” means “to observe; to pay attention to; to gain insight or understanding.” Each person has to see and decide (believe) for himself.

    Immediately after Jesus death, burial, and resurrection, there were still many who did not understand what had happened, and many did not believe Jesus had even risen from the dead. There were two in particular who were on the road to Emmaus, not far from Jerusalem. On the evening of Jesus’ resurrection, they were walking and discussing all they had heard. Jesus joined them, walking and talking with them, yet they did not recognize Him (see Luke 24:15-16). When He asked what things they were discussing, they explained, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: 20. And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. 21. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done” (Luke 24:19b-21). They were trying to “consider” but did not yet understand. After walking with them, listening to them as they continue their discussion, Jesus responded: “25. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:25-27). They needed to believe, by faith. “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:5).   

    It is almost amazing to those today, who are Believers, to understand how they could not have recognized Jesus. However, many times in the Old Testament people should have understood and recognized what God was doing, yet they most of the time, they did not. All throughout the Old Testament, the people were taught of God, but they had a hard time understanding that He had been speaking of Jesus, who was to come. They lacked faith.

    “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). See the following to help understand what this verse means: 

    • preaching means to speak intelligently about the word of the cross 
    • cross means the whole passion of Christ and the merit of His sufferings and death 
    • them that perish means exposed to eternal death 
    • foolishness means foolishness or absurdity
    • saved means those who have obtained salvation through Christ and are kept by Him 
    • power means a person in whom the power of God is manifested  

    The “power of God” was revealed when Jesus came and finished what God had for Him to do. Jesus came to pay the penalty for sin, taking it away from any who would only believe.

    Have you believed the preaching of the cross, becoming a Christian?

    How to be Saved

  • Lesson 2: 1 Chronicles 3-10: The Beginning of the Kings – Saul

    Key Verse

    Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.

    —2 Peter 1:13

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. Realize that tabernacle means “the body as a frail tenement of the soul” and stir you up means “of the mind; to excite.” A good Bible teacher’s job, as teachers (in our frailty), is to stir up students (excite them) by putting them in remembrance (to help them remember the heroes of our faith). We should be excited about learning of these great men and women in the Bible. In this lesson, we will continue with our remembrance of some of the people in the Old Testament – even learning of a few new people along the way.

    Anyone who learns something exciting from God’s Word can share it with someone else!

    Emphasis: It is important to remember (with excitement) the people and events of the Old Testament. Recognize God’s blessings upon those who called out to Him, and especially those who sought God with the whole heart.

    Lesson Summary: In this lesson, we continue our study of the genealogies listed in the book of First Chronicles. While reading the descendants of David, recognize the listing of the kings of Judah. As we read through more of the genealogies, notice the interesting pieces of information sandwiched into them – events that many overlook as they skip over the seemingly boring, non-eventful, genealogies (as we discover how exciting they can be!). We will also see where the rest of the sons of Judah are listed. After that, time will be spent remembering the kings and their lives in greater detail.

    The first king of Israel was Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin. Remember again, why God removed the kingdom from his family and gave it to another – one who sought after God’s own heart. “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22). 

    Remember: The Chronicles do not dwell upon the wrongdoings of the kings, but what good they accomplished for Judah.

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 2 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 2 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to young children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember the lesson:

    We made musical instruments to help us remember King David.

  • Lesson 1: 1 Chronicles 1-2: Adam – The Genealogy of Judah

    Key Verse

    “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.”

    —Philippians 3:1

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s key verse. In this lesson, we will remember many people we have studied before – ones we cannot forget!

    Emphasis: We are to never tire of remembering God’s people, and what He did for them (and does for us today)!

    Lesson Summary: It is important, upon occasion, to take a minute and stop to remember.  In this lesson, as we begin the book of 1 Chronicles, we can see it begins with the genealogy from Adam – which is basically a time of remembering back to what God had done. Oftentimes we find the genealogies mundane and boring. As we go through the first chapter of 1 Chronicles, try to see the genealogy from a different perspective. It can be fascinating if you are able to recognize names, which in turn causes a remembering of great events in history. Be encouraged to look at genealogies from this perspective. Now that we have studied many great men and women in history, we should be able to read through these genealogies with much fascination. 

    One important reason that the books of the Chronicles were kept was to accurately record the lineage of the Israelites – to reveal to mankind with great assurance that Jesus was the rightful heir to the throne of David. 

    In our last quarter, we focused on the kings of Israel, the Northern Kingdom. As we continue our study, we will focus on the kings of Judah, the Southern Kingdom. In these lessons, we will look at the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings along with the additional information about events and people that was not recorded in the records of the kings but in the books of 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles. These bits of information will be helpful in better understanding some events. The books of the Chronicles help us consider the spiritual significance of these events. First Chronicles begins with Adam and brings us to the kings of Judah. Especially notice the same struggle mankind has fought since the beginning of time: man’s choice. The choice is whether to obey God, or to choose not to obey God. The choice one makes determines one’s standing with God. See an example of man’s disobedience and obedience as recorded in First Chronicles:      

    1. Disobedience brought defeat and destruction: “13. So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; 14. And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse” (1 Chronicles 10:13-14).

    2. Obedience brought peace and God’s blessing: “12. And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; 13. That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. 14. And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets. 15. And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about” (1 Chronicles 15:12-15).

    As we have learned and will continue to discover, faith in God, repentance, and seeking God with the whole heart (obedience) – not necessarily one’s genealogy – will determine one’s standing with God.

    Y2Q2 – Lesson 1 Questions

    Y2Q2 – Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this to children and would like a craft idea to go with the lesson, see the following:

    We made a coloring book of the Bible lessons Adam and Eve through King David (could include Noah, Abraham, etc.).