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Lesson 8: Jehoshaphat - Hebrews 11:32-34

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Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

King Jehoshaphat encountered an overwhelmingly formidable enemy, yet his response of faith was to worship God, resulting in answered prayer and another miraculous victory. Begin your study in prayer for the wisdom and heart of God to be reflected in your life. Pray specifically for your family, friends, church, nation, and world.

Worship

Several words are used to communicate the biblical concept of worship [Gk proskuneo—from pros “towards” and kuneo “to kiss,” to make obeisance, do reverence to; sebomai—to revere with the feeling of awe and devotion; latreuo — to serve, to render religious service or homage; eusebeo—to act piously]. Worship is the individual heartfelt acknowledgement of God’s worth, character, attributes, and activities, demonstrated in praise, worship and thanksgiving, as well as in deeds of worship and service.

Satan, demons, idols, and humans seek to usurp and corrupt the worship that is to be rendered exclusively to the sovereign Creator and Savior.

Worship glorifies God!

Read Hebrews 11:32–34 and 2 Chronicles 17–20.

1. From 2 Chronicles, list the things that Jehoshaphat did to demonstrate his devotion to God.

A. What were Jehoshaphat’s weaknesses?

B. What were the results of his efforts, both personally and nationally? (2 Chron. 17:10–14)

2. What kind of king was Ahab? (1 Kings 16:30–33)

3. How do we know Jehoshaphat had spiritual discernment? (2 Chron. 18:6)

A. In spite of Jehoshaphat’s foolishness, how did God protect him? (2 Chron. 18:30–32)

B. How did God rebuke and punish him? (2 Chron. 19:2–3, 20:1)

4. What was the size of Jehoshaphat's standing army? (2 Chron. 17:14–19)

A. Why was he so alarmed at the enemies approaching them?

B. Do you see any difference in his attitude in 2 Chron. 18:4–6 and 20:3–4?

C. What had he learned from his experience with Ahab?

5. Study his prayer in 2 Chron. 20:6–12. On what basis did he ask for God’s help? What does 2 Chron. 20:12 indicate?

6. If God promised to fight the battle for them, why did He want them to go out and face the enemy in battle position? (2 Chron. 20:17) How does this apply to us in our spiritual battles? (See Eph. 6:10–18, James 4:7)

7. What is the significance of sending a choir out to lead the army? (2 Chron. 20:21)

A. Have you ever experienced personally what praising God by faith can accomplish?

B. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on the response of faith in worship and the reward of faith in answered prayer in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

8. What was the evidence that this was an overwhelming victory? (2 Chron. 20:24–26)

A. How does this apply to us in our spiritual warfare? Read Rom. 8:31–39.

B. How did Jesus demonstrate His overwhelming victory over Satan?

C. What did He accomplish by His death and resurrection? D. What does that mean for us? (Read Heb. 2:14, 15; 1 John 3:8, 4:4)

Application Questions for Class Discussion

1. What does 2 Chron. 20:35–37 tell us about Jehoshaphat?

A. Have you ever forgotten a spiritual lesson that you learned at great cost?

B. What can you do to guard against that behavior?

2. Do you think it’s okay to form alliances with unbelievers because it may be financially or socially profitable?

A. What does God think of believers doing that? (Read 2 Cor. 6:14 and Amos 3:3)

B. What does it reveal about the level of our faith?

3. What does 2 Chron. 20:13 tell us about family involvement in worship? Notice how the children were not shielded from knowing the danger.

A. List the characteristics of God revealed in his treatment of Jehoshaphat.

B. How can we apply this example in a practical way as we train our children to know God and to trust Him?

4. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of Jehoshaphat? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Jehoshaphat—Hebrews 11:32–34

Jehoshaphat sought the Lord in prayer and demonstrated faith in praise and worship. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words. List the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith in worship, and the reward of faith of answered prayer?

Response of Faith: Faith Worships

Worship [Matt. 4:10]

    Matt. 4:10

    Heb. 1:6

    Phil. 3:3

    Rev. 4:10

    Rev. 9:20

    Rev. 13:4

    Ps. 29:2

    Reward of Faith: Answered Prayer

Prayer (prayest, KJV) [Matt. 6:6]

    Matt 6:6

    John 14:13–14

    John 15:7

    Rom. 8:26

    Rom. 8:34

    Eph. 3:20

    Heb. 4:16

    James 5:16

    2 Chron. 7:14

    Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks to God in everything!

Related Topics: Character Study, Curriculum

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