SESSION 1 GIVE THANKS ANYWAY! THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE Every November, we are reminded to be thankful for all the blessings and good things in our lives. It s easy to be thankful when the blessings are obvious or right in front of us. Thankfulness is harder when the road before us is uncertain and we feel like we re facing more challenges than blessings. We can truly give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18), because God is always at work on our behalf. THE POINT Our circumstances don t define our thankfulness. THE PASSAGE Chronicles 0:10-1,14-17,0-,9-30 THE SETTING The events described in Chronicles 0 happened after Israel was divided into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. The Northern Kingdom was known as Israel and the Southern Kingdom was called Judah. The capital of the Southern Kingdom was Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat was the fourth king to reign over Judah. 148 SESSION 1 WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? CHRONICLES 0:10-1,14-17, 0-,9-30 10. And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy 11 behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. 1 O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. 14 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. 15 And he said, Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God s. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you. 0 And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed. 1 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever. And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. 9 And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around. For free online training on how to lead a group visit MinistryGrid.com/web/ BibleStudiesForLife For free Midweek Options or your group, visit lifeway.com/bsflfal16fresh
PREPARE LEADER LIVE IT OUT Be Confident Chronicles 0:10-1,14-17,0-,9-30 It is true that in life we seem to always either be leaving a battle or entering one. When you encounter battles, struggles, or trials this week, be ready to meet them with preparation. Each of the following questions are based on the passage we are preparing to study in this session. As you prayerfully answer each question, remember that God is aware and in control of your current and future trials. Every time we find ourselves in a tough situations, God deserves thanks because He is working to make us more like Him. How is God shaping you right now? Y As you prepare to lead, complete the Culture section at the end of Session 1. Take a moment to read and respond to how each of these passages can change the way you live each day. 1 Prepare: While you prepare for this session, it is critical to allow the truth of Scripture to challenge your heart. God works in our hearts as we teach others His Word. ONE CONVERSATION Scripture: Chronicles 0:10-1,14-17,0-,9-30 Topic: Give Thanks Anyway! THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Every November, we are reminded to be thankful for all the blessings and good things in our lives. It s easy to be thankful when the blessings are obvious or right in front of us. Thankfulness is harder when the road before us is uncertain and we feel like we re facing more challenges than blessings. We can truly give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18), because God is always at work on our behalf. THE POINT: Our circumstances don t define our thankfulness. How do you normally respond to a situation you cannot fix? What are the benefits of being a thankful person? How does being a thankful person bring recognition to Christ? Discuss the following quote: I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. 1 G. K. Chesterton 1. G.K. Chesterton > Quotes > Quotable Quotes, Goodreads [online], [accessed 1 February 016]. Available from the Internet: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/068-i-would-maintain-that-thanks-are-the-highest-form-of. LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to take practical steps to take his or her faith and Live It Out in the Personal Study Guide. Here are some ways you can encourage your students to live out their faith with Christ personally, in community, and in their culture: CHRIST: Begin family prayers this week by thanking God. List the small things God is doing for your family in the battles you are facing. COMMUNITY: Pray with your student about any battles he or she may be walking through. Check in each day to see how God is working in the situation. CULTURE: Help your student to prepare for future battles. This can be through Scripture memorization, prayer, etc. Remember that even in tough situations, God is working in us to make us more like Him. Follow Up: Don t forget to text a picture of the One Conversation section to parents or post it on Facebook and tag them after the session. This will equip them for further family discussion. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 149
ENGAGE (15 MINUTES) 1 Engage: Begin the session with one or more of the Engage Options on the next page (optional). Discuss: Ask students, When have you been surprised by something you weren t expecting? 3 Guide: Call attention to The Point. Keep coming back to it throughout the session. 4 Read: Summarize the Bible Meets Life for your group. 5 Pray: Transition into the session by praying that your students eyes would be open to the incredible opportunities to share Christ that are all around them. 150 SESSION 1
ENGAGE OPTIONS LEAD WITH ACTION Purchase some basic thank you cards for every student in your group or ministry. Place thank you cards and pens in each seat. Encourage them to write a thank you card to their parents or another person who has made a major investment in their lives. Encourage students to walk across the room and thank someone personally. This is an amazing opportunity to have students thank leaders or pastors in the student ministry. Say, We have so much to be thankful for. We can give thanks in every situation. LEAD WITH ATMOSPHERE Find a food that emits a pleasant smell when cooked (cookies, popcorn, bacon, etc.). If possible, use an electric griddle or microwave to cook the food in your room so students smell it as they are entering. As you serve your group food say, It s amazing how even if you re having a bad day there is always something to be thankful for. Thankful people change the atmosphere around them, just as this food changes the atmosphere in this room. LEAD WITH MEDIA Search the Internet for Kid President s 5 Reasons To Be Thankful! After playing the video, ask students to come up with their top 10 things to be thankful for. After they discuss their list say, We have so much to be thankful for. We can give thanks in every situation, even when our circumstances are difficult. NOTE: Always make sure you preview any video clip you show students and ensure that it is appropriate for your church and ministry. FOR YOUNGER STUDENTS Call your mom, dad, or spouse on speaker phone in front of the whole group. Be sure to thank him or her for being so amazing. By doing this, you can set the example for your students. Say, We have so much to be thankful for. We can give thanks in every situation. SECOND OPTION Search the Internet for the video Thank You Notes (Thanksgiving) - by Motion Worship. After playing it, say, We have so much to be thankful for. We can give thanks in every situation. LEADER PACK ELEMENTS If you have the optional Leader Pack, consider one of the following: DVD: Play the Unit 3 Session 1 DVD opener to focus everyone on the main point of the session. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 151
IMPART (10 MINUTES) 1 3 Do: Lead students to complete the following list. Read: Ask a volunteer to read the passage. Summarize: Walk students through the implications of the passage. CHRONICLES 0:10-1 Jehoshaphat pursued God s favor in everything he did ( Chron. 17:3-4). He worked to return the nation to worshipping Yahweh (17:6; 19:3). He sent Levites and priests throughout Judah teaching the people God s Word (17:7-9). He commanded the judges to make honest rulings, keeping in mind they judged for the Lord, not men. (19:4-11). Take a moment to list three situations in your life that force you to rely on God s power and wisdom instead of your own. 4 5 Read: Enlist a few volunteers to read the section. Discuss: Lead your students to discuss how they respond to difficult situations. While doing all of these things, Jehoshaphat still faced attacks from his enemies. The nations surrounding Judah were preparing to attack the country. When Jehoshaphat discovered their plans, he called the nation to prayer. As he prayed he remembered: God s protection in the past. God s covenant with His people. You d expect a bold request from God next, but Jehoshaphat simply explained their enemies were approaching, and they didn t know what to do. Jehoshaphat ended by telling God that they looked to Him for deliverance. HOW DO YOU NORMALLY RESPOND TO A SITUATION YOU CANNOT FIX?? We all reach places when we realize we re facing something bigger than ourselves and don t know what to do. In those moments, we can tell God we don t have the power or knowledge we need, and we look to Him. No matter the problem, we can be thankful because we can look to God. 136 SESSION 1 15 SESSION 1
COMMENTARY CHRONICLES 0:10-1 And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. CHRONICLES 0:10-1 According to Chronicles 17:6 Jehoshaphat was a good king whose mind rejoiced in the Lord s ways. However after Jehoshaphat formed an alliance with Ahab, the king of the Northern Kingdom, God s wrath turned against Jehoshaphat because he helped the wicked and loved those who hated the Lord (19:). As a result, God allowed Judah s enemies to form a coalition united in the purpose of defeating Judah and taking possession of their land. Jehoshaphat s initial response upon hearing of an immanent invasion was great fear. King Jehoshaphat assembled the people of Judah and resolved to seek the Lord (0:3-4). Tip: Help students see how important it is to know God s character and claim His promises in difficult situations. Knowing God allows us to trust Him. Verses 10-1. Give thanks because you can look to God when you are powerless. These verses contain a portion of Jehoshaphat s prayer that comes in the form of a complaint. Jehoshaphat s prayer was gritty and raw, filled with honest emotion before God. Jehoshaphat was direct and bold before God, reminding Him that He was the One who could have eliminated this current situation except that He did not let Israel invade the peoples when Israel came out of Egypt (Num. 0:14-1; Deut. :4-9,18-19). God still shows mercy to His enemies today (Rom. 5:8). Jehoshaphat pointed out that the enemies showed appreciation for God s mercy by showing no mercy to His people as the invaders moved closer. Jehoshaphat pleaded and reminded God that their enemy intended to drive them out of the land God Himself gave them as an inheritance. Jehoshaphat sought to incite God s wrath by pointing out such an action as not only an attack on God s people but on God Himself. Jehoshaphat asked God wrath to be on them. He fully anticipated a positive response. Though Jehoshaphat complained about God s past mercy toward His enemies, he remained confident in God s goodness and strength. On the other hand, Jehoshaphat had no confidence in his own strength. The king confessed on behalf of himself and his people that they were powerless against such a vast army. The word translated as powerless literally means nothing. Jehoshaphat s army was no slouch itself, numbering over one million men ( Chron. 17:1-19). However this appeared as nothing compared to the army stirring up dust as it closed in on Jehoshaphat s territory. They Tip: As you prepare to summarize and teach pieces of the material, find what s most important and highlight or underline before meeting with your group. were not only powerless to win the battle against the invading armies, they were powerless to know what to do and thus they had to look beyond themselves unto God. Jehoshaphat delivered some of the most moving and honest words in prayer as he redirected his eyes from the invading forces and placed them on God. The great multitude preparing to attack produced an admission of powerlessness that made Judah dependent on the Lord. We can give thanks because even when we re powerless, we can look to God. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 153
IMPART (10 MINUTES) 1 3 4 Read: Ask a volunteer to read the passage. Read: Enlist a student to read this section. Summarize: Guide students through these three important action steps we can take in difficult times. Engage: Encourage your group to share their faith through social media. CHRONICLES 0:14-17 God used a man from the crowd named Jahaziel to challenge and encourage the people. We can be thankful our battles belong to God. Giving our lives to Christ means we re children of God. It s God s battle to fight. Even when we are powerless and unsure, Jahaziel s words reveal three things we can do. 1. Put away fear and discouragement (v. 15). Three powerful armies prepared for attack were surrounding Jerusalem. When we feel like we re being attacked from every direction, we must set aside our fear, trust, and wait for God to act.. Take a stand and don t run away (v. 17). In verse 18, we see the people took a stand by bowing down in worship. They refused to move away from their trust in God and they fell down before the Lord to worship Him. 3. Watch God at work (v. 17). Often we run in fear and miss opportunities to see what God is doing. Sometimes we have to wait and stand firm in our faith until we see what God will do in our lives. No matter how long we wait, God s presence is reason enough to be thankful even in our difficulties. YOU WILL KNOW AS MUCH OF GOD, AS YOU ARE WILLING TO PUT INTO PRACTICE. ERIC LIDDELL WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THESE VERSES AS WE FACE OUR OWN BATTLES?? 5 Discuss: Lead your students to discuss what we can learn from this passage. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 137 154 SESSION 1
COMMENTARY CHRONICLES 0:14-17 And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. And he said, Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you. CHRONICLES 0:14-17 Verses 14-15. Give thanks because God is with you. Birthed out of crises, Jehoshaphat, together with the assembled people of Judah, cried out in desperation to God. God s answer came from an unexpected source. The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel. Jahaziel s words to the people included three directives. The first directive of do not be afraid of the large army comes from the promise that the battle belongs to God. They had the double comfort of not having to fight the battle along with the fact God would fight on their behalf, assuring certain victory. This hope-filled message is repeated in verse 17 to reassure the people of God s promise and protection. Verse 16. The juxtaposition of the security of God s promise and the imminence of the enemy attack is seen in the fact that the invading army was only a day s march away. However, Jahaziel instructed Jehoshaphat and his army not to simply wait for the invasion to strike but to go against them. The Spirit-filled prophet even supplied them with the exact coordinates to where the enemy would be found. Verse 17. The purpose of moving out to meet their attackers was not to instigate a surprise attack. In fact, they were not to attack at all. The purpose of their going out was to observe the defeat of their enemy under the mighty hand of God. The second directive to stand firm conveys this insight. The human factor in this battle was down played while the action of God was made central. All the Judean army had to do was to position themselves, stand still, and watch God work. They were to make no contribution, because the battle was not theirs. It was God s. It is the third directive of watching God work that positions the Judeans to see the deliverance the Lord will give. Echoes from the future can be heard as the gospel resounds here. The work of God in Christ crucified and resurrected, defeating sin by conquering it on another s behalf, finds many similarities to the chronicler s story. In both cases faith is demonstrated by beholding what God alone would do for the sake of His people. It would require a great act of faith to make themselves visible to their approaching enemy, positioned before them and simply standing still. Therefore Jahaziel encouraged the Judean troops by reminding them that the Lord was with them. The outcome of the battle was not in question. An army marked by their vast number is no match for the strong hand of the Almighty Lord. The appropriate response to God s intervention on behalf of the people is one of praise, thanksgiving, and celebration because God is with you. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 155
1 3 4 IMPART (10 MINUTES) Do: Allow students time to finish the optional Action Point (p. 138) in the PSG. Discuss: Review this question with your group. Read: Ask a student to read the passage for the group. Read: Lead a few volunteers to read the following section. HOW DOES BEING A THANKFUL PERSON BRING RECOGNITION TO CHRIST? CHRONICLES 0:0-,9-30 On the morning of the battle, the prayers of the people turned to praise and thanksgiving before the battle even began. Jehoshaphat assembled a choir in front of the army. Why? Jehoshaphat s army heard God s praises before them. This reminded them the battle belonged to God. The enemy heard praise to the God who stood with Judah. The attacking armies turned against each other. God set an ambush and confused them. God did three things as the people praised and trusted in Him: ACTION POINT Every year at Thanksgiving there are a ton of things going on, but we can all relate to a few like food, football, Black Friday, and the Macy s Thanksgiving Day parade. Each year almost 3.5 million people travel to New York City to watch the parade and over 50 million people watch it on television. 3 Before we eat food, watch football, or start shopping, we see millions of people celebrating a day when we are reminded to be thankful. When people see your life, do they see thankfulness that comes from faith in Christ? 1. God worked on their behalf. He brought them victory. Then they assembled the next day and praised the Lord (vv. 5-6). Take a moment to list three ways your thankfulness can show Christ to those around you this week. 5 6 Do: Direct students to complete the Action Point. Discuss your answers as a group. Discuss: Help students see the benefits of being a thankful person.. God was honored and revered. God was glorified among the people of Judah, and all of the surrounding nations His power. 3. God gave them peace. The kingdom was quiet, because God gave them rest on every side. God works in our lives, as well. Acting on our faith in Christ and thanking Him allows us to experience His presence, power, and peace, no matter our situation. The experience only strengthens us for the next time we face a battle. The secret to a thankful life is in Christ. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A THANKFUL PERSON?? BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 139 156 SESSION 1
COMMENTARY CHRONICLES 0:0-,9-30 And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed. And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever. And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around. CHRONICLES 0:0-,9-30 Verse 0. Jehoshaphat and his army set out early in the morning, suggesting a confident faith and anticipation of the Lord s deliverance. The assurance of victory was not without its imperatives, namely to believe in the Lord. The exhortation for faith in God s prophets would have included the words delivered by Jahaziel. Verse 1. Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord. A typical ancient attack would have begun with a war cry. By contrast, Judah was led by worship. Jehoshaphat sent out the temple choir to meet the invading army. Joyful singing would hardly have been intimidating to the enemy relying on their numerical strength. Jehoshaphat led his people to not look at their grave situation but to look unto the life-giving power of the mighty God. Verse. As they sang, the Lord set ambushes. It is likely a heavenly army was responsible for the ambush that caused confusion to the invaders leading to self-destruction. It appears the invading coalition lost faith and turned against each another and destroyed themselves while Jehoshaphat and his people stood still and watched as the Lord fought on their behalf just as He had promised. Verse 9. It was praise and thanksgiving that unleashed the power of God. Israel had sung the praises of the splendor of God s holiness, while all the surrounding kingdoms were in fear of God s holiness. The holiness of God is a treasure to the people of God and a fearful dread to the enemies of God. Word spread among the nations that Yahweh fought against the enemies of Israel. Not only had God conquered Jehoshaphat s enemies but He also reestablished enemy nations fear of God. Yahweh had reestablished peace in the land. Tip: One incredible way to reach out to students is to attend events they are involved in during the week. Connecting outside of group shows students how much you care about them. Verse 30. Early readers of this account would have been filled with hope realizing that though they had failed God, the hope of restoration and redemption was never lost. Fear and discouragement had defined God s people prior to the victory of God; now the people experienced a state of peaceful quiet and flourishing. As for Jehoshaphat, God gave him rest on every side. Not only had God won the victory on his behalf, but He also had restored the king to the place of joyful rest. In the same way, Jesus Christ has fought against sin on behalf of His people. The world ravished by the fall will one day be redeemed and restored to a place of rest and peace. God has told His people to sit still and to see the salvation of the Lord, then He placed His Son on a cross to pay the wages of our sin, and He rose from death to life to conquer the power of the grave. For that we can give thanks in every circumstance (1 Thess. 5:18). BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 157
IMPACT (10 MINUTES) 1 3 Discuss: Read and discuss the quote with students. Guide: The Christ portion of the Live It Out section encourages students to look for God working when we are in difficult situations. We can be thankful when we trust God. Remember the Bible Reading Plan helps provide students with a custom reading plan to stay in God s Word and follows along with each session. Guide: As you guide your students through the Community section, remember to emphasize the importance of having godly accountability partners to help them pursue God. BIBLE READING PLAN LIVE IT OUT I WOULD MAINTAIN THAT THANKS ARE THE HIGHEST FORM OF THOUGHT, AND THAT GRATITUDE IS HAPPINESS DOUBLED BY WONDER. 4 DAY 1 CHRONICLES 17:1-11 DAY CHRONICLES 17:1-19 DAY 3 CHRONICLES 18:1-11 DAY 4 CHRONICLES 18:1-7 DAY 5 CHRONICLES 18:8-34 DAY 6 CHRONICLES 19:1-11 DAY 7 CHRONICLES 0:0-37 140 SESSION 1 G.K. CHESTERTON CHRIST Thanking God in the middle of a battle may be a new or difficult idea for you. Begin by praying for God to strengthen your faith and trust in Him. Trust God to reveal Himself as you face the challenge and thank Him for working in your life. As you read God s Word this week, take a few extra minutes to record what you see God doing in your life through the battles you are facing. COMMUNITY There are times when we need to rely on the support of friends to walk through battles and struggles in our lives and remain thankful for what God is doing in us. Take a few minutes to talk as group about some of the battles you are facing. Pray with your group about the specific battles. After praying, find an accountability partner to encourage you this week in your struggles. 158 SESSION 1
IMPACT CULTURE As you encounter battles, struggles, or trials this week, be ready to meet them with preparation. Each question below is based on the passage we studied this session. As you prayerfully answer each question, remember that God is aware and in control of your current and future trials. Every time we find ourselves in a tough situation, God deserves thanks because He is working to make us more like Him. Take a few minutes to read and answer the questions below. List one major trial you are now facing that you cannot overcome alone. How can you trust God and count on His power to overcome it? 4 5 Guide: The Culture section equips students to apply this session to their lives every week. Help your students view the battles in their lives through the truth of God s Word. Pray: Close in prayer asking God to give every one of your students the eyes to see all of the things they can be thankful for in the midst of trials. Pray also for the heart to trust God even when situations are overwhelming 6 Follow Up: Find out what battles your students are going through and text them each day letting them know that you are praying for them. How will giving God thanks in this struggle show others His power and peace in our lives? What will it look like to be courageous, stand your ground, and watch God work? BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 141 BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 159