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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 5: 2 Kings 1

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 1

King Ahaziah of Israel fell. He sent messentgers to false gods to ask if he will recover from his injury. The angel of the Lord instructs Elijah to confront these messengers and send them back to King Ahaziah to tell him that he would die due to his lack of faith. King Ahaziah sent a commander and 50 troops to retrieve Elijah to him. Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume them. He did this to the next 50 men who came for him, too.

A third captain with 50 men begged to not be killed. God told Elijah to go with this man. Elijah went to the king who then died. King Ahaziah had no sons so Joram succeeded him as king.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 5: 2 Kings 1

13) King Ahaziah of Israel fell. He sent messentgers to false gods to ask if he will recover from his injury rather than consulting God.

14a) Elijah was God’s chosen messenger to reveal to King Ahaziah his punishment for seeking false gods.

b) I think he was Spirit-led. If he wasn’t, fire would not have reigned down. The lesson is that the 3rd captain and men came humbly and begged for their lives. After all, they were just doing what they were told from the king.

15) I think we all can relate to resisting God, especially when things are just not going our way in this world. They key is to turn back to Him always.

16) He has always provided, always answered (nor not answered prayers) according to His will, and He continues to lead me in my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 5: 2 Kings 1

I don’t remember this at all. While we may see God’s judgment as harsh on the 100 men, remember they are unbelievers, and God’s judgment is perfect. The men could have refused the king’s order since God’s commands are superior to men’s commands, but they did not.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 5: 2 Kings 1

Ahab had been a powerful ruler. With his death, Moab felt safe to rebel. They had been under Israel’s control since the time of David (2 Samuel 8:2 and 8:11-12). This is just one sign of Israel’s imminent decline.

Ahaziah could have repented when warned of his death. He did not. God is merciful, so he may have been spared.

The soldiers acted immorally when coming for Elijah. In fact, it was a slight against God more so than Elijah. Elijah asked God to send fire down. God could have refused. Instead, God sent his judgment upon them.

The sin was not believing in God and His presense in Israel. For that, Ahaziah and the soldiers paid with their lives.

Joram or Jehoram was the brother of king Ahaziah and a son of Ahab.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 4: 1 Kings 22:41-53

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 22:41-53

Jehoshaphat was king of Judah. He reigned 25 years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. However, the high places were not removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices there. He was at peace with the king of Israel, Ahab. He rid the land of the male shrine prostitutes. He built a fleet of trading ships that never sailed. He died, and his son, Jehoram, succeeded him.

Ahaziah son of Ahab only ruled two years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He served and worshipped Baal and provoked the Lord to anger.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 3: 1 Kings 22:41-53

9) He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. However, the high places were not removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices there. He was at peace with the king of Israel, Ahab. He rid the land of the male shrine prostitutes.

10) He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. He served and worshipped Baal and provoked the Lord to anger.

11a) Judah follows the Lord; Israel does not. This can only lead to disaster for Israel.

b) God is just. He lets those who follow him rule a long time. Those who don’t follow him die young. God rewards those who follow Him and punishes those who do not.

12) God is always good. Despite my shortcomings, He is there for me. He always forgives and promises the chance for a better tomorrow. I have hope that I’ll do better and be better because of the Lord and Jesus Christ.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 3: 1 Kings 22:41-53

Great summary to end 1 Kings. Israel does evil in the eyes of the Lord; Judah does good. My prayer is to do good in God’s eyes always.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 3: 1 Kings 22:41-53

2 Chronicles tells more about Jehoshaphat’s good that he does:

Note Jehoshaphat did not take down the high places. He wasn’t perfect.

Note that Jehoshaphat did not make an alliance with Ahab’s son. He learned his lesson after the battle that killed Ahab.

Coming up, we see that Jehoshaphat’s son, Jehoram, did not follow in the Lord’s ways because he married Ahab’s daughter (2 Chronicles 18:1). He would be noted as a bad king for Judah. (2 Chronicles 22:2-4).

Ahaziah’s short reign was partly due to the pronouncement of judgment against him for his father Ahab’s sins.  1 Kings 21:29.

1 Kings comes off the heals of King David and then descends from there.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 3: 1 Kings 22:29-40

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 22:29-40

Ahab and Jehoshaphat defied Micaiah’s prophecy and went to battle for Ramoth Gilead. Ahab went disguised, while Jehosphaphat wore royal robes. The king of Aram only wanted to fight against the king of Israel, so they left Jehoshaphat alone. The king of Israel, Ahab, was hit by a random arrow. He died that night and his blood was licked by dogs as the Lord had prophesied. His son, Ahaziah, succeeded him as king.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 3: 1 Kings 22:29-40

6) Ahab entered the battle disguised. It did him no good. He died anyway.

7) God protected Jehosphahat. God drew away the army of the Arameans from him when he cried out to the Lord and they stopped pursuing him.

8a) Whatever God says will pass, will pass. Despite what humans try to do, God’s will prevails.

b) It’s truly comforting. I truly have no regrets because I know everything happens for a reason and God is in control, not me (thank God!). If I were in control, my life would be out of control!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 3: 1 Kings 22:29-40

Great lesson about even though Ahab tries to circumvent God’s plan, His plan always prevails.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 3: 1 Kings 22:29-40

Many Bible scholars are unsure why Jehoshaphat agrees to go to battle against God’s word. Maybe he wanted to save grace or perhaps he wanted to die. It was not a smart decision on either’s part.

Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord, and he was saved.

The arrow that pierced King Ahab was not by chance; nothing is by chance with God. God orchastrated it.

The war ended with Ahab’s death.

Elijah prophesied about the dogs licking the blood of Ahab.  1 Kings 21:19 This just took place in a different location that prophesied.

We also see a prophecy come to fruition with 1 Kings 20:42, where Ahab spared Ben-Hadad’s life.

Despite the wealth of Israel, the people were spiritually poor.

No one can fool God.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 2: 1 Kings 22:1-28

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 22:1-28

There was peace between Aram and Israel for three years until Jehoshaphat king of Judah went to see the king of Israel, Ahab. Israel and Judah looked to make an alliance to take Ramoth Gilead back, but Jesoshaphat requested to inquire of the Lord first. The only prophet left was Micaiah whom Ahab did not like because he prophesied against him. All of the other prophets said to go to war and Micaiah was urged to agree. However, Micaiah refused, saying he could only say what the Lord had told him.

When Micaiah arrived when summoned for his inquiry unto the Lord, he told them that the Lord would entice them to go to war against Ramoth Gilead, but the war will be a disaster for them and that their leader would die. Zedekiah slapped Micaiah in the face, and he was ordered back to Amon to go to prison with nothing but bread and water till Ahab returns safely.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 2: 1 Kings 22:1-28

3) Jehoshaphat allied himself with Ahab via marriage. Jesoshaphat would join Ahab in the war after seeking the Lord’s counsel.

4a) Both ignored what Micaiah said and went to war anyway.

b) He only wanted to hear the good prophecies for him, not the bad.

c) Ahab only wants to hear what he wants to hear from Micaiah. He gets angry at God’s messenger rather than himself who disobedyed God to bring this upon him.

5) Unsure here. I think I’m following all of His promptings, but it’s so hard to tell.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 2: 1 Kings 22:1-28

It’s fascinating how the two kings are working together when they were enemies before. Power and political advantage are strange things.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 2: 1 Kings 22:1-28

King Ahab asked King Jehoshapat to ally with him against Syria. Ramoth-Gilead was only 40 miles from Jerusalem, the capital of Judah.

Jehoshaphat only picked prophets that told him what he wanted to hear. Knowing this Jehoshapat wanted to hear from a prophet of the Lord.

The two rulers sat at the gate of Samaria, which was a traditional place to make decisions. The unfaithful prophets all said what the king of Israel wanted to hear.

Apparently, Micaiah was already in prison (1 Kings 22:26). The assistants to King Ahab tried to persuade Micaiah to repeat the words of the 400 other prophets, but Micaiah refused. Ahab hated anyone who opposed him. Micaiah mocks the other prophets by repeated what they had said, and then tells the truth when prompted by Ahab.

On the right side of God sits the host of heaven on the left sits fallen angels. A fallen angel would lead Ahab into battle. Ahab would pay with his life for his fallen leadership, while Israel paid for following false gods.

Micaiah was met with violence upon this news and anger. Yet, God’s plans never fail.

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Friday Digest BSF Matthew Lesson 6

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN MATTHEW 5 BSF LESSON 6

  • Everything you do must be from the heart
  • Your heart and soul are more important than your deeds
  • We can have righteousness through the saving blood of Jesus Christ
  • Love what God loves and want what God wants
  • We must forgive as we have been forgiven
  • Cleanse the heart and the mind of sin and don’t indulge sin when it happens. Recognize it and change it immediately
  • God will judge every word we speak
  • Consider the greater good
  • God sees and knows all

Take Away: God knows our hearts, so why hide? Run to Him instead.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:38-48

Jesus says that previously an eye for an eye was the rule, meaning if someone did you harm, you do them harm back. However, Jesus says the opposite. If someone does you harm, do not resist them. Give and lend to those who ask.

Jesus says to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Love and greet everyone. God handles the evil.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

11) To not retaliate and to not resist. He teaches to respond in kindness, to love your enemies, and pray for those that persecute you.

12a) Most people want revenge and retaliation when they have been wronged. It can consume them.

b) Unsure. Unsure if I’m persecuted or if I have enemies.

13a) My goal is to strive to be like Jesus. Obviously, we can’t be perfect, but it’s a goal nevertheless. And goals are good things to have.

b) Galations 5:16 says to live by the Spirit and you won’t gratify the desires of a sinful nature. Ephesians 4:22-24 tells us to put on our new selves in Christ. Philippians 2:12-13 says that it is God who works in you for his purposes. The idea of “being perfect” is just to do good in your life and in others’. Use the power of Jesus to do so.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

I had not remembered Jesus’s call to be perfect here. While I love shooting for goals, this is one we all will never reach. However, getting better every day is a good goal to have.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

You’ll find “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” here (Exodus 21:24). This command had been corrupted over time, which is why Jesus is clarifying it here. He says to let God be our defender when people insult us or do us wrong. Should you resist evil? Yes. However, the everyday slights and offenses shoulbe let go immediately and ignored. You just give it weight when you respond.

Jesus is using the slap here to mean insult. Obviously, if someone hits you, you defend yourself.

The cloak here is confusing. It’s referring to a Law that says that the outer cloak you were wearing could not be taken (Exodus 22:26; Deuteronomy 24:13).

Going the extra mile in Jesus’s time referred to the fact that Roman soldiers could command a Jew to carry their pack for one mile. This is where our saying comes from that now means to go above and beyond expectation. Read more HERE

Love Your Neighbor

Love your neighbor is an ancient Mosaic law (Leviticus 19:18). However, the teachers of the time were adding on to hate your enemies. The Bible never says this. Instead, Jesus says love your enemies who are our neighbors, too. Respond to your enemies in love, which is what God would do.

Christians are called to be better than others because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Our responses speak volumes about our relationship with God.

To be perfect, we need God’s righteouness (Romans 3:21-22) Keeping God’s laws makes up righteous.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:31-37

Jesus says that the only reason for divorce is unfaithfulness. Otherwise, if you divorce, if you remarry, you will be committing adultery. Jesus says there is not a need for an oath at all since your word should be strong enough.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

9a) Jesus says that the only reason for divorce is unfaithfulness. Otherwise, if you divorce, if you remarry, you will be committing adultery. Mark adds that Moses permitted divorce and a certificate of divorce because their hearts were hard.

b ) Believers can work hard to not divorce for frivolous reasons such as “irreconcilable differences.” However, divorce is a part of this broken world, and supporting others who have been through it is crucial. It is not for us to judge; it’s for us to love.

10a) You do not need to swear an oath ever.

b ) Society has developed white lies in order to spare people’s feelings. It’s important to do this; however, it’s important to be truthful in serious situations.

c ) God.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

Jesus makes it clear that man and woman were supposed to stay together forever. However, there are legitimate reasons to divorce. Jesus says only for unfaithfulness. I believe abuse is another reason. Either way, divorce is a result of this broken world and broken people, and we all are broken. I remember the times when BSF would not allow a divorced woman to be a leader. I’m glad they changed this rule. This, in and of itself, was judgement. If you have a heart for God and want to share it, do so, whether you are divorced or not.

Great book to help you through tough times.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

The certificate of divorce is found here (Deuteronomy 24:1). Many men were divorcing their wives for frivolous reasons. Deuteronomy says that you may divorce if one is unclean. People were streteching this interpretation at this time. Jesus clarifies that “unclean” means committing adultery.

Remember the times Jesus lived in. It was common for the Romans to be unfaithful outside their marriage with no repercussions.

(Exodus 20:7) tells us to not take the Lord’s name in vain. Here, Jesus tells us that every oath you take is by God and must be honored. Jesus says that your word is good enough so you don’t need to swear an oath. That being said, we see oaths in the Bible, even by God himself. Hebrews 6:13 and Luke 1:73, in a court of law Matthew 26:63-64 and more Romans 1:9, 2 Corinthians 1:23, Galatians 1:20, 2 Thessalonians 2:5.

Oaths are allowed just are not needed.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 3: Matthew 5:21-30

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:21-30

Jesus says that you can commit murder in your heart when you are angry with others and you will then be subject to judgment. Be reconciled with those who you are angry with. Settle matters before it goes to court because going to court could land you in jail. Jesus says you commit adultery if you look at someone with lust. Gouge out your eye and cut off your hand if it causes you to sin. Losing a part is better than losing yourself.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 3: Matthew 5:21-30

6a) Jesus said you can kill someone with your mind and heart, and not just physically. Hate can be just as strong as murder. If you hate your brother, you are a murderer and John says that no murderer has eternal life in him.

b ) To be reconciled with others before bringing gifts to God and to forgive others.

c ) I really don’t hate anyone right now. But I don’t have a lot of friends.

7a) Jesus said you commit adultery in your heart if you look at someone else with lust.

b ) Basically, stay out of situations that will cause you to lust or be angry with others.

c ) Sex and sexual innuendos are everywhere in society. It can be hard to escape them. Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about other things, such as whatever is pure, noble, true, right, lovely, and admirable. This is what Jesus says. Don’t look at things or do things that can cause you to sin in your heart.

8 ) 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that we can overcome our temptations and that God always provides a way out and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 tells us to take our thoughts captive. Basically, we are in charge of what we think, and staying out of sinful situations keeps us safe and helps us to not sin.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 3: Matthew 5:21-30

Living is hard, but with God, it’s bearable. God provides us ways out of sin and helps us every step of the way. All we have to do is take his hand.

Try this book for encouragement:

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 3: Matthew 5:21-30

Things aren’t necessarily true because they are old; look at how long people believed the earth to be flat. Jesus is saying that here.

The Law is a heart matter, too.

Anger at others is a normal, human reaction. The anger Jesus is speaking of is the anger that causes thoughts of revenge and unforgiveness.

“Raca” is a ephithet for someone who is of low intelligence. Today, you’d call soemone dumb or an idiot.

Jesus says being reconciled to others is more important that religious duties. We are to be at peace with others Romans 12:18

Settle your anger or you will be a slave to it. Ephesians 4:26-27

The penalty is not money here. It’s suffering for eternity.

Jesus is saying committing adultery is a sin, but so is adultery of the heart. However, the act is much worse than the thought.

This concept is anything that we covet. You choose to linger on corrupt thoughts. Banish them for good.

Pluck Out Your Eye and Cut Off Your Hand

Plucking your eye out and cutting off your hand is not meant to be literal here. We are supposed to change the part of us that tends to sin. Wishful thinking won’t get us there.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 2: Matthew 5:17-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:17-20

Jesus is still on the mountain, preaching. He says that he has come to fulfill the Law of the Prophets, not to abolish it. The Law will remain until God’s plan is accomplished. Those who preach and follow these commands will be called great in heaven; those who break the command will be called least. Only those righteous will enter the kingdom of heaven.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 2: Matthew 5:17-20

3a) The Old Testament is still relevant, and its laws need to be followed.

b) Jesus echoes my belief. I’ve never disregarded the Old Testament. As long as you keep in mind that Jesus is greater, you’re good.

4a) Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus was tempted as we are but remained perfect. Jesus’ example is to stay true to God’s word

b) Jesus’s death and sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice to cleanse us from our sins. In the Old Testament times, God’s people sacrificied animals for their cleansing blood. Here, Jesus finished it once and for all.

c) Jesus preached how he fulfilled all of the prophecies in the Old Testament — how his life, death, and resurrection were all God’s work.

5) The Pharisees and the teachers of the law believed they were better than others when they upheld the law. It was not a heart change for them. To be right with God, you must follow His will and ways whole-heartedly, and not just go through the motions.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 2: Matthew 5:17-20

Although the Bible does not record Jesus’s every word, we can probably imagine that these 4 verses were repeated a lot. Jesus coming to be the Messiah and fulfill the Law was the crux of what God’s people needed to believe. One of Jesus’s goals was to proving this to the people. One can imagine that the people asked Jesus how he fulfilled the law repeatedly. Great summary here of what Jesus probably repeated a lot.

One of my favorite songs and what God wants from us.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 2: Matthew 5:17-20

Jesus did not oppose God’s law, but instead came to fulfill it. The phrase “the Law and the Prophets” was used repeatedly in the Old Testament as a way to refer to God’s law.  (Matthew 7:12, 11:13, 22:40; Luke 16:16; John 1:45; Acts 13:15, 28:23; Romans 3:21); (Luke 24:44); or (Matthew 5:18; John 10:34, 12:34, 15:25; 1 Corinthians 14:21).

“For assuredly” or “I tell you the truth” are signature phrases of Jesus that no other prophet used. It means “truly” or “amen.”

Jesus came to fulfill the law, not contradict it. He did so perfectly. He completed the law and never contradicted it.

The words and the letters of these words are important (other translations use “jot” and “little”, which are marks in the Hebrew language). Everything God says is important.

The Old Testament shows us we cannot please God without Jesus. We are to obey the commands of the Old Testament, but not in a legalistic mindset like the Pharisees had. Righteousness is only through Christ Galatians 2:21: For if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.

The law teaches us God’s heart; Jesus shows us and gives us God’s heart.

The Pharisees took everything to the extreme, even tithing herbs (Matthew 23:23). Paul is a good example of the rigidity of the Pharisees before his conversion. Acts 23:6, 26:5; Philippians 3:5.  Philippians 3:6-9: explains the righteousness of Christ versus the Pharisees. Righteousness is from faith in Christ.

Fun Fact: There are 613 stipulations in God’s law.

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Friday Digest: BSF’s Study of Genesis Lesson 6

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

WHAT YOu NEED TO KNOW IN GENESIS CHAPTER 8-9:17:

  • God judges sin but always offers deliverance
  • It rained for 40 days and 40 nights, and it took 110 days for the floodwaters to recede
  • God is faithful
  • We exist only because of God’s grace

Take Away: Every time you see a rainbow, remember God’s promises to you.