ahab and jehoshaphat bsf people of the promise kingdom divided lesson 6 www.atozmomm.com

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

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.

Contact me today!

Great Items (And Fun Fall Reads, Too!)

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

an eye for an eye www.atozmomm.com

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

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 22:26Deuteronomy 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.

Contact me today!

picture of couple on verge of divorce www.atozmomm.com

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

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 1:92 Corinthians 1:23Galatians 1:202 Thessalonians 2:5.

Oaths are allowed just are not needed.

Contact me today!

woman committing adultery with lust www.atozmomm.com

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

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.

Contact me today!

 

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

jesus fulfilled old testament law www.atozmomm.com

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

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 7:1211:1322:40Luke 16:16John 1:45Acts 13:1528:23Romans 3:21); (Luke 24:44); or (Matthew 5:18John 10:3412:3415:251 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 2:21For 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 23:626:5Philippians 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.

Contact me today!