Recorded live 9am MST January 28, 2021 and streamed on our facebook page.
Our Adult Discipleship group (a midweek Bible class) is going through the Kings of Israel and Judah. You are welcome to join us for any session in person or online. See the calendar for dates. [View Series]
This chart is a map of our course of study. We will go chronologically king by king.
True Worshippers are Taunted
Taunting on the sports field can give you an edge as you psyche out your opponent. Taunting on the battlefield can give you a faster victory as your opponent gives up. What about taunting over spiritual matters? Read the taunt of King Sennacherib of Assyria against Hezekiah and the people in 2 Kings 18:17-37. Who is the taunting really directed at?
Describe the types of attacks which God’s people will receive from their spiritual enemies at various stages in life.
How does the devil present the same type of bargaining to people today which was made in 2 Kings 18:31-32?
The people did not respond because Hezekiah commanded “Do not answer him.” How is that good advice when dealing with taunts?
How did our King respond to those who taunted him? What gave him the strength to endure it?
God always gets the first & last word
Just before the people escaped from the armies of Egypt Moses told the people, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Ex 14:14) Similarly, just before the people escaped from Sennacherib’s army Isaiah told the king, “This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard.” (2 Kings 19:6) God had a plan to deal with the enemy which would surprise everyone.
Read 2 Kings 19:14-37 to see Hezekiah’s response to that letter and the Lord’s response.
Isaiah’s prophecy shares the irony of Sennacherib claiming power over the Lord. What had God already foretold would happen long before Sennacherib’s time? (Consult Micah 1:6-7)
How does Hezekiah’s response serve as a powerful reminder for God’s people?
How does the Lord’s response serve as a powerful reminder for God’s people?
Power of Prayer
Have you ever felt something was so certain it wasn’t worth bringing to God in prayer? Recall how Hezekiah prayed even while the city was surrounded and seemed doomed. Now it is equally personal and seemingly hopeless. Hezekiah, though faithful in service to the Lord was told his life was about to end in illness. He did not yet even have an heir for the throne. He no doubt felt the real danger for Judah during this uncertain time. Read 2 Kings 20:1-11 What do we learn about the power of prayer in this section?
God answered his prayer “for my sake.” He always acts in such a way to display his grace and the glory of his name. Why is that important to remember in our prayers?
Examine Hezekiah’s Psalm in Isaiah 38:10-20. What does he say about the reason for suffering, the problem of sin, and the result of his suffering?
Both Hezekiah and Jesus prayed when they knew their life was near its end. Explain why our King Jesus did not pray for his life to be extended and to be spared from his suffering and death.
