2 Kings 1

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Elijah Pronounces Judgment on King Ahaziah

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. God’s judgment upon unbelievers will not be withheld forever.

  2. God’s mercy is available for all those who humble themselves before God.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Where do you turn when you are hurting?

  2. Let’s not be afraid to confront the unbeliever with truth.

QUESTIONS

  1. Why did God permit the nation of Moab to mount a successful rebellion against Israel?

  2. Is illness or injury a form of God’s discipline? a) always b) sometimes c) never

  3. God’s judgment upon believers will not be withheld forever. Explain this doctrinal point by contrasting the lessons in 1 Kings 18 and 2 Kings 1.

  4. How long will the wrath of God's judgment be restrained?

  5. Why did Ahaziah turn to a pagan god instead of turning to the Lord?

  6. List some reasons hurting people fail to turn to God for healing.

ANSWERS

  1. This was God's means of disciplining Israel because they had turned away from Him.

  2. b) sometimes

  3. When Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal, the judgment of God fell upon the sacrifice rather than on the unbelieving people. This is a picture of the judgment of God coming down upon Christ on the cross of Calvary. The two companies of fifty soldiers killed by the fire of God is a picture of the coming judgment of God directly upon unbelievers.

  4. During this present age of grace, which could end at any time.

  5. He was out of touch with the Lord, and had sinned against God.

  6. Because of pride and unwillingness to submit to God’s dealing in our lives. Because of a lack of knowledge of God and His great mercy. People need to change their ways and admit that they have sinned, and ask God’s forgiveness.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Refer to Hebrews 10:26-27. Knowing that God’s judgment will not be withheld forever, are you concerned enough to confront unbelievers with the gospel of Christ?

  2. Do you find it difficult to humble yourself before the Lord, honestly admitting the sin in your life? Identify yourself with the third captain.

CHALLENGE

  1. Recall times when you have been hurting. Did you turn to the Lord for healing? If not, where did you turn? Did you experience healing?

KEY VERSES

  • “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you inquire of Baal-Zebub?” 2 Kings 1:3

  • “The third captain of fifty…fell on his knees, and pleaded, ‘Let my life and the life of these fifty servants of yours be precious in your sight.’” 2 Kings 1:13




2 Kings, Old Testament, TalksRon Reid2 KINGS 1