Adult Teacher Guide

ADULT

TEACHER GUIDE

UNIT 1

UNIT 2

History of Israel and Judah

Paul’s Letter to the Romans

ADULT TEACHER GUIDE Tips for Teachers ............................................................................................................ 2 Volume 101 Number 1 Adult Teacher Guide is also available in Spanish from Gospel Publishing House.

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UNIT 1: HISTORY OF ISRAEL AND JUDAH

Writer: Michael Hadinger Lesson 1 The Divided Kingdom of Israel ............................................................................... 5 Lesson 2 Kings of Israel .............................................................................................................. 13 Lesson 3 Kings of Judah ............................................................................................................. 21 Lesson 4 ) The Kingdom of Israel Falls V............................................................................. 29 Lesson 5 The Kingdom of Judah Falls .................................................................................. 37 Lesson 6 Returning from Captivity .......................................................................................... 45

UNIT 2: PAUL’S LETTER TO THE ROMANS

Writer: Kari Brodin Lesson 7 Our Need for Salvation V....................................................................................... 54 Lesson 8 God Saves, Justifies, and Reconciles ................................................................ 62 Lesson 9 Set Apart to Serve God ........................................................................................... 70 Lesson 10 Life in the Spirit .......................................................................................................... 78 Lesson 11 Privileges, Hope, and Assurance ......................................................................... 86 Lesson 12 God’s Salvation Plan ................................................................................................ 94 Lesson 13 Practical Christian Living ....................................................................................... 102 Reference List ............................................................................................................... 110 Evaluation Form .............................................................................................................. 111 Coming Next Quarter ..................................................................... inside back cover Lessons are based on outlines developed by the Pentecostal-Charismatic Curriculum Commission ©2023. Cover photo: Roman Forum Ruins (Getty Images). Tips for Teachers photo by ThisIsEngineering on pexels.

Visit RadiantLifeCurriculum.com/Resources to find free resources, including PowerPoint® presentations (for every lesson) and videos (for select lessons). Video placement is noted with this symbol: V

Tips for Teachers

Embracing Unique Learning Styles MAXIMIZE YOUR EFFECTIVENESS IN THE CLASSROOM

by Whitney Lee

As a teacher, God has equipped you with the tools to not just facilitate group study, but also steward and shepherd the people in your group. A key element is understanding your students’ learning needs so you can then maximize their learning potential. How students engage with a lesson may be heavily based on their experiences, their culture, or even the life season they are in. This results in diverse interactions between students in a classroom, reflecting a variety of thoughts and opinions.

Recognizing the needs of your individual students is the first step to classroom success, because how you lead, love, and learn with them makes a difference. Not only that, but the discussions that take place can easily define a visitor’s experience—for better or for worse!

In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul writes, “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” Welcome unity into your classroom by laying the right foundation—creating a safe space where students can freely discuss what is on their minds and hearts. We all process information in vastly different ways, which leads to a wide range of learning and thinking. There may be challenge and disagreement at times, but when you lead your class with unity in mind, your students will learn to walk in love and understanding.

Disunity can easily creep into the classroom when we falsely assume that everyone is in the same place. God desires that we 2

Adult Teacher Guide

grow—in relationship with Him, with others, and with His word—and with growth comes understanding.

Let’s take a look at three learning styles that are likely represented in your group.

Think about how you can use this knowledge, tailoring your teaching style to bring growth and unity to your classroom.

The See-ers For the “see-ers”—or visual learners—in your group, charts, diagrams, maps, graphs, and infographics are some of the many visual aids you can incorporate into your lesson. Students with this learning style respond best and retain more when information is presented visually.

For some, it is not as much about recalling details as it is seeing to understand. For example, if you’re sharing about Paul’s missionary journeys, including maps in your lesson plan will help visual learners in your class track Paul’s travels and better understand the geographic and historical context of his letters.

The Hearers Have you ever listened to an audiobook and found that you were able to process the information better than if you were reading the pages yourself? If so, you may be a “hearer”— or an auditory learner. Students with this learning style respond best to lecture, discussion, audio clips, and music. Try incorporating these elements into your lesson to help auditory learners fully engage and apply what they’re learning.

For the “doers” in your group, emphasize the practical “Living It Out” steps at the end of each lesson. Pray that even those students who don’t consider themselves kinesthetic learners will be inspired and motivated to live out what they’re learning.

Are the students in your classroom leaving with more biblical knowledge than when they arrived? Then take heart; your labor is not in vain. If you’ve met them where they are and have provided them with the resources to keep learning and seeking, then you have done your As you analyze the types of learners in your part as a teacher. You don’t have to be perfect. classroom and then adapt your teaching based Just do your best to equip students with the on what you discover, God will help your group unique tools they need for spiritual growth, to grow in new ways! One idea is to show the and then trust God with the results!

Radiant Life adult lesson videos, which especially engage your visual and auditory learners. WHITNEY LEE is an editor for Radiant Life.

The Doers The “doers”—or kinesthetic learners—in your class learn best through hands-on experience.

To create interaction and physical movement in your class, try reenacting a Bible story, using an opening activity to start class time, dividing into groups to complete activities from the Resource Packet, or working on a service project together. There are many ways you can help the doers in your class learn and connect in a practical, hands-on way.

UNIT 1

I

Introduction

History of Israel and Judah n his famous book Celebration of Discipline, Richard J. Foster describes the human inclination to look for a go-between when communicating with God: Human beings seem to have a perpetual tendency to have somebody else talk to God for them. We are content to have the message second-hand. One of Israel’s fatal mistakes was their insistence on having a human king rather than resting on the theocratic rule of God over them. We can detect a note of sadness in the word of the Lord, “they have rejected me from being king over them” (1 Sam 8:7). The history of religion is the story of an almost desperate scramble to have a king, a mediator, a priest, a pastor, a go-between. In this way we do not need to go to God ourselves. Such an approach saves us from the need to change, for to be in the presence of God is to change.

Over the next six weeks, your group will study the dramatic rise and fall of Israel’s monarchy, as recorded in 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, and Ezra. By looking into these fascinating accounts, your students will see how God sovereignly worked through Israel’s history to show His own covenant loyalty as well as humanity’s desperate need for a Savior—someone who could be a perfect mediator between sinful people and the holy God.

Lesson 1—The Divided Kingdom of Israel

Arrogance, injustice, and the lust for power led to division within the kingdom of Israel.

Lesson 2—Kings of Israel

Ungodly kings like Jeroboam and Ahab influenced the people of Israel to sin.

Lesson 3—Kings of Judah

Good kings like Asa led Judah in worshipping God, while bad kings like Manasseh led Judah to abandon God—showing the power of an individual leader’s influence.

Lesson 4—The Kingdom of Israel Falls

Because of the people’s persistent sin, the kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians.

Lesson 5—The Kingdom of Judah Falls

After the people continued to reject God, the kingdom of Judah fell to the Babylonians.

Lesson 6—Returning from Captivity

God’s people returned from exile, praising Him for restoring those who had repented.

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Adult Teacher Guide

Unit 1: History of Israel and Judah

LESSON

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The Divided Kingdom of Israel Introducing the Lesson

Study Text 1 Kings 11:1 through 12:24 Central Truth Arrogance, injustice, and the lust for power lead to division.

Key Verse­—Ecclesiastes 4:13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished (KJV).

It is better to be a poor but wise youth than an old and foolish king who refuses all advice (NLT).

Learning Objectives • Students will recognize the attitudes and actions that led to the Israelite kingdom’s split.

• Students will consider how Jesus, our true King, established a lasting, unified Kingdom.

• Students will evaluate how they respond to loss and commit to trust God no matter what.

Say: We all know that far too many marriages end in divorce.

But why? Is it because the couple never really loved each other to begin with? Probably not. Life happens, people change, and it takes regular and faithful devotion to keep a marriage alive once the novelty wears off.

Discussion Starter—Sugar Rush

What’s your favorite snack that tastes great and gives you a little energy—however quickly it might wear off?

Candy? Iced coffee? Piping hot fries?

Say: Where are we going with this? Well, sometimes things start strong and eventually fizzle out. King Saul seemed to start well, but he later abandoned God. David had a strong start, but late in his career he made some huge mistakes. Then there’s Solomon. He had a miraculous encounter with the living God. His desire for wisdom pleased God (1 Kings 3:3–15). But that one encounter was not enough to last 40 years—just like one beautiful wedding day, one emotional moment during a worship song, or one high-energy workout is not enough to last a lifetime. Eventually, Solomon’s devotion to God wore off, and his reign ended very differently than it began.

Israel’s first dynasty (under Saul) lasted only one generation (1 Chron 10:13–14)—not the best start. Then God installed David as the second king and made an astounding covenant with him. God promised that David’s “house and kingdom will continue before me for all time, and [his] throne will be secure forever” (2 Sam 7:16). Although David had his shortcomings, his reign can be considered a success, both morally and politically. The nation grew under his rule (8:6), and by the time Solomon took the throne, David’s “kingdom was firmly 5

Scripture Reading King James Version

New Living Translation

1 Kings 11:1. But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites: 2. Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.

6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father.

12:1. And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.

2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;) 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.

5. And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed.

1 Kings 11:1. Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh’s daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites.

2. The Lord had clearly instructed the people of Israel, “You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.” Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway.

12. So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day.

13. And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave him; 14. And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

16. So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

19. So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.

6. In this way, Solomon did what was evil in the Lord’s sight; he refused to follow the Lord completely, as his father, David, had done.

12:1. Rehoboam went to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king.

2. When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard of this, he returned from Egypt, for he had fled to Egypt to escape from King Solomon.

3. The leaders of Israel summoned him, and Jeroboam and the whole assembly of Israel went to speak with Rehoboam.

4. “Your father was a hard master,” they said.

“Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects.”

5. Rehoboam replied, “Give me three days to think this over. Then come back for my answer.” So the people went away.

12. Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam’s decision, just as the king had ordered.

13. But Rehoboam spoke harshly to the people, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors 14. and followed the counsel of his younger advisers. He told the people, “My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!”

16. When all Israel realized that the king had refused to listen to them, they responded, “Down with the dynasty of David! We have no interest in the son of Jesse. Back to your homes, O Israel!

Look out for your own house, O David!” So the people of Israel returned home.

19. And to this day the northern tribes of Israel have refused to be ruled by a descendant of David.

(Note: Only representative verses for the lesson are printed on the Scripture Reading page.)

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Adult Teacher Guide

established” (1 Kings 2:12). The transition from David to Solomon, however, was not peaceful. From among his sons who claimed the throne, David ultimately chose Solomon.

With God’s help (1 Kings 3:13), Solomon increased Israel’s power and wealth.

(Read 1 Kings 4–10 for astounding descriptions of his achievements.) God blessed Solomon immensely, just as He promised. The story of Solomon’s rise to power provides the backdrop for today’s lesson. Numbed by wealth and blinded by success, Solomon became unfaithful to God by worshipping idols (1 Kings 11:1–6). By the end of 1 Kings 11, God was ready to raise up a new king—and divide one kingdom into two.

Part 1—Why the Kingdom Was Divided ☐ A Divided Heart 1 Kings 11:1–8 Say: Mark 4 records Jesus telling a parable about a farmer sowing seed in different kinds of soil. Jesus wasn’t talking about Solomon, but Solomon’s life lines up with some of the points in Jesus’ story. Just like the seed that sprouted quickly in rocky soil (v. 5), Solomon had an early period of passionate devotion and explosive growth. Unfortunately, Solomon’s commitment eventually wilted away. Just like the weeds that choked out some of the plants in Jesus’ story (v. 7), corruption and compromise strangled Solomon’s devotion to God. The collapse of Solomon’s kingdom resulted from his own inward collapse.

Solomon’s affinity for idol-worshipping wives should not be written off as an innocent mistake. God had warned the Israelites about the temptations created by intermarrying (Exod 34:15–16), yet as the author of Kings bluntly says, “Solomon insisted on loving them anyway” (1 Kings 11:2). Ouch! The author seems baffled that this wise king—who should have been an unblemished hero in Israel’s story— threw it all away for the sake of sexual conquests and political alliances.

We should not villainize Solomon’s wives simply because they were not Israelites by birth. Remember, Solomon’s great-great-grandmother Ruth was from Moab (Ruth 1:4), and through her, God established a covenant family of kings (4:22)! The Torah instructed priests to remain separated so they could minister on behalf of the general population (Lev 21:1); likewise, Israel was intended to be a separated nation of priests (Exod 19:6) for the foreign peoples around them. For both political and personal reasons, Solomon chose to unite himself and his reign to many non-Israelite women. This decision led to the destruction of his union with God. These women simply continued worshipping the idols they had always worshipped, and Solomon was drawn in. Like all people, Solomon was influenced by those around him.

Resource Packet Item 1: More Money, More Problems Students will compare details of Solomon’s life with Moses’s instructions about kingship in ancient Israel, discovering that his wealth eventually led to his downfall.

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Discuss ? What are some ways your friends’ likes or dislikes have influenced your own? ? How can external “success” (like money, power, or status) lead people away from Jesus?

☐ A Rebellious Heart

1 Kings 11:9–13

Say: Some might read this passage and see God as vindictive, but the story actually displays His grace. Solomon committed idolatry—the ultimate breach of covenant—yet God still chose to keep His promise to preserve the throne for David’s family. In His justice, God was well within His rights to immediately and fully remove the kingdom from Solomon. In His mercy, however, He delayed the consequences of Solomon’s covenant unfaithfulness.

The author of Kings makes it clear that Solomon understood his responsibility to keep the covenant God established with David (2 Sam 7:16). Not only was Solomon the son of David, but God appeared to him in person—twice! In both encounters (1 Kings 3:5–14; 9:2–9), God reminded Solomon of His expectations. God kept His promise to give Solomon wisdom, riches, and fame. He specifically warned Solomon about chasing after other gods. Solomon truly had no excuse.

God’s third meeting with Solomon was not to grant a request or celebrate an accomplishment. This time, God was angry. Despite all the blessings and warnings, Solomon’s “heart had turned away from the Lord” (11:9). What caused this change of heart? Was it Solomon’s sexual lust? His thirst for political power? His prideful assumption that God would always favor him no matter what? It may have been a combination of factors. It’s not impossible that Solomon had an epiphany toward the end of his life. Maybe he recognized the emptiness of chasing temporary highs.

Maybe his heart turned back to God. God’s words to Solomon in 1 Kings 11:12–13 provide a bit of a spoiler for the events of chapter 12. God would strip most of the kingdom from Solomon’s son.

It was not a question of if Rehoboam would lose the kingdom, but how and when.

God says that He would give Solomon’s son one tribe, although he eventually ruled over two (Judah and Benjamin). For geographical and historical reasons, the author may have counted Benjamin and Judah as one tribe since they became the singular kingdom of Judah, or maybe God ended up being even more merciful than expected.

Discuss ? How should godly people in authority lead with both justice and mercy? ? What do you think caused Solomon’s heart to turn away from God?

Part 2—Emerging Threats to the Kingdom ☐ Enemies from North and South 1 Kings 11:14–25 Say: Sometimes one army fires a warning shot at another to indicate the seriousness of the situation. The message is, “We’re willing to communicate, but 8

Adult Teacher Guide

if you ignore us, we will follow through with our threats.” In this passage Hadad and Rezon—two troublemakers from Edom and Damascus—serve as God’s warning shots to let Solomon know that he may lose the kingdom.

Hadad ruled in Edom, at Israel’s southern border (1 Kings 11:14), while Rezon ruled in Damascus, at Israel’s northern border (v. 24). Unsurprisingly, David’s war machine created enemies in the regions around Israel (vv. 21, 25). Now, Solomon’s kingdom encountered pressure from both sides.

This passage indicates that God worked through Israel’s adversaries to carry out divine judgment. However, as passages like Exodus 9–10 or Isaiah 14 demonstrate, we cannot assume God considers a leader’s actions righteous simply because He chose the leader to carry out divine plans. This is one reason our ultimate allegiance must be to God alone, never any human leader.

Discuss ? Share about a time you received a “warning shot” that caused you to wake up and make changes. ? Why do you think God sometimes works through ungodly people to accomplish His purposes?

☐ Prophecy to Jeroboam

1 Kings 11:26–43

Say: In the next section of 1 Kings 11, the prophet Ahijah tore his brand-new cloak to illustrate how God would rip the kingdom away from Solomon (v.

30). Why did it need to be a new cloak? What a waste! But remember, as far as nations go, Israel was still brand-new just like Ahijah’s cloak. What a waste to see the kingdom divided because of sin!

The New Living Translation introduces Jeroboam as a “rebel leader” (1 Kings 11:26), but this label foreshadows his role later in the account. Here in chapter 11, Solomon merely identifies Jeroboam as a skilled leader and gives him authority over a large project (v. 28). So what did Jeroboam do to make Solomon want to kill him 12 verses later? According to the passage, absolutely nothing! There is no record of Jeroboam stirring up rebellion or making a grab for power. We only know Jeroboam received the prophecy from God that he was next in line to the throne.

Jeroboam may have reacted unwisely to this news, somehow threatening Solomon’s rule, but the Bible doesn’t make that clear. All we know for sure is how Solomon reacted to God’s message through the prophet. Instead of turning his heart back to God, Solomon tried to eliminate the threat on his own. In the next chapter, we will see how Solomon’s son Rehoboam also responded to threats by attempting to tighten his grip on royal power. Insecure leaders often try to seize more power—groping for control and lashing out at perceived threats instead of dealing with root issues. Contrast Solomon’s reaction with that of the repentant King of Nineveh (Jonah 3:6–10). Would God have relented if Solomon humbled himself and repented? It’s impossible to know.

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Discuss ? How do you typically react when someone points out your shortcomings?

What are some ways to keep from becoming defensive—especially with those who have good intentions toward us? ? Why is it important that we do not become too attached to positions or possessions?

Part 3—The Kingdom Divides ☐ Rehoboam Follows Terrible Advice

1 Kings 12:1–15

Say: There’s a saying that goes, “If you love something, set it free.” This passage shows what happened when Rehoboam did the exact opposite, blinded by his own insecurity. When the king tried to control and manipulate his subjects, they decided to overthrow him.

The story is told from an interesting perspective. Jeroboam was the center of the prophetic message in 1 Kings 11. Knowing God had chosen him to be king of 10 tribes, the reader expects chapter 12 to tell how Jeroboam made sure the prophecy about him was fulfilled. Even so, Jeroboam remains essentially a secondary character in this passage. He does nothing to incite rebellion—quite the opposite, in fact. He approaches Rehoboam—the king he is destined to supplant—and commits to serving him if he will show empathy to the Israelites. While we cannot be certain about Jeroboam’s motivations, the passage does not assign any ulterior motives to Jeroboam’s request. Note how the people’s plea to “lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes” (v. 4) shows that, even under Solomon’s kingship, the people experienced oppression—just as Samuel prophesied before he anointed Saul as Israel’s first king (1 Sam 8:4–18).

Rehoboam foolishly ignored the elders’ advice and listened to his friends instead.

The point of the passage is not that age always equals wisdom (although passages like Proverbs 16:31; 20:29, and Ecclesiastes 4:13 teach that age and wisdom are often related). The point is, Rehoboam refused to recognize good advice or to serve his people. Instead, he sided with his childhood buddies (1 Kings 12:8, 13–14). Then he tried to show his strength by making threats. Maybe he thought he was protected from consequences because of God’s covenant with his grandfather David, but he soon found out that was not the case. How differently things might have turned out if he listened to good advice based on maturity and experience!

Just as God used Pharaoh’s hard heart to bring about His plan for the Israelites (Exod 4:21; 7:3; 8:15), Rehoboam’s leadership failure led to “the will of the Lord” (1 Kings 12:15). It is not clear what exact role God plays in the transition of power.

Some may wonder, Was Rehoboam like a puppet with God pulling the strings? The narrative does not seem to suggest that. Somehow, the king is both responsible for his actions and an agent for fulfilling the will of God.

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Adult Teacher Guide

Resource Packet Item 2: Echoes of Pharaoh Israel should have been the opposite of Egypt, but King Solomon and King Rehoboam adopted practices that made Israel look like a miniature Egypt. Students will study the Scriptures to compare Solomon’s and Rehoboam’s reigns with Pharaoh’s.

Discuss ? It’s your turn to wrestle with one of the greatest dilemmas in the history of the Christian faith: Is God sovereign or do we have free will? Both, right? How does that work? ? How do you discern when to follow someone’s advice and when to ignore it?

☐ The People Reject Rehoboam

1 Kings 12:16–24

Say: After hundreds of years of seemingly unfulfilled promises that began with Abraham, God freed Israel from Egypt and brought them to the Promised Land. They conquered Canaan, established a monarchy, built the temple, and enjoyed unimaginable blessings. And now, in a matter of weeks following Solomon’s death, their nation was about to be ripped apart.

Although Rehoboam’s terrible decisions finalized the division of Israel, Solomon’s unfaithfulness eroded the foundation long before. Just as an injured, cornered animal can only attack when provoked, the people of Israel could not take any more abuse from their king. The Israelites went home, refusing to recognize Rehoboam as their king (1 Kings 12:16). Only the people of Judah remained under his authority (v. 17). Rehoboam tried to send an emissary named Adoniram to Israel, but the people of Israel quickly murdered the king’s messenger (v. 18). The execution of Adoniram caused Rehoboam to hide out in Judah’s capital city, Jerusalem. These events marked the end of his reign over the northern tribes of Israel, who called upon Jeroboam to be their king instead (vv. 18–20).

Rehoboam gathered an army and tried one last time to seize control over the northern tribes (v. 21). Somewhat surprisingly, he listened to God’s message through Shemaiah, who told the people not to attack their kinsmen. It was time for a new chapter of Israel’s history to begin. Instead of one kingdom and one king, there would now be two kingdoms and two kings.

Resource Packet Item 3: Kings of Israel and Judah Students can use this chart of the kings of Israel and Judah throughout our study over the next several weeks.

Discuss ? How does it feel when a story builds to a hopeful ending but never reaches it? ? How should Christians respond when human decisions—their own or someone else’s—lead to disaster?

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What Is God Saying to Us? Say: Since God both gives and takes away (Job 1:21), we must hold our blessings loosely. Instead of gripping them tightly, trying to control every outcome, we must trust our Heavenly Father. He knows the big picture. He holds our future. And instead of focusing on earthly rulers who are certain to fail, we must fix our eyes on Jesus—the King of kings—who models sacrificial service, even laying down His life for His people.

Living It Out Ministry in Action ■ Ask a trusted friend if you have any blind spots that are keeping you from spiritual growth and maturity. Then pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you to overflowing and cause you to bear His fruit.

■ Read Philippians 2:5–10 and list all the things Jesus willingly surrendered.

■ List 10 blessings you did nothing to earn (like sunshine, music, or your family’s love).

Then thank God for these and all His other gifts.

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Adult Teacher Guide

Daily Bible Readings Monday: Saul Loses a Kingdom.

1 Samuel 15:19–28 Tuesday: David’s Kingdom Lasts Forever.

2 Samuel 7:8–16 Wednesday: This Is the Lord’s Kingdom.

1 Chronicles 29:10–13 Thursday: Losing the Kingdom of God. Matthew 21:33–43 Friday: Look for a Higher Kingdom.

Acts 1:1–8 Saturday: God’s Never-Ending Kingdom.

Revelation 11:15–19