GIVE THANKS— ANYWAY!media1.razorplanet.com/share/510694-5121/resources/1140426_Unit3L… · Life is hard. Give thanks. By the fall of 1863, President Abraham Lincoln had faced enormous

GIVE THANKS—ANYWAY!

148

Life is hard. Give thanks.

By the fall of 1863, President Abraham Lincoln had faced enormous challenges and loss.

> A war had divided the country.

> In July alone, the battle at Gettysburg resulted in over 51,000 casualties,

including over 7,000 deaths.

> Riots were raging in New York City over emancipation and draft laws.

> His son, Willie, had died the year before.

With immense challenges facing him, the President did what might seem unusual today: he called for a day of thanksgiving. Despite everything that was happening, Lincoln wanted to praise and thank his Creator for a year “filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies … gracious gifts of the Most High God.”10

Even though the war raged on, Lincoln repeated this the following year with a second proclamation for a day of thanksgiving.

Abraham Lincoln was not the first commander-in-chief to call for thanksgiving in the thick of war. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, did the same thing. The biblical account of what the people faced—and how they faced it—contains great truth for us today.

BARRY CAMPBELL

Barry Campbell is lead pastor at Highland Baptist Church

in Redmond, Oregon. His wife, Marci, is a special education

consultant who helps churches strengthens ministries to

people with special needs. Together they have enjoyed many

years of ministry, but are finding the greatest joy in serving

alongside the people of Highland Baptist.

B I B L E S T U D I E S F O R L I F E 149

150

The PointWe can give thanks in every situation.

The Passage2 Chronicles 20:10-12,14-17,20-22,29-30

The Bible Meets Life Some days it’s tough to read or watch the news.

> Terrorist bomb kills 20 and injures dozens in market square.

> Corporation lays off thousands of workers, announcing all production will go offshore.

> Multi-car crash shuts down interstate for six hours.

Because of these realities, it can be difficult to connect with the apostle Paul’s command for us to

“Give thanks in everything” (1 Thess. 5:18). Give thanks in everything? Is that even possible when so

many things go wrong, both around the world and in our own lives? Thankfully, the answer is yes—

and the Scriptures show us how.

During the reign of King Jehoshaphat in Judah, God’s people once again faced difficult times. Yet they

found a way to remain thankful. And so can we.

The SettingThe events described in 2 Chronicles 20 took place following the division of the Northern Kingdom and

the Southern Kingdom (see 2 Chron. 10). The Northern Kingdom was known as Israel and the Southern

Kingdom was called Judah. The capital of the Southern Kingdom was Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat was

the fourth king to reign over Judah. The events found in this story concern Jehoshaphat and the people

of Judah.

SPECIAL FOCUS

GIVE THANKS—ANYWAY!


2 Chronicles 20:10-12,14-17,20-22,29-30 10 Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. You did not let Israel invade them when Israel came out of the land of Egypt, but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of Your possession that You gave us as an inheritance. 12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to You.

14 In the middle of the congregation, the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel (son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants), 15 and he said, “Listen carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.’”

20 In the morning they got up early and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were about to go out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in Yahweh your God, and you will be established; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the Lord and some to praise the splendor of His holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing: “Give thanks to the Lord, for His faithful love endures forever.” 22 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated.

29 The terror of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that Yahweh had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 Then Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was quiet, for his God gave him rest on every side.

Vast number (v. 12)—The Hebrew term appears four times in chapter 20 (vv. 2,12,15,24) and expresses the fact Judah was overwhelmingly outnumbered by a coalition of invading forces coming to attack them, provoking an imminent crisis.

What does the Bible say?

152 S p e c i a l f o c u S

Notes

GET INTO THE STUDYDISCUSS: Question #1 on page 121 of

the PSG: “What’s your favorite way

to express thanks?”

ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): Prior to

Question #1, give each group member a

blank note card and access to a range of

writing utensils (crayons, colored pencils,

markers, and so on). Challenge them to

create the corniest “thank you” card they

can imagine. This can include illustrations,

poems, statements, and so on.

Note: Asking group members to think of corny ways to say “thank you” will help

them approach the topic of thanksgiving from a new direction. After this activity,

use Question #1 to help group members switch gears and discuss their favorite

ways to express thanks with sincerity.

GUIDE: Direct group members to “The Bible Meets Life” on page 122 of the PSG.

Continue with the theme of giving thanks by reading or summarizing the text—or by

encouraging group members to read on their own.

GUIDE: Call attention to “The Point” on page 122 of the PSG: “We can give thanks in

every situation.”

LEADER PACK: Display Pack Item 10, “We Look to You,” to help group members

connect with this session’s Scripture focus.

PRAY: Transition into the discussion by thanking God for the blessings you and your

group members have experienced in recent months. Be as specific as possible.

We can give thanks in every situation.

TIP: When helpful, use this “Notes” column to record additional discussion questions, concepts, and activities that connect the study content with your specific group.

5 minutes


THE POINT

Notes

2 Chronicles 20:10-12

10 Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. You did not let Israel invade them when Israel came out of the land of Egypt, but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of Your possession that You gave us as an inheritance. 12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to You.

READ: 2 Chronicles 20:10-12 on page 123 of the PSG. Read the text out loud or ask

a volunteer to do so.

GUIDE: Use the first and second paragraphs on page 155 of this Leader Guide to

set the context for Jehoshaphat’s story, and for his prayer.

DISCUSS: Question #2 on page 123 of the PSG: “What are some situations

that make you feel powerless?”

GUIDE: As a follow-up to your group’s discussion of Question #2, ask a volunteer

to read aloud the second paragraph on page 124 of the PSG.

DO: Direct group members to complete the activity “Out of Control” on page 125

of the PSG. If time permits, encourage volunteers to share their responses.

Jehoshaphat felt “powerless” in the presence of his enemies. In what types of settings

or situations do you often feel a loss of control? Circle all that apply.

Finances Relationships Illness Travel Conflict Politics

Church Retirement Personal health Fashion Parenting Education

Choose one of the categories you marked above. What do you have to be thankful for

in this area?

TRANSITION: Let’s continue with this story by jumping to verses 14-17, where

we’ll find a solution to the problem God’s people were facing. As we’ll see, this was

a solution that required a great deal of faith.

STUDY THE BIBLE

ALTERNATE QUESTION:What do you tend to do when you face a situation you cannot fix?

10 minutes


2 Chronicles 20:10-12 Commentary

According to 2 Chronicles 17:6, Jehoshaphat was a good king whose mind rejoiced in the Lord’s ways.

However, after Jehoshaphat formed an alliance with Ahab, the king of the Northern Kingdom, God’s

wrath turned against Jehoshaphat because he helped the wicked and loved those who hated the

Lord (see 19:2). As a result, God allowed Judah’s enemies to form a coalition united in the purpose of

defeating Judah and taking possession of their land. This coalition came from the other side of the Dead

Sea and consisted of the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir.

Jehoshaphat’s initial response upon hearing of an immanent invasion was great fear. King Jehoshaphat

assembled the people of Judah and resolved to seek the Lord (see 20:3-4).

[Verses 10-12] These verses contain a portion of Jehoshaphat’s prayer, which comes in the form of

a complaint. Jehoshaphat’s prayer was gritty and raw, filled with honest emotion. Jehoshaphat was

direct and bold before God, reminding Him that He was the One who could have eliminated this

current situation, except that He did not let Israel invade the offending peoples when Israel came out

of Egypt (see Num. 20:14-21; Deut. 2:4-9,18-19). God still shows mercy to His enemies today (see Rom.

5:8). Jehoshaphat pointed out that the enemies showed appreciation for God’s mercy by showing no

mercy to His people. Jehoshaphat pleaded with God to “look how they repay us.” He reminded

God that their enemy intended to drive them out of the land God Himself gave them as an inheritance.

Jehoshaphat sought to incite God’s wrath by pointing out such an action as not only an attack on God’s

people, but on God Himself.

Jehoshaphat asked God, “will You not judge them?” He fully anticipated a positive response.

Though Jehoshaphat complained about God’s past mercy toward His enemies, he remained confident

in God’s goodness and strength. On the other hand, Jehoshaphat had no confidence in his own

strength. The king confessed on behalf of himself and his people that “we are powerless before

this vast number.” The word translated as “powerless” literally means “nothing.” Jehoshaphat’s army

was no slouch itself, numbering over one million men (see 2 Chron. 17:12-19). However, this appeared

as nothing compared to the army stirring up dust as it closed in on Jehoshaphat’s territory. They were

not only powerless to win the battle against the invading armies, they were powerless to know what to

do—thus they had to look beyond themselves. Jehoshaphat delivered some of the most moving and

honest words in prayer as he redirected his eyes from the invading forces and placed them on God:

“We do not know what to do, but we look to You.” The great multitude preparing to attack

produced an admission of powerlessness that made Judah dependent on the Lord.



THE POINT

Notes


14 In the middle of the congregation, the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel (son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants), 15 and he said, “Listen carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.’”

READ: 2 Chronicles 20:14-17 on page 124 of the PSG.

DISCUSS: Question #3 on page 124 of the PSG: “What can we learn from

these verses as we face our own battles?”

GUIDE: Wrap up your discussion of Question #3 by asking group members to

read through the bullet list on page 126 of the PSG. This list offers three specific

steps Christians can take in connection with Jahaziel’s words.

RECAP: Read aloud the final paragraph on page 126 of the PSG:

God may answer quickly or we may have to stand firm for a season. Either

way, He is with us. His presence is ample reason to be thankful even in our

difficulties.

DISCUSS: Question #4 on page 126 of the PSG: “What are your favorite ways

to express praise and thanks to God?”

TRANSITION: We’ll conclude by exploring verses 20-22 and verses 29-30. In

doing so, we’ll see exactly what happens when God fights a battle on behalf of

His people.

STUDY THE BIBLE

ALTERNATE QUESTION:When have you felt God’s presence in a helpless situation?

15 minutes



[Verses 14-15] In the middle of their crisis, Jehoshaphat and the assembled people of Judah cried out

in desperation to God. God’s answer came from an unexpected source. The Spirit of the Lord came

on Jahaziel. Jahaziel’s words to the people included three directives. The first directive of “do not be

afraid or discouraged because of this vast number” comes from the promise that the battle

belongs to God. They had the double comfort of not having to fight the battle along with the fact God

would fight on their behalf, assuring certain victory. This hope-filled message is repeated in verse 17 to

reassure the people of God’s promise and protection.

[Verse 16] The invading army was only a day’s march away (tomorrow). However, Jahaziel instructed

Jehoshaphat and his army not to wait for the invasion, but to go down against them. The Spirit-filled

prophet even supplied them with the exact coordinates for where the enemy would be found: “You

will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the

valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel.”

[Verse 17] The purpose of moving out to meet their attackers was not to instigate a surprise attack. In

fact, they were not to attack at all. Instead, the purpose of their going out was to observe the defeat of

their enemy under the mighty hand of God. They would have a front row seat to the power and majesty

of God acting on their behalf.

Jahaziel’s second directive to “stand still” conveys this insight. The human factor in this battle was

downplayed, while the action of God was made central. All the Judean army had to do was to position

themselves, stand still, and watch God work. They were to make no contribution, “for the battle is

not yours, but God’s.”

It is the third directive of watching God work that positions the Judeans to see the salvation of

the Lord. Echoes from the future can be heard as the gospel resounds here. The work of God in

Christ crucified and resurrected, defeating sin by conquering it on another’s behalf, finds many

similarities to the chronicler’s story. In both cases faith is demonstrated by beholding what God alone

would do for the sake of His people. It would require a great act of faith to make themselves visible

to their approaching enemy, positioned before them and simply standing still. Therefore Jahaziel

encouraged the Judean troops by reminding them that “Yahweh is with you.” The outcome of

the battle was not in question. An army marked by their vast number is no match for the strong hand

of the Almighty Lord. The appropriate response to God’s intervention on behalf of the people is one

of praise, thanksgiving, and celebration because God is with you.



THE POINT

Notes

2 Chronicles 20:20-22,29-30

20 In the morning they got up early and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were about to go out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in Yahweh your God, and you will be established; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the Lord and some to praise the splendor of His holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing: “Give thanks to the Lord, for His faithful love endures forever.” 22 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated. ... 29 The terror of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that Yahweh had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 Then Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was quiet, for his God gave him rest on every side.

READ: 2 Chronicles 20:20-22,29-30 on page 127 of the PSG.

DISCUSS: Question #5 on page 127 of the PSG: “How does being a thankful

person advance your witness for Christ?”

Note: Encourage group members to be specific when answering this

question—what are some concrete ways that being thankful advances your

witness for Christ? In addition, encourage group members to consider this

question both as individuals and as a group.

RECAP: Highlight the final paragraph on page 127 of the PSG:

When we act on our faith in Christ and thank Him—regardless of what we

may see at that moment—we experience His presence, power, and peace.

That experience only strengthens us for the next time we face a battle. The

“secret” to a thankful life is trust in Christ.

GUIDE: Refer back to “The Point” for this session: “We can give thanks in

every situation.” As time allows, encourage volunteers to share any final

thoughts and questions.

STUDY THE BIBLE

ALTERNATE QUESTION:In what ways does it glorify God when we depend on Him?

10 minutes


2 Chronicles 20:20-22,29-30

[Verse 20] Jehoshaphat and his army set out early in the morning, suggesting a confident faith and

anticipation of the Lord’s deliverance. As they departed, the king delivered a battle exhortation. The

assurance of victory was not without its imperatives, namely to “believe in Yahweh your God” and

to “believe in His prophets.” This exhortation for faith in God’s prophets would have included the

words delivered by Jahaziel.

[Verse 21] Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord. A typical ancient attack would have begun

with a war cry. By contrast, Judah was led by worship. Jehoshaphat sent out the temple choir to meet

the invading army. Dark and difficult times do not necessitate despair and fear. Jehoshaphat led his

people to not look at their grave situation but to look unto the life-giving power of the mighty God.

[Verse 22] As they sang, the Lord set an ambush. It is likely a heavenly army was responsible for the

ambush that caused confusion to the invaders, creating a panic, leading to self-destruction. It appears

the invading coalition lost faith in one another and destroyed themselves while Jehoshaphat and his

people stood still and watched the Lord fight on their behalf, just as He promised.

[Verse 29] It was praise and thanksgiving that unleashed the power of God. Israel had sung the praises

of the splendor of God’s holiness, while all the kingdoms of the lands were in terror of God’s

holiness. The holiness of God is a treasure to the people of God and a fearful dread to the enemies of

God. Word spread among the nations that Yahweh fought against the enemies of Israel. Not only had

God conquered Jehoshaphat’s enemies, but He also reestablished enemy nations’ fear of God. Yahweh

had reestablished peace in the land.

[Verse 30] Early readers of this account would have been filled with hope, realizing that though they

had failed God, the hope of restoration and redemption was never lost. Fear and discouragement had

defined God’s people prior to this victory; now, the people experienced a state of peaceful quiet and

flourishing. As for Jehoshaphat, God gave him rest on every side. Not only had God won the

victory on his behalf, but He also had restored the king to the place of joyful rest.

In the same way, Jesus Christ has fought against sin on behalf of His people. He has conquered the

enemy. And He has set the course for restoration and gives rest to His people (see Rom. 8:18-25).

Because of Jesus, the world ravished by the fall will one day be redeemed and restored to a place of rest

and peace. For that we can give thanks in every circumstance (see 1 Thess. 5:18).



THE POINT

Notes

LIVE IT OUTGUIDE: Direct group members to page 128 of the

PSG. Encourage them to consider the following

options for adopting a lifestyle of thanksgiving in

the days to come:

> Praise. Set aside time each day to praise

God for the blessings in your life. Praise

will lead to a greater level of thankfulness

in your heart.

> List. It’s easy to create a list of the good things for which we’re thankful;

instead, make a list of things that are difficult to be thankful for. Beside each

item, write reasons why you can be thankful.

> Share. Be vocal in expressing your thanks to others throughout this week.

When appropriate, share how your thankfulness is connected to your trust

in God.

Wrap It Up

TRANSITION: Read or restate the Conclusion from page 128 of the PSG:

“Give thanks in everything.” That’s a radical concept, to be sure. But it’s also

a wonderful way to live—and it can only be accomplished by trusting

everything to Christ.

PRAY: Conclude by thanking God for the privilege of gathering together as a group,

and for the blessing of studying His Word. Ask that God’s Spirit would continually

remind you of the value of thankfulness in the weeks to come.

5 minutes

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ENDNOTES

1. http://www.lifewayresearch.com/2015/10/07/nonreligious-americans-see-evidence-of-creator/.2. http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-unbreakable-robin-quivers-20131023.3. Randy Richmond and Tom Villemaire, Colossal Canadian Failures 2 (University of Toronto Press, 2006), 174.4. https://www.ted.com/talks/sheena_iyengar_choosing_what_to_choose?5. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Address at the Second Assembly of the World Council of Churches, Evanston, Illinois,

[online] 19 August 1954 [cited 29 October 2015]. Available from the Internet: presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/?pid=9991.6. Peter Greer and Chris Horst, Mission Drift (Bethany House, 2014), p. 17.7. http://www.businessinsider.com/company-perks-that-will-make-you-jealous-2014-7?op=18. http://www.techrepublic.com/article/apples-first-employee-the-remarkable-odyssey-of-bill-fernandez/.9. http://www.persecution.com/public/newsroom.aspx?story_ID==373535.10. http://www.abrahamlincolnonline.org/lincoln/speeches/thanks.htm

Bible Studies for Life is online! There are lots of ways to interact with people around the world who are going through the same Bible study as your group.

facebook.com/biblestudiesforlife Interact with other group leaders and members. Ask questions. Share stories. Get helpful links to additional resources.

@biblemeetslife Follow us to stay up to date with our latest blog articles and other Bible Studies for Life news. You can also respond to discussion questions by using hashtags that go along with each session, such as #BSFLpeace, or creating hashtags just for your group.


COMING IN WINTER

Spoken: The Rhythm of God’s WordSUGGESTED FOR THE WEEK OF

December 4 Session 1 God’s Word Delights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 119:1-8

December 11 Session 2 God’s Word Fills My Heart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 119:9-16

December 18 Session 3 God’s Word Gives Courage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 119:17-24

December 25 Session 4 God’s Living Word Saves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 119:41; Luke 1:30-35

January 1 Session 5 God’s Word Is Always Relevant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 119:89-96

January 8 Session 6 God’s Word Is Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 119:153-160

Created for a Purpose

January 15 Created for a Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeremiah 1:4-10

Thrive: Living in Real Joy

January 22 Session 1 Praying with Joy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philippians 1:3-11

January 29 Session 2 Sharing with Joy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philippians 1:12-21

February 5 Session 3 Following with Joy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philippians 2:1-11

February 12 Session 4 Growing with Joy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philippians 3:12-21

February 19 Session 5 Practicing Joy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philippians 4:4-9

February 26 Session 6 Giving with Joy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philippians 4:10-20

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Documents

GIVE THANKS— ANYWAY!media1.razorplanet.com/share/510694-5121/resources/1140426_Unit3L… · Life is hard. Give thanks. By the fall of 1863, President Abraham Lincoln had faced enormous