Session 5 1 Kings 15:9-22

RESOLVED (1 KINGS 15:20-22)

listen for how Ben-hadad responded to Asa’s bribe and plea for help.

20 Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies
against the cities of Israel.
He attacked Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah,
all Chinnereth, and the whole land of Naphtali.
21 When Baasha heard about it, he quit building Ramah and stayed in Tirzah.
22 Then King Asa gave a command to everyone without exception in Judah,
and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had built it with.
Then King Asa built Geba of Benjamin and Mizpah with them.

Summarize:

Ben-hadad accepted Asa’s bribe
and attacked cities in Israel.
Because of these attacks, King Baasha retreated.

Discuss:

Note that the verb “attacked” in verse 20
means that Ben-hadad conquered the cities and killed the people there.

Ask:

Did Baasha retreating to fight Ben-hadad justify Asa’s actions in this story?

How might we be tempted to justify our actions by focusing on the outcome? (p. 47)

Summarize:

Once Baasha retreated, Asa led the people of Judah
to dismantle the fortress at Ramah.
Asa also fortified to protect Jerusalem.

Discuss:

How would getting all of Judah involved in dismantling Ramah serve as a rallying point for the people?
How did it remind the people of God’s faithfulness? (p. 47)

SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE

Discuss:

Instruct the group to silently reread verses 9-22.

Ask:

As you read 1 Kings 15:9-22, look for acts that point to repentance.
How are these acts a demonstration of trust in God?

Reflect:

Lead the group to quietly reflect on the following question:

Examine your life for “gods” that might draw you away from remaining loyal to the Lord.
What actions can you take to safeguard yourself from being drawn away? (p. 48)

Review:

Call for a volunteer to read aloud the Summary Statements under Apply the Text (p. 48).
Invite the group to contemplate living out these statements as believers.

Ask:

Which of these challenges you the most today? Explain.

Challenge:

Share with the group ways God has been faithful.

How does hearing other’s stories of God’s faithfulness encourage you?
Who can you encourage this week by reminding them of God’s faithfulness? (p. 48)

Pray:

Close in prayer,
asking God to help the group choose daily to follow God wholeheartedly.
Pray that they might encourage others to do make the same choice.

AFTER THE SESSION

Reinforce the session by praying for those in the group who might be dealing with the effects of sin in their own lives, or the lives of their family members.

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