GIVE THANKS— ANYWAY!8ef80b58c6ae6b008df1-036eaedec0108d35b1642758b831920a.r94.cf2.… · Give...

GIVE THANKS—ANYWAY!

14 8 © 2016 LifeWay

Facing a challenge? Begin by acknowledging your blessings.

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 causalities, 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

for a year “filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies … gracious gifts of the Most High God.” Even

though the war raged on, Lincoln repeated this the following year with a second proclamation for a day of thanksgiving.8

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 strengthen

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 14 9© 2016 LifeWay

The PointWe can give thanks in every situation.

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

The Bible Meets Life Every November, we are reminded to be thankful for all the blessings and good things in our lives.

It’s easy to be thankful when the blessings are obvious or right in front of us. Thankfulness is harder

when the road before us is uncertain and we feel like we’re facing more challenges than blessings.

We can truly give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), because God is always at work on

our behalf.

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

and the Southern Kingdom (2 Chronicles 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!

B I B L E S T U D I E S F O R L I F E 151© 2016 LifeWay

2 Chronicles 20:10-12,14-17,20-22,29-30 (HCSB)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 for this phrase appears four times in chapter 20 (vv. 2,12,15,24) and expresses the fact that Judah was overwhelmingly outnumbered by a coalition of invading forces coming to attack them. Judah faced an imminent crisis.

What does the Bible say?

152 S p e c i a l f o c u S © 2016 LifeWay

Notes

GET INTO THE STUDYDISCUSS: Invite your group members

to discuss Question #1 on page 121 of

the PSG (Personal Study Guide): “What’s

your favorite way to express thanks?”

Allow time for each person to respond.

SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 122):

Some days it’s tough to read or watch the

news. The headlines alone leave us shak-

ing our heads: Multi-car crash shuts down

interstate for six hours. Business lays off

1,000 workers, announcing all production

will go offshore. Terrorist bomb kills 20 and injures dozens in market square.

During this week of Thanksgiving, however, we are reminded to be thankful. The apos-

tle Paul gave us this wisdom: “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in

Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Give thanks in everything? Those are hard words for

many of us. Events around the world—and even in our own lives—might cause us to

wonder how we can realistically be thankful when life seems to go against us.

SAY: “During the reign of King Jehoshaphat in Judah, the nation also faced difficult

times, but they remained thankful. We can look at the challenges they faced and see

that, yes, we can be thankful—no matter what.”

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

every situation.”

PRAY: Transition into the discussion with prayer. Pray for those in your group who are

facing difficult situations that they might pause to recognize God’s blessings in the

midst of their challenge.

We can give thanks in every situation.

TIP: Establish a culture of serving in the DNA of your group. If your church has scheduled service opportunities, sign up as a group to serve together. If not, come up with one as a group.

10 minutes

Display Pack Item #11 to use with your discussion of 2 Chronicles 20:10-12.

PLAYLIST PICK: “The Strength”

by City Worship

B I B L E S T U D I E S F O R L I F E 153

THE POINT

© 2016 LifeWay

Notes

2 Chronicles 20:10-12 (HCSB)

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: Ask a group member to read aloud 2 Chronicles 20:10-12.

LEADER PACK: Display Pack Item #11, “Kingdoms of Israel and Judah” map, to

show Jerusalem’s location in relation to Ammon, Moab, and Edom.

SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 123): Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, sought

God’s favor in everything he set out to do (2 Chronicles 17:3-4). But Jehoshaphat

still faced attacks from his enemies. The nations surrounding Judah were

combining their forces, preparing to attack and destroy Judah.

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

that make you feel powerless?” (Note: This question requires some vulnerability

from your group members . You’ll get more honest discussion if you place members

into subgroups of three or four for this question .)

SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 123): When he found out about their plans,

Jehoshaphat called the nation to prayer.

» In his prayer, Jehoshaphat reminded the Lord of their history: how the Lord

had driven out their enemies in the past and given the land to Israel.

» He recalled God’s promises to the people, and their promises to God.

» Finally, Jehoshaphat simply pointed out enemies were approaching and said,

“We do not know what to do, but we look to You” (v. 12).

TRANSITION: Jehoshaphat pointed out that we can depend on God because He

is all-powerful. In the next verses, he gives another reason why we can rely on God.

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

STUDY THE BIBLE10 minutes

15 4 S p e c i a l f o c u S © 2016 LifeWay

2 Chronicles 20:10-12 Commentary

Give thanks because you can look to God when you are powerless. 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 (2 Chronicles 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 imminent invasion was great fear. King Jehoshaphat

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

Verses 10-12: These verses contain a portion of Jehoshaphat’s prayer that 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 but didn’t since He did not let Israel invade the peoples when Israel came out of Egypt (Numbers

20:14-21; Deuteronomy 2:4-9,18-19). Jehoshaphat pointed out that the enemies showed appreciation

for God’s mercy by showing no mercy to His people as the invaders moved closer. 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 (2 Chronicles 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 and thus they had

to look beyond themselves unto God. 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

© 2016 LifeWay

Notes

2 Chronicles 20:14-17 (HCSB)

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: Ask a group member to read aloud 2 Chronicles 20:14-17.

SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 124): Right in the middle of this crowd praying

with Jehoshaphat was a man named Jahaziel. God used him to both challenge and

encourage the people in verses 15-17.

DISCUSS: Question #3 on page 125 of the PSG: “What can we learn from

these verses as we face our own battles?”

SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGES 124-125): When we find ourselves

surrounded, we can 1.) Put away fear and discouragement (v. 15); 2.) Position

ourselves and stand still (v. 17); and 3.) Watch God at work (v. 17).

DO: Instruct group members to complete the activity on page 126 of the PSG on

their own. If time permits, allow volunteers to share their responses.

FACING MY BATTLES:

» In which area of life are you currently facing overwhelming circumstances?

Place an X next toHighlight all that apply.

______ Work ______ Education

______ Relationships ______ Finances

______ Church ______ Parenting

______ Other : ______________________________

» What biblical truth can you focus on while waiting to watch God work?

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



2 Chronicles 20:14-17 Commentary

Give thanks because God is with you. Verses 14-15: Birthed out of crises, Jehoshaphat, together

with the assembled people of Judah, cried out in desperation to God. God’s answer came from an

unexpected source: the Spirit of the Lord who 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 juxtaposition of the security of God’s promise and the imminence of the enemy attack

is seen in the fact that the invading army was only a day’s march away. However, Jahaziel instructed

Jehoshaphat and his army not to simply wait for the invasion to strike but to “go down against them.”

The Spirit-filled prophet even supplied them with the exact coordinates to 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.” The location of the Wilderness of Jeruel cannot be identified today with

certainty but its location was clearly known to Jehoshaphat and the Judeans.

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. 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. Thus the 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” (v. 15).

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 POINT

© 2016 LifeWay

Notes

2 Chronicles 20:20-22,29-30 (HCSB)

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: Ask a group member to read aloud 2 Chronicles 20:20-22,29-30.

SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 127): Jehoshaphat assembled a choir, placing

them in front of the army. This had a two-pronged effect.

» First, the soldiers under Jehoshaphat heard the praise to God going before

them. Praise preceded them into battle because the battle belonged to God.

» Second, the enemy heard praise to the Lord, the One who stood with Judah.

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

to express praise and thanks to God?”

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

person advance your witness for Christ?”

TRANSITION: 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.

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



2 Chronicles 20:20-22,29-30 Commentary

Give thanks because God gives victory and peace. Verse 20: Jehoshaphat and his army set

out early in the morning. As they departed the king delivered a battle exhortation; the people were

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. Joyful singing would hardly have been intimidating to the enemy relying on their

numerical strength. Jehoshaphat led his people 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 turned against each another and destroyed themselves

while Jehoshaphat and his people stood still and watched as the Lord fought on their behalf.

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 the victory of God; 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 (Romans 8:18-25). The

world ravished by the fall will one day be redeemed and restored to a place of rest and peace. God has

told His people to sit still and to see the salvation of the Lord, then He placed His Son on a cross to pay

the wages of our sin, and He rose from death to life to conquer the power of the grave. For that we can

give thanks in every circumstance (1 Thessalonians 5:18).



THE POINT

© 2016 LifeWay

Notes

LIVE IT OUTSAY: “How will you live a life of thanksgiving?”

GUIDE: Lead group members to consider the

responses to the Bible study listed on page 128

of the PSG.

» Pray. If thanking God in the middle of

a battle is a new or difficult idea for you,

begin by praying for God to strengthen

your faith and trust in Him. Trust God to

reveal Himself as you face the challenge and thank Him.

» Remember. Identify a time when God provided for you in the midst of a

harrowing situation. Let that experience be a reminder of God’s power and

faithfulness the next time you face adversity.

» Share. Is someone you know facing a difficult time? Pray for them this week;

thank God for who He is, what He’s promised, and how He’s provided even in

the midst of the storm.

Wrap It Up

SAY: “We don’t have to be thankful for every circumstance in order to be thankful

in every circumstance. God is all-powerful and He is constantly with us. For these

things, we are filled with gratitude.”

5 minutes

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