July 11 | Discovery

Study Questions for Groups

By Michael C. Mack

1. In what specific way did you serve God last week?

2. What was the biggest challenge you faced last week?

Ask two people to read aloud 2 Chronicles 15:1-8, 14-15 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then repeat the process with 2 Chronicles 34:14, 29-33; 35:1-2, 18-19.

Ask a third person to summarize the stories from these passages. Remind them to keep it simple, as if sharing it with a group of middle schoolers.

3. What similarities do you see between Asa’s reforms (in 2 Chronicles 15) and Josiah’s reforms (in chapters 34 and 35)?  

4. Let’s dig deeper:

• What spurred on the reforms of Asa?

• What spurred on the reforms of Josiah?

• What conditions and circumstances were King Asa and the people facing before the reforms?

• How did both Asa and Josiah respond personally to the circumstances and to God’s leading?

• Note that in both accounts, the king went first in repentance and renewal of heart, and then the people joined in social reforms. What do you learn about leadership and cultural change by their examples?

• What do you learn from these passages about the vitality of God’s Word?

• What do you learn about the place of corporate celebrations and worship?

• How might commemorating events from the past be valuable for our faith today?

5. What do you learn about God from these passages?  

6. What do you learn about God’s people?

7. What does it look like in your own life to keep (obey) God’s commands, statutes, and decrees with all your heart and with all your soul?  

8. What opportunities do you have this week to serve the Lord your God? How will you follow through?

9. Based on our study and discussion, complete this sentence: “This week, I will . . .”

10. What challenge are you facing this week?

For Next Week: Read and reflect on 1 Kings 18:31-39; 2 Kings 2:11-14; 5:9-15 as we continue studying the history of Israel. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.