LG June 21, 2020

About Our Speaker: Dr. Philip Nation is Vice President and Bible Publisher for Thomas Nelson. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and is pursuing a PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has previously served as a pastor, church planter, publishing director for LifeWay Christian Resources, and as the Assistant Professor of Leadership and Biblical Studies for Houston Baptist University. Philip is the author of several books and Bible studies including Habits for Our Holiness, Compelled: Living the Mission of God, Transformational Discipleship: How People Really Grow, Pursuing Holiness: Applications from James, and Storm Shelter: Psalms of God’s Embrace. He was the general editor for The Mission of God Study Bible. Philip married Angie in 1994. They are the proud parents to Andrew and Chris, along with Chris’ wife Jenna. 

MESSAGE PREVIEW: 

The Bible contains many different stories about people who led during difficult and distressing times. One such story is that of Hezekiah. He was a king of Judah who inherited a culture in chaos and a tarnished legacy from his father. Let’s take a look at his story, what we can learn, and what this means for fathers and others leading in the craziness of 2020. 

Spiritual Lessons from Hezekiah 

1. Personal Character 
2. Public Focus
3. Heartfelt Passion 

Modern Applications for Fathers 

1. Seek spiritual discernment about our times. 
2. Your family history describes something about you but doesn’t define you. 
3. Private devotion is the foundation for family leadership.
4. We lead our families toward covenant faithfulness and joyful worship of God. 

ICEBREAKER QUESTIONS

Begin your session with prayer and use the following questions/discussion to get the conversation started…

Today is Father’s Day.  Happy Father’s Day to all the dads in the group and dads of group members!  One thing that dads are sometimes known for are their sayings, or “dad-isms”.  These words of wisdom, advice, opinion, and humor can sometimes stick with us. Let’s talk a little more about dad. 

            Q: What “dad-isms” or lessons did you learn from your dad? 

Q: How did these sayings or thoughts influence you and the person you are today? 

Q: When you think about your dad, the dad to your kids, or a dad type figure that has been influential in your life, what are you most thankful for? 

In this week’s message, we looked at Ahaz and Hezekiah. The legacy that Ahaz left for his son was a challenging one. But while Hezekiah inherited a culture in chaos and a tarnished legacy, he sought to live differently.  Let’s talk more about what we can learn from Hezekiah’s story and example. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Ask and discuss the following questions

Q: If you were to write as a biblical historian, how would you describe the reign of King Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28 & 2 Kings 16)? What legacy did he leave behind for his son?  

Q: How would you, as a biblical historian, describe King Hezekiah’s reign (2 Chronicles 29-31, 2 Kings 18-20)? What were the key differences between his legacy and that of his father?  

Q: Read 2 Chronicles 31:20-21. What three spiritual lessons did this week’s speaker share from these verses? (A: personal character, public focus, and heartfelt passion) In what specific ways did you see these characteristics expressed in the life of Hezekiah according to scripture? 

Q:  How does our personal character influence our lives and what we do? How can we practically develop our character in the best way?  

Q: Hezekiah’s primary focus was on making the name of the Lord great. How can we follow this example in our everyday lives?  How can this influence how we apply our faith to life and the issues and challenges in our culture today? 

Q: We all have a passion for something? What is it that you do “with all your heart”?  

Q: Our speaker made this comment: “Your family history describes something about you but does not define you.” Do you agree with this idea? Explain how you’ve seen this in your own life or the life of another? How have you struggled with this in your own life or seen someone else struggle in this way? 

Q: We all need spiritual discernment for life, especially during the uncertainty of the days we are living in. How can we seek spiritual discernment?  Where can we look? How are you personally seeking this? 

CONLUSION:

As you end your time this week, take a moment to reflect on the following two questions: 

            Q: What is your one personal “take-away” from this week’s message?  

Q: What is your “action step” this week?  How are you working to apply what God has said to you personally? 

Have group members share their answers to the two questions above – either as a large group or in smaller groups. Close by taking some time to pray for your group and what they shared as their “take-away” and “action step”.  

Here are a few reminders: 

Bay Area Family Gathering: This is our annual members meeting where we look back at what God has been doing in and through our church, look ahead at what we believe is to come, and look up to God in prayer and worship. We will also vote on our 2020-2021 annual church budget. You can join this gathering either in person or online. Register for either in person or online at www.bayarea.church/events. 

Gathering: We are worshipping in person and on line! If group members are ready to worship in person, they can go to www.bayarea.church/regather to register for next week’s service. Note: everyone must register every week.  If they would rather continue worshipping at home, they can go to www.bayarea.church/live for the live link and online resources.

New Service Times Beginning July 5^th: Beginning July 5^th, we will be gathering in person and online at 8:30am, 10:00am, and 11:30am. Kidmin will expand their classes to include birth-kindergarten and a vulnerable venue will be available at the 10:00am service. Registration will still be required to attend in person. 

Church on Your Street: One of the ways we can serve others is by loving those closest to us…on our street!  Don’t forget to go to www.bayarea.church/live and click on the “Church on Your Street” icon. Participate in this effort and then take some time to share stories of how God is using you as you love your neighbors.

Reading Plan: Encourage your group to participate in the Psalms Bible reading plan that is posted at www.bayarea.church/live.

SCRIPTURES FROM THIS WEEK’S MESSAGE: 

• 2 Chronicles 31:20-21, 2 Chronicles 28, 2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 29-31, 2 Kings 18-20

NEXT WEEK’S MESSAGE: New Series: Trust and Obey (1 Peter 1)