Introduction to the Bible Week 2
Old Testament Historical Books

Looking back on last week:

Key Ideas:

Memorization

“Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings deep within yourself, always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today—yes, you—so you will trust in the LORD.” – Prov. 22:17-19

Meditation (Psalms 1)

Definition: Deep thinking on the truths and spiritual realities revealed in scripture for the purposes of understanding, application, and prayer.

Introduction to Old Testament Historical Books

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16,17

“…everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4

Bible books:

Timeline:

Why OT history is important:

• It’s a __________________________ of scripture!

• Our faith grows as we learn about ______________________________.

Psalm 77:3-9

Psalm 77:11-14

Psalm 78:2b-8

• It contains ________________ for us to learn from, both positive and negative.

“All these events happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us, who live at the time when this age is drawing to a close.” – 1 Corinthians 10:11

• The events they describe ultimately __________________________.

What kind of history do these books record?

• _________________history (2 Peter 1:20,21):

• _________________history:

• _________________history:

• ______________________________ as He fulfills two important promises:

1. God’s Promise to ______________ – nation, land, blessing to the world.

2. God’s Promise to ______________ – one of his descendants will sit on his throne and rule the world forever.

Biblical history shows God’s faithfulness ______________________________ __________________.

Enjoying Narratives

When you read a narrative, look for:

• The tension between what was promised and the circumstances of the main characters. Are there perceived obstacles?

• The characters’ faith or lack of faith. Do they act ways that indicate they trust God’s promise?

• God’s faithfulness to His promise.

Examples of Tension:

Genesis 12,13

Exodus 1,2

Sidebar: principles of walking by faith

• When we look at our present circumstances and feelings, it often appears that God is not coming through on His promises.

• God will challenge us live by faith: to act on His promises with dependence on Him.

• Faith is not attained all at once, but through a process.

• God confirms steps of faith we take...

• What scary steps of faith has God given you? Have you taken them?

Reading OT History: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30

ANALYSIS

Read the whole passage

Outline the passage

• The people of God are threatened (1-4).

• Jehoshaphat’s prayer (5-12)

• God’s answer through Jahaziel (13-17)

• Jehoshaphat models courageous faith and the people are emboldened (18-23).

• God defeats the enemies (22-26).

• The results: joy and peace (27-30).

List and describe the main characters:

• Jehoshaphat: King of Judah (873-848 BC).

• Attackers:

• The people

• God

Look for repeated words or concepts:

Is this story related to God’s promise to Abraham or David? If so, how?

APPLICATION:

Prayerfully consider questions like:

Are there principles about the way God operates in this passage that have relevance for my life today? Where are those principles reiterated in the New Testament?

WARNING:

Principle:

How has my faith in God been affected by the way he deals with the people in this story? What have I learned and how can I put it into practice this week?

Identify some “threats” you feel and identify & reflect on promises in the Word

Assignment: Bible Reading Assignment #2 due next week. Read “Why Believe the Bible,” section III on Historical Evidence part 2