Breaking Ground
Think of someone you admire who is currently changing the world for the better. Who are they? How are they making the world better? Why do you admire them?
The Dig
This Sunday, we continued our series Good King/Bad King by exploring the story of Asa, the first reformer King of Judah.
Begin by reflecting on the concept of reformation.
What does it mean to be a reformer? What qualities, characteristics, or experiences come to mind when you think of reformers?
Next, read 1 King 15:9-24. King Asa’s reign is preceded by an extended spiritual & moral spiral downward in Judah under the rules of his great grandfather, grandfather, & father; each of whom had led Judah further into practices of injustice & idolatry. However, this spiral is halted & reversed under Asa, who uses his power & influence to implement several dramatic reforms across the Kingdom. These include:
- Banning the worship of other gods in Judah.
- Tearing down the idols that his forefathers had made.
- Removing from power his own family members who’d promoted these practices.
- Using his own wealth to restore the Temple.
- Publicly renewing Judah’s covenant with God & committing to worship Yahweh alone, reject idolatry, & pursue justice in the land (see: 2 Chronicle 15).
Ultimately, Asa’s reign is given a glowing assessment at the end of his life, even with his reliance upon foreign powers for military aid (which 2 Chronicles 16 depicts as a mistake).
What stands out to you the most about Asa’s reforms? What themes or patterns do you see within them?
What challenges or obstacles did Asa have to face in making his reforms? What do you think Asa was feeling or wrestling with as he implemented them?
Why is it important that Asa was recognized as a great King & reformer despite not being perfect? How does this help us understand what it means to be a good King & reformer in God’s Story?
Identify an experience from your past where you “reformed” or pursued a major, healthy change in your life. This could include changing a big part of your worldview, habits, behaviors, attitudes, relationships, or all of the above.
What led you to instigate this reform or change? What obstacles did you face in making it? How did you get through it? In what ways were you healthier or more Christlike on the other side of making the change?
Where are you currently undergoing reform/making a change OR where might you need to pursue reform/make a change in this season of your life? What obstacles are you experiencing or expecting? How can Asa’s story guide you in making those necessary reforms & changes?
Getting Out of the Hole
Take time each week to reflect upon the Sunday sermon.
- Read 1 Kings 15:9-24. Make note of any repeated themes, actions, or ideas that catch your attention.
- What issues did Asa inherit from his predecessors in terms of leading Judah? How did he respond to these areas of brokenness when he gained power?
- How did Asa go about making his reforms? What lessons can we learn about the process of reform from his story?
- Where are you struggling with broken patterns, worldviews, habits, attitudes, or behaviors that you inherited? What lessons does Asa’s story offer you as you seek to make Christlike change & heal in these areas of your life?
Journal, reflect, & pray on how God might be speaking to you through each week’s teaching. Share your experience with your growth group next week!
Additional Resources*
Centered Set Church by Mark D. Baker
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
TheBibleProject.com
Coming Up This Week:*
Sunday, October 25th: Join us next week as we continue our series Good King/Bad King!
* Please see mye3.org for details.