WINNERS AND LOSERS (THE BOOK OF 1 CHRONICLES)

LESSON 51

INTRODUCTION

There are so many lessons to learn from the kings of Israel. Most ended up as losers. Only a few were winners with God. The history of Israel is rich with the lessons of life. Choose God or Satan. Obedience to the Word of the Lord, or disobedience. Proud rebellion against God, or humble submission to Him.

As Paul reminded us twice, all of the Old Testament examples are written as examples to each generation following—including ours. So let’s study the book of 1 Chronicles and apply each lesson to our lives.

1 CHRONICLES

HUNGER FOR GOD

2:3, 7   Example—God’s listing of the Hall of Shame continues.

4:9, 10   Example—One man’s hunger for God—above all his brethren—brought the Lord’s attention and blessing.

5:20-22   Example—When soldiers put their trust in God—and the result of betraying Him (vv 25, 26).

10:13, 14   Example—Saul’s two-fold sin: rejecting God’s words and seeking Satan’s words.

UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES

12:32   Example—Men of Issachar who had God’s understanding of the times, and what to do.

12:33   Example—Men of Zebulon in the army (God’s army) not with a double heart (“he that loses his life for my sake shall find it”—Jesus).

13:10    Example—Uzza’s presumptuousness costs his life. 

17:16-24  Example—Human humility (David) in the presence of Divine immensity (God).

GOLIATH’S CLAN

20:4-8   Example—Failure of Goliath’s clan to learn from his defeat and death.

21:1, 7, 14   Example—A leader’s disobedience in relying on human resources results in 70,000 killed.

28:7-10   Example—Solomon’s obedience started him on the right road—disobedience removed him from that road and he ended a tragedy.

29:10-19   Example—How a man after God’s heart ended his days with wisdom and vision.