WINNERS AND LOSERS (THE BOOK OF 2 CHRONICLES—PART 1)

LESSON 52 Part 1

INTRODUCTION

 The second book of Chronicles is filled with many examples of winners and losers. The world chooses its “winners” by their wealth, power and talent. But when those “winners” die, then what? To gain the world and lose your soul is to end up a loser.

 Those who walk with God are seldom—usually never—applauded by the world. But to hear “Well done” from the Lord is to win the applause of heaven. And that is what makes you a winner. Open your Bible and let’s go to work in 2 Chronicles.

2 CHRONICLES

FROM WINNER TO LOSER

1:7-12   Example—Solomon’s beginning was the opposite of his sad end.

1:16   Example—Here begins Solomon’s disobedience (contrary to Deuteronomy 17:14-17).

5:13, 14  Example—What God does when His people choose to praise and obey Him.

6:22-39  Example—A wise leader (Solomon) sees and prays the causes of sin and the conditions of forgiveness.

6:42  Example—But Solomon turned his own face from God.

CONDITIONS FOR BLESSING

7:13, 14  Example—God’s conditions for God’s blessing.

7:21, 22  Example—Man’s most beautiful accomplishments will be turned to rubble through disobedience.

8:7, 8-11 Example—Two early mistakes of Solomon—1) allowing the leaven of the pagans to remain in Israel’s midst and 2) inviting the leaven of paganism into his bed.

9:1-8  Example—A queen’s priority—to seek out, and find, the true and living God.

10:6-13  Example—A foolish Rehoboam forsook the wisdom and counsel of age.

A FATHER’S BAD EXAMPLE

11:21, 23  Example—A father’s lustful example is copied by his son.

12:1, 2, 5-8  Example—Unfaithfulness, even after repentance, has a price.

13:8-10, 20  Example—Jereboam dies for his rebellion; Abijah is blessed through obedience.

14:1-12  Example—Asa’s obedience is noted and rewarded.

15:1-9, 12-17  Example—Asa meets further conditions for God’s blessing.

(TO BE CONTINUED)