Welcome to the final week of our series Good Kings. This series explores the good kings of the Old Testament. This weekend, visiting pastor Kevin Harney leads us through the reign of King Josiah. The writer of 2 Kings says, “Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did” (2 Kings 23.25a). Kevin shares seven truths this week that help us see how we can use Josiah’s life as a model to pursue God.
SHARE LIFE
Building healthy and life-giving relationships.
Updates.
What has been new or challenging in your life since last time the group met? Spend 20–30 minutes checking in with each other.
Safe Environment.
Healthy small groups create a space where it is safe to share life’s joys and struggles. What are some important elements to having your small group be a safe environment? How do you think your group is doing?
Share part of your story.
Josiah was thrust into ruling the kingdom at the age of eight. Share about a time when you were given a task and you weren’t quite sure you were up to it. How did it turn out?
PURSUE GOD
Taking next steps toward Christ together.
Look back at 2 Kings 22:1-20. Have someone read through these verses. Identify the main characters, the setting, the circumstances and people’s actions.
God gives new beginnings.
The history of the nation of Judah, and specifically the kings who ruled right before Josiah, was bleak. They wholeheartedly embraced pagan idol worship. How does Josiah set a different course? Which of Josiah’s characteristics do you think help to make this happen?
Like Israel, your past may have had some bleak elements. Discuss this statement: Our past does not define our future. Do you agree or disagree? How have you seen God work in your life or in the lives of others to prove this statement?
God can use a new generation to change the world.
Josiah takes over the throne at age eight. At 26, he encounters the word of God, which begins a national reformation. What challenges does today’s younger generation face in bring Godly change to the world and the church? What’s the role of the older generations to help them?
God is ready to bring revival and restoration.
Josiah doggedly pursued God and it changed the whole country. When have you seen one person’s pursuit of God make a difference for a larger group of people like a family, a church, or an organization?
How do you want your pursuit of God to influence the people around you? Who is at the top of your list of people you hope to impact?
God has given us the tools needed to win the victory.
Josiah’s life demonstrates important tools to shape our relationship with God. He interacts with Scripture and seeks a conversation with God. How are you doing in each of these disciplines lately? Would you like it to play a bigger role in your life? What steps will you take?
Radical repentance is essential.
Josiah’s heart breaks when he learns the country is not following God’s plan. He tears his robe. This goes beyond a simple, “I’m sorry, God.” What’s the significance of this action? What’s the difference between what Josiah does versus just saying “sorry” and moving on?
What could radical repentance look like today?
Radical renovation is needed.
Josiah begins going through the country and eliminating the places of false worship. This action was true of all the good kings we’ve looked at in this series. They were willing to eliminate anything that competed with God being at the center. What pattern, practice or behavior in your life needs to change so that you can honor God with greater commitment?
We must live and walk in a new way.
Josiah has the people celebrate the Passover for the first time in a very long time. It was a time of remembrance and celebration for God delivering the people out of Egypt. What are some ways we celebrate God’s goodness at Ada Bible Church in each our discipleship environment: Row, Circle and Chair?
What spiritual practice can you develop in your life that will strengthen you for a better journey forward in your walk with Jesus?
INVEST IN OTHERS
Valuing people outside the group and outside the faith.
Discuss how you and your group can better engage the people in your life outside your small group.
Share.
King Josiah’s life was not determined by his past. For many of us, God has radically redirected our lives just like Josiah. How can you use the story of your life to share about God with those around you?
Invest.
Think about the people in your life who need to know Jesus. How can the group be praying for you as you invest in those people’s lives?
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