Welcome to the fifth week of our series Good Kings. This series explores the good kings of the Old Testament. This weekend, Calvin College Professor Gary Burge leads us through the reign of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah guided God’s people through a significant crisis. How Hezekiah navigates the crisis shows us how we can grow through a crisis in our life.
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.
Care.
A large part of care in a small group is staying up-to-date on where each other is spiritually. Take a few minutes to share with your group whether or not you feel like you are growing closer to God this summer and why you feel that way.
Share part of your story.
What’s your default response to unexpected stress in life? Choose a word that best describes your typical reaction—panic, withdrawal, engage, blame, fix, trust, rely or ____________.
PURSUE GOD
Taking next steps toward Christ together.
Look back at 2 Kings 18:1-12. Have someone read through these verses. Identify the key characters, the setting and the circumstances facing King Hezekiah. How is Hezekiah described? What is he like? What has he accomplished?
Hezekiah’s Crisis.
King Hezekiah encountered a major crisis during his reign. What was going on in the region around him? What threat were they facing?
Hezekiah’s Response.
Hezekiah does four things: he fortifies the city, he goes to the temple to pray, he calls for God’s prophet and he gives the crisis to God (See 2 Kings 19). Why would each of these things be important for Hezekiah?
Renew our Love for God.
A crisis can be a pivotal moment for our relationship with God. It gives us a chance to re-examine our life and walk with God. What happens in a time of crisis that makes it a good time to evaluate our walk with God? What can happen in a time of crisis that causes us to push away from God?
Hezekiah made some intentional moves toward God when his kingdom was threatened. What are some ways for us to intentionally move toward God in the midst of a crisis?
Purify our House.
We learn from Hezekiah that a crisis calls us to purify our house. Hezekiah worked to remove the pagan influences from his life and the country. Why is this a vital step in navigating a crisis? How does a crisis call us to examine the things we have allowed to influence us?
How should we respond when we feel God convicting us to remove something from our life? How do you usually respond?
Grow in Wisdom.
Hezekiah seeks out wise advice in the midst of the crisis. What is the value of seeking out wise advice in a crisis? Why do we sometimes avoid seeking help?
Do you naturally seek wisdom from others? Why or why not? Who do you go to for wisdom? How have they helped you in the past?
What role can a healthy small group play when someone finds themselves in a crisis? What needs to be present in a small group in order be ready to help in a crisis? How is your group doing in this area?
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.
Serve.
Summer is a great time for small groups to serve together. Last week we asked you to take a few moments as a group and identify some needs in your neighborhood, social circles, or workplace that you could potentially meet. If you didn’t meet last week, consider how you might serve. If you started the conversation last week, discuss how you can make a project work.
Group Growth.
Throughout this summer we’ve asked you to consider your group size and adding more members if your group has the capacity. Revisit this conversation and consider throwing a party to invite others to join your group.
Download a printable PDF here.