Intro: (Background information) Our 19 minute Bible study is based on 2 Kings 11:1-3, 12-18.

Now as we know, the Believer is certainly at war spiritually. Here we see a very real example of the believer being at war also in a physical sense. As you may know the kingdom of Israel split. You have the Kings of Israel and the Kings of Judah. The kings of Israel were know for being pretty bad. One of the really bad ones was Ahab. So bad that God designates Jehu, the son of Judahs king to wipe out Ahabs entire line and take over. Its during this cleansing process that we enter our text. Follow along, please, as I read the first few verses. 2 Kings 11:1-3 When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family. But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes, who were about to be murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah; so he was not killed. He remained hidden with his nurse at the temple of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land. 1. Why would Athaliah destroy her own family line? Due to the wickedness in her heart, she sought to be the sole ruler. She would not have a rival come forward to rightfully remove her from power. In a way she may have been trying to spite God for killing off her fathers line as well. Now, Jehosheba, the sister of Azariah and the wife of the faithful priest Jehoiada, takes the baby Joash and hides him in the Temple for six years. As a reminder, Joash is part of King Davids family line. So 2. What problems would there be if Joash were killed? The LORD had promised David his royal line would never be cut off. The LORD never breaks a promise. But even more important, Jesus would come from Davids family line. Joash had to survive in order to preserve the Messianic family line. Its amazing to see the LORDs hand at work. Joash found safety and sanctuary in the Temple. Its no wonder that when he becomes king his mind is set on preserving and repairing that very Temple. Now when the time was right Jehoiada brought out Joash and had him crowned. He was given a copy of the covenant and anointed as king. Queen Athaliah hears the commotion, the cheers and applause and checks it out. Seeing that someone else is being properly crowned, she cries out Treason. Rather ironic considering what she had done to get her position. Jehoiada gives orders to have her seized; shes nabbed before she reaches and Temple and is put to death. Lets continue now with the last few verses. Jehoiada then made a covenant between the LORD and the king and people that they would be the LORDs people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. All the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars. A little word study quick: 3. Covenant. What does that word mean to you? An agreement between two people or two groups of people, in which both usually make specific promises, or depending on the covenant expressed either the promise of the Israelites to obey God and remain faithful to him because he watches over them, or the covenant God gives to us- that promise of unconditional salvation. 4. In this story, it seemed like that promise of the savior was broken. It seemed like Satan had won. But God made sure to keep his promise. God also has promised to take believers to him in heaven. In what ways today can you see him at work to keep you in the faith?

(Allow time for various answers) As we think about the believer at War, we can see that it's an uphill battle. We're plagued by the devil, the world and our own sinful natures. In our study today we saw the world- Queen Athaliah- try to destroy God's promise of a savior. But the LORD made sure to keep that promise. And we know that he certinaly has promised to care for us, to keep us in that faith in the savior. You all provided great examples of his hand at work. We all will have our battles. Inner battles with temptations, battles with those who would scoff at us or attack our faith. But remember, Christ won the ultimate battle. He triumphed over sin, death and the devil. That victory is ours by faith in Him. In thanks and joy, let us pray. Dear Father in Heaven, We truly are at war with the devil, the world and our sinful flesh. But you sent your son to defeat the power of the devil, and break us free from sin. Whenever we are tempted, whenever evil comes near, helps us to stand firm in your Word, remembering your amazing grace. Forgive us our sins. Renew us in your Word, so that we are prepared to defend ourselves against attacks from Satan, the World, or our sinful flesh. Help us to do this, dear Father in Heaven. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.