Date: May 25, 2025
God’s Hand in Facing Opposition
The Point: God is more powerful than those who oppose us.
Get Into the Study
Share the following after discussing The Bible Meets Life:
On Sunday, a Houthi missile landed near the Ben-Gurion Airport in Israel. No one was killed, though six people were reported injured and flights were halted. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) coordinated with the United States to retaliate the next day. Twenty IDF fighter jets dropped fifty munitions on multiple Houthi targets, including the main port of Iranian weapons transfer and a concrete plant that is used for the construction of underground tunnels and other “terrorist infrastructure.”
Another retaliatory strike from the IDF occurred on Tuesday morning at the Sanaa International Airport in Houthi-controlled Yemen. Prior to the attack, the IDF issued a warning for everyone to evacuate the airport and surrounding areas for their safety. This airstrike destroyed aircraft, flight runways, and airport infrastructure, leaving the airport “fully disabl[ed].” The IDF has said that this strike was a direct response to the Houthi missile attack on Sunday.
The Houthis have been attacking Israel and its allies for more than a year as part of a continued effort to spread terror and disrupt national shipping lanes. It would be difficult for one nation to stand up to such a concerted effort alone, but it’s easier to stand with supporters. Similarly, God stands with those who oppose His people so that we never face threats alone. While we are weak and can fall before adversity, God is omnipotent and can stand against anything.
Study the Bible
Share the following after discussing Question 2:
Actor Kelsey Grammer, best known for his role as the titular character in “Frasier,” reflects on his aborted children in his new memoir: “Karen: A Brother Remembers.” In his memoir, Grammer reveals that two of his previous partners have had abortions, and while he supported it in the past, “it eats away at [his] soul.” Grammer said that these choices were and are difficult for him, and that he believes a child has a right to exist.
While Grammer makes no claims to faith, his view lends itself to the Christian thought that each human has inherent value because they are all created in the image of God. Whether we realize it or not, general Judeo-Christian values permeate the roots of Western societies. But when we become believers and spend time getting to know God by studying His word, we should let His infinite knowledge and wisdom influence our worldview. We should seek to let His knowledge influence all we do and walk in confidence that we are secure in His omniscience.
EXTRA was written by Emily Duncan, a Southern California native currently living in West Georgia with her husband, daughter, and two dogs. God saved her from Wicca when she was sixteen, and she now serves alongside her youth pastor husband as a girls’ leader at New Hope First Baptist Church in Dallas, GA. Emily spends most of her time tangled in yarn while crocheting or reading outside in the hammock.
Study the Bible (Option from Adult Leader Guide)
In advance, play a video showing night vision goggles, comparing it to vision with the naked eye. Discuss ways God helps us see our circumstances from a spiritual perspective. (If possible, bring actual night vision goggles or a night vision scope and let members try them out.)
Additional Questions
Ice Breaker
- What’s the worst schoolyard altercation you witnessed as a child?
- When have you been a winner despite the odds being stacked against you?
- What is your favorite come-from-behind, feel-good movie?
- How does God’s knowledge and power prevail in the face of opposition?
2 Kings 6:8-12
- How does God’s infinite knowledge impact or affect our lives?
- How does Israel’s conflict with Aram remind us of the spiritual warfare we face daily with the forces of evil?
- When has your trust in God’s infinite knowledge proven to be wise?
- How can believers distinguish God’s revelation of truth from other sources of information?
2 Kings 6:15-17
- Why is human perception of spiritual realities often limited?
- What are some of the ways God opens our eyes and allows us to see what He is doing?
- When have you sensed God’s unseen protection?
- What practical steps will position a believer to see God’s hand at work against those who oppose us?
2 Kings 6:18-24
- Why is it so hard to resist retaliating against persons who oppose us?
- When dealing with opposition, how is the way of God different from the way of the world?
- What are practical ways we can show kindness to those who oppose us?
- How can we draw the line between being kind to those who oppose God’s kingdom and agreeing with them?
- What do you appreciate about God’s gift of prayer?
- How can believers be kind and gracious to those who oppose them without compromising their stand for the truth?
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
I have been teaching with Bible Studies for Life material for many years. I really enjoy these podcasts. I haven’t heard Chris Johnson for a while and wonder is he still part of the Lifeway team? I like the chemistry between you two and your passion for God and small group discipleship. Keep up the good work!
Chris is still very much a part of the Bible Studies for Life family.