BIG LESSONS FROM LITTLE KNOWN BIBLE CHARACTERS

This week we will look at some Bible characters that most people have never hear of. What can you learn from them?

MONDAY: EBED-MELECH (Read Jeremiah 38:1-13,39:15-17)
1. Where was he from? What was his position?
2. What qualities do you see in this man? (Find at least three)
3. What happens as a result of his actions? Who can I help that is “in the pits” this week?

TUESDAY: ELYMAS aka BAR-JESUS (Read Acts 13:1-12
1. Who was Elymas? In what way did he try to influence Sergius Paulus?
2. What characteristics (good or bad) did he portray? What happened to him because of his actions?
3. What can we do when someone tries to turn you from your faith? Others from their faith?

WEDNESDAY: GEHAZI (Read 2 Kings 5:1-27)
1. Who was Gehazi?
2. What sins did Gehazi commit? What was his motive?
3. What was the result of his actions? What can you learn from Gehazi’s sin?

THURSDAY: EPAPHRAS (Read Colossians 1:1-8; 4:12-13 and Philemon 1:23)
1. How does Paul describe Epaphras? What qualities does he have?
2. What three things was Epaphras “wrestling in prayer” for? Write down two people you need to wrestle in prayer for this week? Pray for them daily this week.

FRIDAY: TROPHIMUS (Read Acts 20:1-4; 21:27-36; 2 Timothy 4:20)
1. From where was Trophimus? Reading all the passages above, how would you describe the Trophimus’ commitment to God?
2. Gentiles were forbidden from the temple under the penalty of death. What assumption did the Jews make in turning the crowd against Paul? Why are making assumptions dangerous? Instead of making assumptions what should a Christian do? Did the Jews want the facts or were they looking for an excuse to stop Paul?
3. How can prejudices and hatred blind someone to the truth? What prejudices do you need to deal with? Ask God to help you get the facts before making assumptions, help you have pure motives and to deliver you from any prejudices that can blind you from God’s truths?

SATURDAY: ABIMELECH SON OF GIDEON (aka Jerub-Baal {see Judges 6:32}). Read Judges 8:31, 9:1-57)
1. What did Abimelech conspire to do (9:1-5)? What warning did his half brother Jotham give the people of Shechem (9:7-21)?
2. What sins did Abimelech commit? How would you describe his character? Abimelech cruelly repressed a rebellion (9:22-40). What happened to him? How did his sins affect the people around him? What does this teach you about sin?
3. What characteristics did Jotham show? How can you be more like Jotham?
4. Sooner or later God repays wickedness. What does that inspire in you? Fear? Comfort? Guilt? Awe?
5. Do you know someone who is following an “Abimelech” in his or her life? Ask God to give them wisdom and ask Him to show you how you can be a “Jotham” to them.