Virtuous Woman - ExcellenceSample

Power

Character Goal: Power is the ability to direct or influence the behavior of others either for evil or for God’s glory.

Biblical Character: Jezebel

Scripture Readings: 1 Kings 16:29‑33; 21:1‑7, 15‑25

Discussion Questions:

• How is Ahab described?
• On top of his other sins, whom did Ahab marry?
• After Ahab married Jezebel, what did he begin to do?
• How is Ahab described before his marriage? After his marriage?
• What does this tell us about how Jezebel used her power to influence Ahab?
• What did Ahab want from Naboth? How did Naboth respond to his request?
• Describe Ahab’s response to Naboth’s refusal.
• How did Jezebel respond to Ahab’s unhappiness?
• As a teammate, how do you respond to another teammate’s unhappiness? Do you walk off irritated and angry or encourage them with a hug and a word from the Lord? What is the result of each of these scenarios?
• What do Jezebel’s actions tell us about her view of God? Men?
• What does your behavior reflect about your view of God and men?
• What happened to Naboth as a result of Jezebel’s plan?
• After she received the news of Naboth’s death, what did Jezebel tell Ahab to do?
• What are some character traits seen in Jezebel? What does this tell us about women who have no fear of God?
• Are the traits that Jezebel possessed evident in your own life? Do they show up in your sport? Which ones? How can you repent and glorify God in these areas?
• What was the Lord’s message to Ahab and his wife Jezebel? What does this tell us about God?
• What does verse 25 tell us about Ahab and the influence of his wife?
• What does this tell us about the power women have in the lives of others?
• Athletes have a lot of power to influence others. Do you use your power to influence others for God or for selfish gain?
• In what ways can you use your influence as a female athlete for God’s glory?
• What does this story teach you about God? Women? How can you apply these truths to your life?
• What is one thing I learned from this story that I can apply to my life before the next lesson?

Core Truths:

• Women have power to influence others either for evil or for God’s glory.
• People who live without any fear of God show no restraint in their life or in the way they treat others.
• Fearing God and being aware of His presences in our lives influences our behavior in positive ways.

Training for Godliness:

Athletes are powerful in their influence. Women are powerful in their influence. What does that tell you about a woman who is an athlete? How will you use your power to influence others? What are some tools you can use to make sure you are on the right track and not using your influence for selfish gain or to harm others?

Memory Verse: “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.” - Proverbs 31:30