Finding Comfort and Faith in a Christ-centered Life
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Finding comfort and reason to have faith in Christ
Finding comfort and reason to have faith in Christ
I. Introduction
Introduce the topic of King Josiah and his significance in the Bible
Explain that Josiah was a righteous king who sought to bring about spiritual renewal in the nation of Judah
Highlight the parallels between Josiah's life and the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament
1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath.
2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.
1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem.
2 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father; and he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and the metal images.
4 And they chopped down the altars of the Baals in his presence, and he cut down the incense altars that stood above them. And he broke in pieces the Asherim and the carved and the metal images, and he made dust of them and scattered it over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.
5 He also burned the bones of the priests on their altars and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.
6 And in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, and as far as Naphtali, in their ruins all around,
7 he broke down the altars and beat the Asherim and the images into powder and cut down all the incense altars throughout all the land of Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem.
33 And Josiah took away all the abominations from all the territory that belonged to the people of Israel and made all who were present in Israel serve the Lord their God. All his days they did not turn away from following the Lord, the God of their fathers.
This prophecy was fulfilled ~360 years later
A. Josiah was still very young and might have learned from the advise David gave to Solomon years ago.
9 “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.
10 Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.”
2 and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The Lord is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.
B. God want us to (1) know him and (2) understand him.
24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
C. Jesus said Knowing God is eternal life
3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
D. where there is no knowledge of God, people are destroyed
They are destroyed because there is no Justice, Mercy, or righteousness on earth.
Hosea 4:1 “Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel, for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land;”
Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”
They are destroyed because there is no Justice, Mercy, or righteousness on earth.
II. The Life of King Josiah
Discuss Josiah's upbringing and early reign as a young king
Explain how Josiah discovered the Book of the Law (likely the Book of Deuteronomy) and initiated a spiritual revival in Judah (2 Kings 22:8-11)
Describe Josiah's efforts to remove idolatry, repair the temple, and restore true worship in the land (2 Chronicles 34:8-9) (2 Chronicles 34:14-19) (2 Chronicles 34:21-27)
Point out how Josiah's reign prefigured the reign of the ultimate Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Josiah kept the passover and the feast of unleavened bread.
Josiah was killed in battle at the valley of Meggido for trying to help his neighbors. It was not his battle but he felt the need to help. (2 Chronicles 35:20-27)
Similarities between Josiah and Jesus in their obedience and commitment and faithfulness to God
A. Josiah's and Jesus' response to the word of God
B. Josiah and Jesus' dedication to tearing down idols and restoring true worship
C. Josiah and Jesus' humility and seeking after God
Discuss how Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies and brought about true spiritual renewal for all who believe in Him
Josiah's life points to the ultimate restoration and redemption through Jesus
III. Application
Encourage listeners to emulate Josiah's commitment to seeking God with his whole heart and living according to His Word
Challenge believers to follow Jesus as their ultimate King and Savior, who brings about true spiritual renewal and restoration
Call for a response of repentance, faith, and obedience to Christ in light of His fulfillment of the Messianic promises
IV. Conclusion
Summarize the key points of the message
Challenge to live a life of obedience and commitment to God
Pray for the church to follow King Josiah's example and Jesus Christ's teachings.