Warning to the Church

2 Chronicles 7:12-22

The Misuse of 2 Chronicles 7:14.

The Setting

Dedicating the Temple.

Response to Solomon’s prayer.

It is conditional.

There are dire warnings connected to it as well.

The Walkthrough

Verse 12 - I heard thy prayer.

Verse 13 - God is bringing judgement on the land.

- God can and does use these things as judgement.

Verse 14 - Specifically Israel in the immediate context. We must not jump to immediate application to the Church.

- We have a better covenant - Hebrews 8:6 “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.”

- Here though is a model of True Repentance.

Humility.

Prayer.

Seeking God’s Face.

Turning from our wicked ways.

Verses 15-16 - Are focused on prayers made in this place, the Temple.

- New Covenant understanding is different. John 4:21 “Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.” , John 4:23 “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.”

Verses 17-18 - Show that this promise is based on performance, on merit.

Verses 19-22 - Are the consequences of not meeting the obligations of the promise or covenant.

- Israel failed to keep the promise and were scattered, made a byword and a laughing stock.

New Testament Church Application

The Application of True Repentance Stands. Acts 2:38, 3:19-21, 17:30, Hebrews 10:26-31.

Though our Salvation is Free, it should not be taken for granted.

The Laodicean church in America has become a laughing stock, a proverb, a byword. We have forgotten our need of Christ, we feel satisfied with the world, we don’t recognize our miserable condition! Christ stands outside of this Church and wants back in!