Sensitivity – having a tender heart    2 Kings 22:16-20   EBC  Wed. Night 11/10/04

  Sensitivity is being aware of the pain in others because of the healing we have received from God for similar hurts. Bill Gothard – when we harder our hearts we loose the capacity to understand the hurt of others. 2 Cor. 1:4

I. Definition

  A. The Biblical word for sensitivity is tenderheartedness.

    1. Eph. 4:32 -

  B. Greek word is eusplagchnes

    1. “eu”- well and good

    2. “splagchnes” – intestines. Figuratively it means to have bowels of compassion, to be pitiful to others

      a. 1 Peter 3:8 -

II. The Development of Sensitivity

  Josiah was eight years old when he assumed the throne of Judah. His key to greatness was his tender heart. See 2 Kings 23:25

  We see Josiah’s development:

  A. He purposed to please the Lord (2 Kings 22:2)

    1. Josiah, as a boy, like Daniel, purposed to please God and not defile himself with the things of the world

      a. Dan. 1:8 -

      b. John 17:15-16 –

  B. He chose a Godly role model (2 kings 22:2)

    1. He chose David’s life as a pattern to walk by. What kind of examples are we setting for those behind us to follow?

      a. 1 Cor. 10:11 -

      b. 1 Thess. 1:17 –

      c. 1 Peter 5:3 -  

  C. He kept his focus on the Lord (2 Kings 22:2)

    1. He maintained a godly balance and steadfastly followed the Lord

      a. 1 Cor. 15:58 -

  D. He restored the place of worship (2 Kings 22:5)

    1. A Place of worship was very important to him.

      a. Gen. 8:20; 26:25; 35:7  – every place Abram went he built an altar

    2. Worship says something about the heart. At age 18, Josiah started renovation the Temple and restoring worship to where it used to be.

  E. He was moved upon hearing the word of God (2 Kings 22:11)

    1. Does the word of God move you to obedience or can you listen and go on the way you are.

  F. He acknowledged the sins of his forefathers (2 Kings 22:13)

    1. He realized the consequences of sin

III. The Reward for Sensitivity (2 Kings 22:19)

IV. Our Sensitivity

  A. Do we allow bitterness to cause callousness in our spirit?

  B. Have you chosen a godly role model to follow?

  C. Do you seek God with your whole heart?

  D. Are you sensitive to God’s voice when he speaks thru the spirit?