Sermon Outline:

O for a Messiah with the strength of the Lord

O for a Messiah who makes the land a beautiful safe garden for his people

O for a Messiah who loves the holiness of God

O for a Messiah who opens the eyes, ears and hearts of his people

Family Discussion Questions:

What lovely things did the Lord do through Uzziah as He strengthened him?

Which of those things is most lovely to you right now as you long for the full reign of Uzziahs great Son Jesus

What sin did Uzziah try to commit? What did that sin reveal about his view of holiness?

What makes self-righteousness more deadly than trusting in your own physical strength?

Why are those two sins so often connected?

Where did Jotham succeed where his dad Uzziah did not?

What does this tell us about the goodness of Gods physical blessings?

Where did Jothams reign fall short where Christs will succeed?

How does the Lord Jesus ministry fulfill the vision of Isaiah in the temple?

When do you typically tend to treasure the gift which Christ gives which was symbolized by the coal from the altar?

Sermon Summary:

I: How good it is when the king and priest honour each-other, how painful when one neglects the others role and wisdom.

II: How good it is when the king acts on Gods prophetic word, how painful when the prophets wisdom is ignored.

III: God strikes down the reign of those kings that ignore his law (priests) and His word (prophets).

IV: In Christ, the roles of prophet, priest and king are brought together, for the perfect blessing of His people.

Discussion Questions:

What made the early reign of Joash so successful?

What can we take from Joashs priority on reconstructing the temple?

How did the people respond to the early reign of Joash?

What changed for Joash when Jehoiada died?

How did the people respond to the later reign of Joash?

What were the signs of Amaziahs half-hearted wisdom and faithfulness?

How does Amaziahs response to Gods word from the prophets show the state of his reign?

How does God respond to the reign of these kings who were not wholly faithful or wise?

What is some of the ministry of Christs prophetic office?

What is some of the ministry of Christs priestly office?

What is some of the ministry of Christs kingly office?

What are some of the connections you can see between these three offices of Jesus?

Why does Jesus role as prophet, priest and king give us assurance that His reign will never end?

Sermon Outline:

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked

The Lord hates intimacy as a business

The wrath(s) facing the stump of Jesse

Embrace the covenant while its glory looks foolish to the world

Meditate on the glorious revealing of the Son of David and his covenant brothers and sisters

Family Discussion Questions:

Which were the three times the heirs of David were reduced to just one son?

What actions of the sons of David led to that terror?

Can you describe the connection between idolatry and adultery?

Why was the house of David not destroyed like the house of Ahab?

Why is it foolish to deny Gods promises, even when they look like they may fail or even appear to have failed?

What are the two ways in which the Great Son of David will conquer all peoples? Which weapons are we to use in service of Christ?

How does baptism signify Christs work and the Gospel promises purchased by it?

What part of the events of todays texts most clearly align with a Sunday Church worship service?

What part of the events most clearly align with the Second Coming of Christ?

Sermon Outline:

I: The folly of those who turn to the wisdom of flatterers rather than the Lord is self-destructive.

II: Those who try to maintain a common cause with the wicked will be influenced by them.

III: True wisdom judges in the fear of the Lord even when threatened by men.

IV: To trust in the Lord is to know lasting victory, while all those who love flattery and fear men will perish.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does this picture of Ahab as he appears in this story tell us about sin and its effects on our wisdom?

2. What does it say about Ahabs prophets if Micaiah was told what to prophecy before he got into the kings court?

3. How could Ahab want to hear only from lying prophets even when his life was on the line?

4. What does Micaiahs vision of Gods heavenly court say about Gods sovereignty?

5. What do the fates of Jehoshaphat and Ahab in battle show?

6. Overall, what would you say was Jehoshaphats weakness as a king? How might that same sin be a danger in our context now?

7. What instruction does Jehoshaphat give his judges in chapter 19. How does this contrast with what we saw in Isarels court? How can it be a help for us to remember in our context now?

8. Why is the truth better to hear even when people dont like it?

9. Why is the truth of the gospel really better news than the message of false prophets, even if it includes things people dont want to hear like sin and hell?

Sermon Outline:

I: Through Asa, Gods people had hope that they would enjoy Gods blessings and promises.

II: Asas reign leaves us disappointed that He failed to persevere in faithfulness.

III: Our lasting hope is in the constant faithfulness of Jesus, who entrusted Himself unwaveringly to God.

Discussion Questions:

1: What verdict does the Chronicler give regarding Asas reign. What makes that verdict so interesting in Asas case?

2: What does Azariah prophecy regarding Asa? What would that challenge have meant to the readers of Chronicles? What does it mean for us now on this side of the cross?

3: Why would Azariah tell Asa to take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, when his task was to seek the Lord?

4: What righteous actions of Asa did the Chronicler choose to show us? In what particular ways do these actions show us Asas faithfulness as a king?

5: Who was the primary actor in Asas early reign, making it so successful?

6: Why might the story of Asa leave us more disappointed than the account of a purely wicked king like Ahab or Amon?

7: Have you ever experienced the disappointment of someone who you trusted in wavering in their trust in God? How can looking to Christ help you to respond to your disappointment in that particular case?

8: Consider the Context of 1 Peter 2:22-25. The faithfulness of Christ to God does not give us a license to live faithlessly. What can and should we take from Christs faithfulness?

Sermon Outline:Gods people have no plea but His oathsYou have hope if you cling to Gods royal oath to DavidYou have hope if you cling to Gods temple oath to AaronIn sin or despair do not forsake the Covenant of the Lord

Family discussion Questions:Why was Judah unable to trust in their obedience or their power?What reasons did Abijah say were the reasons that Israel should not expect the Lord to fight for them?What separated the two peoples - who were close relatives - into a group which God would fight for and a group which God would fight against?What was Gods royal oath to David?What was Gods temple oath to Aaron?When you face weakness and despair - how would Gods oaths to David be your hope?When you face your own sin - how would Gods oaths to David be your hope?Are you more likely to put your confidence for life in your righteousness or in human strength (money, health, education, family, etc.)? Do the people who are most responsible for your discipleship know that?

Sermon Outline:

Rich Blessings will be received by theGreat Son of David and His people withglad thankfulness

God trains His childrento see sin as slavery

The Lord gives His people a humble Son of David and hears his prayers

Family Discussion Questions:

How did God show mercy to Rehoboam before chapter 12 (before Egypt came to attack)?

Blessings and prosperity are not bad in themselves, so why do they often parted with a turning away from the Lord?

What was Gods purpose for sending the Pharaoh to destroy Jerusalem? Where had He promised to do this?

How would you describe the difference in Rehoboam at the end of his reign in comparison to at the beginning?

What is the difference between the humility of the Lord Jesus Christ and the humility of Rehoboam?

How would this passage have pastored the returned exiles? What warnings are there for them? What encouragements? What promises?

How is sin, even enjoyable sin, slavery? Why is living as a slave of Christ the Lord better than as a slave of sin or self?

What does it mean to set your heart to seek the Lord?

Sermon Outline:1. The Kingdom of Israel was divided because of the sin of the Son of David2. The Kingdom of Israel was divided through the young folly of the Son of David3. The Kingdom of Israel was divided through the heavy burdens from the Son of David4. The Lord Himself faithfully preserves a remnant clinging to Gods gracious covenant

Family Discussion Questions:1. What was the reason that God brought this division in His people?2. Why did Rehoboam get to keep the tribe of Judah?3. What did God use to divide His people?4. Not all old people are wise and not all young people are fools. So, what is the link between age and wisdom?5. How is Jesus described visually in the vision of Revelation, and how is that a great comfort to you?6. Was Israel only expected to serve a Son of David who would be gentle with them?7. Compare Jesus (the last Son of David) response to yokes and burdens with Rehoboams (the second Son of David).8. What does it mean that Jesus yoke is easy, as opposed to being hard or non-existent?9. What about Jesus heart makes His burdens easy and light for His people?10. Would Jesus agree that those adding burdens and expectations on His people are taking His Lordship more seriously than others?

Sermon Outline:The Last and Great Son of David perfects and fulfills what the first accomplishedThe Son of Davids reign reaches the nationsThe glory of the temple radiates beauty, wisdom, peace and glory to all areas of lifeThe glorious structure shows cracks immediately

Family Discussion Questions:Why was the writer so eager to talk about the temple when talking about Solomons other glories?Why was the throne a benefit to Israel, and why was it fitting that it was so luxurious?What was the benefit of military strength?What were the benefits of gold, jewels and peacocks and apes?How was the visit of the Queen of Sheba a fulfillment of prophecies?How was the visit of the Queen of Sheba itself a prophecy?In what ways did Solomon show cracks which showed this kingdom was bound to crumble?What is different about the Lord Jesus which ensures us that His messiahship will be permanent?Why should we reject teachings about heaven and the reign of Christ which are only spiritual and not also physical?How does Jesus extend His permanent temple, which is His body?How does Jesus authority over the nations accomplish that building project?

Sermon Outline:Gods public confirmation that His eyes, ears, and heart are ever toward His TempleGod is eager to respond with mercy and forgiveness to humble temple prayersGod will be faithful to hear the prayers of the Son of DavidGod will be faithful to hear the prayers of the citizens of the Son of David

Family Discussion Questions:The people repeatedly expressed delight over the love of God for them. What attribute of Gods love was on display in this event and why is that critical for us to meditate on?How did remove any doubt that He would honour the worship at the temple?What kinds of prayers did God promise to answer?What are the various ways repentance is described in this passage?How did God publicly demonstrate that Christ was both the New Temple and the Son of David whose prayers He answers?How did God publicly demonstrate that the Church is the Body of Christ, and therefore the true temple of God?

The response to the prayers of the son of David for his people depended on his faithfulness to the law of God. Why does the promise that Jesus is our Son of David give sweet confidence that His prayers for the church will be eagerly answered by God?Not only could the Son of David offer temple prayers for the people, but they too could offer these prayers. How does this foreshadow our relationship with Jesus, the Spirit and the Father?