HALF-HEARTED SERVICE
II CHRONICLES 25:1-2, 14
II CHRONICLES 25:1-2, 14
Key verse: verse 2, “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.”
Introduction:
Amaziah inherited the throne of Judah form his father, Joash, at 25 years of age. He began well, but he did not serve God with his whole heart. Let’s look at the example that his father left behind.
I. The One Who Served Half-Heartedly.
A. Depending on others for your strength, 2 Chronicles 24:2, “And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.”
B. Results of this dependence, 2 Chronicles 2:15-21.
1. The Priest died, v. 15.
2. The King listened to the people, v. 17.
a. They LEFT the HOUSE OF GOD, v. 18.
b. They SERVED IDOLS, v. 18.
3. God sent PROPHETS, v. 19, “but they (the people) would not give ear.”
4. God raised up ANOTHER PRIEST, vs. 20-25.
a. He preached the truth, v. 20.
b. The King ordered him stoned, vs. 21-22.
c. God remembered His servant, vs. 22-25.
II. The One Who Served God With a Whole Heart.
A. Examples of faithful men in the Old Testament:
1. ABRAHAM, Genesis 15:6, “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
2. DAVID, Acts 13:22b, “….and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”
B. Examples in the New Testament:
1. JESUS, John 4:34, “For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. John 5:30, “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”
2. THE APOSTLE PAUL, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
III. Exortations
A. From Paul to the young pastor, Timothy: 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
B. From Paul to Titus: Titus 2:1, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:”
Conclusion:
Our best example is Jesus Christ!! He is always an excellent example to those who want to serve the Lord.