we need to understand the nature of the spiritual battles of god’s people. n the battleground has...

We need to understand the nature of the We need to understand the nature of the spiritual battles of God’s people.spiritual battles of God’s people.


The battleground has and will always be for The battleground has and will always be for the hearts and minds of men. Changing the hearts and minds of men. Changing the heart is no easy task. the heart is no easy task. (Jer 17:1, 7-10)(Jer 17:1, 7-10)



Jeremiah 17:1Jeremiah 17:1 - "The sin of Judah - "The sin of Judah is is written with a pen of iron; With the point of written with a pen of iron; With the point of a diamond a diamond it is it is engraved On the tablet of engraved On the tablet of their heart, And on the horns of your altars,their heart, And on the horns of your altars,



Jeremiah 17:7-10Jeremiah 17:7-10 - - "Blessed "Blessed is is the man the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. 8 For he shall be like a tree the LORD. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit. Nor will cease from yielding fruit.



9 " The heart 9 " The heart is is deceitful above all deceitful above all things, things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? And desperately wicked; Who can know it? 10 I, the LORD, search the heart, 10 I, the LORD, search the heart, I I test the test the mind, Even to give every man according to mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.doings.



Understanding the nature and thoughts of Understanding the nature and thoughts of God is the only hope for man.God is the only hope for man.



Understanding the nature and thoughts of Understanding the nature and thoughts of God is the only hope for man.God is the only hope for man.

Satan’s goal is to block, obscure and distort Satan’s goal is to block, obscure and distort the nature of God to men. the nature of God to men. (2 Cor 4:3-4)(2 Cor 4:3-4)



2 Corinthians 4:3-42 Corinthians 4:3-4 - - But even if our But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on who is the image of God, should shine on them.them.



This is a battle that is never won as well.This is a battle that is never won as well.



We are “leaky buckets” therefore we We are “leaky buckets” therefore we constantly need solid teaching. constantly need solid teaching.



We are “leaky buckets” therefore we We are “leaky buckets” therefore we constantly need solid teaching. constantly need solid teaching.

True understanding is not easy. It requires a True understanding is not easy. It requires a spiritual commitment. spiritual commitment. (Prov 12:15; 16:2)(Prov 12:15; 16:2)



Proverbs 12:15Proverbs 12:15 - - The way of a fool The way of a fool is is right right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is is wise.wise.



Proverbs 16:2Proverbs 16:2 - - All the ways of a man All the ways of a man are are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits.the spirits.



This battle is fought to teach the next This battle is fought to teach the next generation!generation!

The Nature and Mind of God is the focus of The Nature and Mind of God is the focus of our battleour battle


When we truly come to a knowledge of the When we truly come to a knowledge of the nature of God then it changes us.nature of God then it changes us.



When we truly come to a knowledge of the When we truly come to a knowledge of the nature of God then it changes us.nature of God then it changes us.

What did God say about Himself? What did God say about Himself? (Ex 34:6-7)(Ex 34:6-7)



Exodus 34:6-7Exodus 34:6-7 - And the LORD passed before - And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, 7 "keeping abounding in goodness and truth, 7 "keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing transgression and sin, by no means clearing the the guilty, guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the the children and the children's children to the third and the fourth generation.”third and the fourth generation.”



He wanted us to know of His mercy, grace, He wanted us to know of His mercy, grace, longsuffering, goodness, truth, forgiveness longsuffering, goodness, truth, forgiveness and justice. Why?and justice. Why?




His character transforms our character if we His character transforms our character if we will seek Him and find Him.will seek Him and find Him.




His character transforms our character if we His character transforms our character if we will seek Him and find Him.will seek Him and find Him.

God started transforming His people by God started transforming His people by teaching them the fear of God. teaching them the fear of God. (Deut 5:24-29)(Deut 5:24-29)



Deuteronomy 5:24-29Deuteronomy 5:24-29 - - "And you said: "And you said: 'Surely the LORD our God has shown us His 'Surely the LORD our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire. We have seen voice from the midst of the fire. We have seen this day that God speaks with man; yet he this day that God speaks with man; yet he still still lives. 25 'Now therefore, why should we die? lives. 25 'Now therefore, why should we die? For this great fire will consume us; if we hear For this great fire will consume us; if we hear the voice of the LORD our God anymore, then the voice of the LORD our God anymore, then we shall die. we shall die.



26 'For who 26 'For who is there is there of all flesh who has of all flesh who has heard the voice of the living God speaking heard the voice of the living God speaking from the midst of the fire, as we from the midst of the fire, as we have, have, and and lived? 27 'You go near and hear all that the lived? 27 'You go near and hear all that the LORD our God may say, and tell us all that LORD our God may say, and tell us all that the LORD our God says to you, and we will the LORD our God says to you, and we will hear and do hear and do it.'it.'



28 "Then the LORD heard the voice of your 28 "Then the LORD heard the voice of your words when you spoke to me, and the LORD words when you spoke to me, and the LORD said to me: 'I have heard the voice of the words said to me: 'I have heard the voice of the words of this people which they have spoken to you. of this people which they have spoken to you. They are right They are right in in all that they have spoken. 29 all that they have spoken. 29 'Oh, that they had such a heart in them that 'Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!them and with their children forever!



Consider what it means to truly fear God. Consider what it means to truly fear God. How did God teach them this?How did God teach them this?



Consider what it means to truly fear God. Consider what it means to truly fear God. How did God teach them this?How did God teach them this?

How does a fear of God lead to other How does a fear of God lead to other profitable things? profitable things? (Prov 1:5-7; 2:2-7)(Prov 1:5-7; 2:2-7)



Proverbs 1:5-7Proverbs 1:5-7 - - A wise A wise man man will hear and will hear and increase learning, And a man of increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, 6 understanding will attain wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the LORD The fear of the LORD is is the beginning of the beginning of knowledge, knowledge, But But fools despise wisdom and fools despise wisdom and instruction.instruction.



Proverbs 2:2-7Proverbs 2:2-7 - - 2 So that you incline your 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, ear to wisdom, And And apply your heart to apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, discernment, And And lift up your voice for lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as And search for her as for for hidden treasures; hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the 5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God. LORD, And find the knowledge of God.



6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth mouth come come knowledge and understanding; knowledge and understanding; 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the 7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; upright; He is He is a shield to those who walk a shield to those who walk uprightly;uprightly;



How do people act when they do not fear How do people act when they do not fear God?God?



A great test of a person is when they are A great test of a person is when they are asked to examine God’s word about a asked to examine God’s word about a matter they are practicing or want to matter they are practicing or want to believe.believe.



Consider how God’s Nature molds us.Consider how God’s Nature molds us.



Consider how God’s Nature molds us.Consider how God’s Nature molds us. God is light and truthGod is light and truth – He hates – He hates

falsehood and praises integrity. Men respect falsehood and praises integrity. Men respect His words and wisdom. The silence of His words and wisdom. The silence of God causes men to be silent. God causes men to be silent.



God is holyGod is holy – He hates sin and must punish – He hates sin and must punish sinners. Sin is not taken lightly.sinners. Sin is not taken lightly.




God is merciful and patientGod is merciful and patient – He develops – He develops men in wisdom and gives them time.men in wisdom and gives them time.




God is merciful and patientGod is merciful and patient – He develops – He develops men in wisdom and gives them time.men in wisdom and gives them time.

God wants us to reason and seeGod wants us to reason and see, so He , so He helps us keep a sound mind by teaching helps us keep a sound mind by teaching

and warning of heart diseases that and warning of heart diseases that destroy the mind.destroy the mind.

The people of God have often forgotten GodThe people of God have often forgotten GodThe people of God have often forgotten GodThe people of God have often forgotten God

How can this be? How can this be? (Jer 2:10-13)(Jer 2:10-13)


Jeremiah 2:10-13Jeremiah 2:10-13 - - For pass beyond the For pass beyond the coasts of Cyprus and see, Send to Kedar and coasts of Cyprus and see, Send to Kedar and consider diligently, And see if there has been consider diligently, And see if there has been such such a thing.a thing. 11 Has a nation changed 11 Has a nation changed its its gods, Which gods, Which are are not gods? But My people not gods? But My people have changed their Glory For have changed their Glory For what what does not does not profit. 12 Be astonished, O heavens, at this, profit. 12 Be astonished, O heavens, at this, And be horribly afraid; Be very desolate," says And be horribly afraid; Be very desolate," says the LORD. the LORD.


13 "For My people have committed two 13 "For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, of living waters, And And hewn themselves hewn themselves cisterns -- broken cisterns that can hold no cisterns -- broken cisterns that can hold no water.water.


People forget God because God stands in People forget God because God stands in the way of their flesh! the way of their flesh! (Rom 1:28)(Rom 1:28)


Romans 1:28Romans 1:28 - - And even as they did not And even as they did not like to retain God in like to retain God in their their knowledge, God knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;those things which are not fitting;


When you want something bad enough you When you want something bad enough you will come to even fight God.will come to even fight God.


When you want something bad enough you When you want something bad enough you will come to even fight God.will come to even fight God.

Consider the apostasy cycle of the Judges. Consider the apostasy cycle of the Judges. (Judges 3:7; 1 Sam 12:9-11)(Judges 3:7; 1 Sam 12:9-11)


Judges 3:7Judges 3:7 - - So the children of Israel did So the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD. They forgot evil in the sight of the LORD. They forgot the LORD their God, and served the Baals the LORD their God, and served the Baals and Asherahs.and Asherahs.


1 Samuel 12:9-111 Samuel 12:9-11 - - "And when they forgot "And when they forgot the LORD their God, He sold them into the the LORD their God, He sold them into the hand of Sisera, commander of the army of hand of Sisera, commander of the army of Hazor, into the hand of the Philistines, and Hazor, into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab; and they into the hand of the king of Moab; and they fought against them. fought against them.


10 "Then they cried out to the LORD, and 10 "Then they cried out to the LORD, and said, 'We have sinned, because we have said, 'We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and forsaken the LORD and served the Baals and Ashtoreths; but now deliver us from the hand Ashtoreths; but now deliver us from the hand of our enemies, and we will serve You.' 11 of our enemies, and we will serve You.' 11 "And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Bedan, "And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side; and of the hand of your enemies on every side; and you dwelt in safety.you dwelt in safety.


When people lose a fear of God then they When people lose a fear of God then they discard Him.discard Him.



You will then see a change of worship with You will then see a change of worship with a corresponding change in morals.a corresponding change in morals.



You will then see a change of worship with You will then see a change of worship with a corresponding change in morals.a corresponding change in morals.

It takes great effort for men to remember It takes great effort for men to remember God over time. God over time. (Heb 11:6)(Heb 11:6)


Hebrews 11:6 Hebrews 11:6 -- But without faith But without faith it is it is impossible to please impossible to please Him, Him, for he who comes for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and to God must believe that He is, and that that He He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.Him.


When leaders cease fearing God then they When leaders cease fearing God then they will start lowering the standards.will start lowering the standards.


When leaders cease fearing God then they When leaders cease fearing God then they will start lowering the standards.will start lowering the standards.

Next there will be pressure applied on Next there will be pressure applied on teachers to accommodate rather than to teachers to accommodate rather than to

rebuke and warn. rebuke and warn.


What does the nature of God teach us about What does the nature of God teach us about the kind of teachers that we must demand? the kind of teachers that we must demand? (Ezk 3:17-21)(Ezk 3:17-21)


Ezekiel 3:17-21Ezekiel 3:17-21 - - "Son of man, I have made "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: 18 "When I say give them warning from Me: 18 "When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked that same wicked man man shall die in his iniquity; shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. but his blood I will require at your hand.


19 "Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he 19 "Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. but you have delivered your soul.


20 "Again, when a righteous 20 "Again, when a righteous man man turns turns from his righteousness and commits from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. at your hand.


21 "Nevertheless if you warn the righteous 21 "Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man man that the righteous should not sin, and that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.”delivered your soul.”


When the people of God want something When the people of God want something “new and interesting” then they have lost “new and interesting” then they have lost the fear of God. the fear of God. (Jer 14:10-11)(Jer 14:10-11)


Jeremiah 14:10-11Jeremiah 14:10-11 - - Thus says the LORD Thus says the LORD to this people: "Thus they have loved to to this people: "Thus they have loved to wander; They have not restrained their feet. wander; They have not restrained their feet. Therefore the LORD does not accept them; Therefore the LORD does not accept them; He will remember their iniquity now, And He will remember their iniquity now, And punish their sins." 11 Then the LORD said punish their sins." 11 Then the LORD said to me, "Do not pray for this people, for to me, "Do not pray for this people, for their their good.good.

How a corrupt leadership destroys the How a corrupt leadership destroys the people of Godpeople of God


God’s leaders are given the task of God’s leaders are given the task of reminding the people who God is and what reminding the people who God is and what He wants. Godly watchmen see the dangers He wants. Godly watchmen see the dangers and grieve over the people. and grieve over the people. (Jer 8:19-22)(Jer 8:19-22)



Jeremiah 8:19-22Jeremiah 8:19-22 - - Listen! The voice, The Listen! The voice, The cry of the daughter of my people From a far cry of the daughter of my people From a far country: "country: "Is Is not the LORD in Zion? not the LORD in Zion? Is Is not not her King in her?" "Why have they provoked her King in her?" "Why have they provoked Me to anger With their carved images -- Me to anger With their carved images -- With foreign idols?" 20 "The harvest is With foreign idols?" 20 "The harvest is past, The summer is ended, And we are not past, The summer is ended, And we are not saved!" saved!"



21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people 21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people I am hurt. I am mourning; Astonishment has I am hurt. I am mourning; Astonishment has taken hold of me. 22 taken hold of me. 22 Is there Is there no balm in no balm in Gilead, Gilead, Is there Is there no physician there? Why no physician there? Why then is there no recovery For the health of then is there no recovery For the health of the daughter of my people?the daughter of my people?

When worldly men are in control they will When worldly men are in control they will fight against God and His ways.fight against God and His ways.



The strongest reaction of the leaders was The strongest reaction of the leaders was against Jeremiah! against Jeremiah! (Jer 14:14; 18:18)(Jer 14:14; 18:18)

Jeremiah 14:14Jeremiah 14:14 - - And the LORD said to And the LORD said to me, "The prophets prophesy lies in My me, "The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart.thing, and the deceit of their heart.



Jeremiah 18:18Jeremiah 18:18 - - Then they said, "Come Then they said, "Come and let us devise plans against Jeremiah; for and let us devise plans against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come and let us attack him the prophet. Come and let us attack him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.”any of his words.”



The false leaders perverted the nature of The false leaders perverted the nature of God by teaching “grace, peace and God by teaching “grace, peace and assurance” apart from God’s standard. assurance” apart from God’s standard. (Jer 6:13-16)(Jer 6:13-16)



Jeremiah 6:13-16Jeremiah 6:13-16 - - "Because from the least "Because from the least of them even to the greatest of them, of them even to the greatest of them, Everyone Everyone is is given to covetousness; And given to covetousness; And from the prophet even to the priest, from the prophet even to the priest, Everyone deals falsely. 14 They have also Everyone deals falsely. 14 They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, 'Peace, peace!' When Saying, 'Peace, peace!' When there is there is no no peace. peace.



15 Were they ashamed when they had 15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time I punish them, those who fall; At the time I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the LORD. They shall be cast down," says the LORD.



16 Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways 16 Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way the good way is, is, And walk in it; Then you And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk 'We will not walk in it.‘in it.‘

They develop a concept of God that has no They develop a concept of God that has no practical impact on doctrine.practical impact on doctrine.



They made God in their image and thus They made God in their image and thus have a changeable God. The idea of have a changeable God. The idea of “restoration” is not flexible with the “restoration” is not flexible with the changing whims of men and culture.changing whims of men and culture.

They profited by ignorance and provided They profited by ignorance and provided teachers to promote it! teachers to promote it!



They would focus on relationships with men as They would focus on relationships with men as their primary focus. They would define service their primary focus. They would define service to God in such as way that would eliminate to God in such as way that would eliminate discussion of God’s word on any question.discussion of God’s word on any question.

These actions over time will produce a These actions over time will produce a haughty spirit of pride in the people where haughty spirit of pride in the people where they no longer will listen. they no longer will listen. (Micah 2:6-8; Jer 25:3-12)(Micah 2:6-8; Jer 25:3-12)



Micah 2:6-8Micah 2:6-8 - - 6 " Do not prattle," 6 " Do not prattle," you say you say to those to those who prophesy. So they shall not who prophesy. So they shall not prophesy to you; They shall not return prophesy to you; They shall not return insult for insult. 7 insult for insult. 7 You who are You who are named the named the house of Jacob: "Is the Spirit of the LORD house of Jacob: "Is the Spirit of the LORD restricted? restricted? Are Are these His doings? Do not these His doings? Do not My words do good To him who walks My words do good To him who walks uprightly? uprightly?



8 "Lately My people have risen up as an 8 "Lately My people have risen up as an enemy -- You pull off the robe with the enemy -- You pull off the robe with the garment From those who trust garment From those who trust you, you, as they as they pass by, Like men returned from war.pass by, Like men returned from war.



Jeremiah 25:3-12Jeremiah 25:3-12 - - 3 "From the thirteenth year 3 "From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even to this day, this to this day, this is is the twenty-third year in which the twenty-third year in which the word of the LORD has come to me; and I the word of the LORD has come to me; and I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, but you have not listened. 4 "And the LORD but you have not listened. 4 "And the LORD has sent to you all His servants the prophets, has sent to you all His servants the prophets, rising early and sending rising early and sending them, them, but you have not but you have not listened nor inclined your ear to hear.listened nor inclined your ear to hear.



5 "They said, 'Repent now everyone of his 5 "They said, 'Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. 6 'Do not and your fathers forever and ever. 6 'Do not go after other gods to serve them and go after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me to worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands; and I anger with the works of your hands; and I will not harm you.'will not harm you.'



7 "Yet you have not listened to Me," says 7 "Yet you have not listened to Me," says the LORD, "that you might provoke Me to the LORD, "that you might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to your anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt. 8 " Therefore thus says the own hurt. 8 " Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Because you have not LORD of hosts: 'Because you have not heard My words, heard My words,



9 'behold, I will send and take all the families 9 'behold, I will send and take all the families of the north,' says the LORD, 'and of the north,' says the LORD, 'and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land, servant, and will bring them against this land, against its inhabitants, and against these against its inhabitants, and against these nations all around, and will utterly destroy nations all around, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, a them, and make them an astonishment, a hissing, and perpetual desolations. hissing, and perpetual desolations.



10 'Moreover I will take from them the 10 'Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp. 11 'And this whole the light of the lamp. 11 'And this whole land shall be a desolation land shall be a desolation and and an an astonishment, and these nations shall serve astonishment, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. the king of Babylon seventy years.



12 ' Then it will come to pass, when seventy 12 ' Then it will come to pass, when seventy years are completed, years are completed, that that I will punish the I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their iniquity,' says the the Chaldeans, for their iniquity,' says the LORD; 'and I will make it a perpetual LORD; 'and I will make it a perpetual desolation.desolation.

The failure of the reforms of JosiahThe failure of the reforms of JosiahThe failure of the reforms of JosiahThe failure of the reforms of Josiah

Josiah had God’s word read to him for the Josiah had God’s word read to him for the first time. first time. (2 Chron 34:18-21)(2 Chron 34:18-21)


2 Chronicles 34:18-212 Chronicles 34:18-21 - - Then Shaphan the Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, "Hilkiah the scribe told the king, saying, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." And Shaphan priest has given me a book." And Shaphan read it before the king. 19 Thus it read it before the king. 19 Thus it happened, when the king heard the words of happened, when the king heard the words of the Law, that he tore his clothes. the Law, that he tore his clothes.


20 …. 21 "Go, inquire of the LORD for 20 …. 21 "Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for those who are left in Israel and me, and for those who are left in Israel and Judah, concerning the words of the book Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found; for great that is found; for great is is the wrath of the the wrath of the LORD that is poured out on us, because our LORD that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do according to all that is written LORD, to do according to all that is written in this book.”in this book.”


He morns and asks God for help. He was He morns and asks God for help. He was not willing just to “try to have positive not willing just to “try to have positive

thoughts”. He wanted the truth of thoughts”. He wanted the truth of God. God.


He morns and asks God for help. He was He morns and asks God for help. He was not willing just to “try to have positive not willing just to “try to have positive

thoughts”. He wanted the truth of thoughts”. He wanted the truth of God. God.

The answer should not have surprised him. The answer should not have surprised him. (2 Chron 34:23-28)(2 Chron 34:23-28)


2 Chronicles 34:23-282 Chronicles 34:23-28 - - Then she Then she answered them, "Thus says the LORD God answered them, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel, 'Tell the man who sent you to Me, of Israel, 'Tell the man who sent you to Me, 24 "Thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will 24 "Thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will bring calamity on this place and on its bring calamity on this place and on its inhabitants, all the curses that are written in inhabitants, all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the the book which they have read before the king of Judah, king of Judah,


25 'because they have forsaken Me and 25 'because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, that they burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore My wrath works of their hands. Therefore My wrath will be poured out on this place, and not be will be poured out on this place, and not be quenched.' " ' quenched.' " '


26 "But as for the king of Judah, who sent 26 "But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, in this manner you to inquire of the LORD, in this manner you shall speak to him, 'Thus says the you shall speak to him, 'Thus says the LORD God of Israel: "LORD God of Israel: "Concerning Concerning the the words which you have heard -- words which you have heard --


27 "because your heart was tender, and you 27 "because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard heard you," you," says the LORD. says the LORD.


28 "Surely I will gather you to your fathers, 28 "Surely I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; and your eyes shall not see all the peace; and your eyes shall not see all the calamity which I will bring on this place calamity which I will bring on this place and its inhabitants." ' " So they brought and its inhabitants." ' " So they brought back word to the king.back word to the king.


God however recognized Josiah. God however recognized Josiah. (2 Tim 2:19)(2 Tim 2:19)


2 Timothy 2:192 Timothy 2:19 - - Nevertheless the solid Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”Christ depart from iniquity.”


Josiah tries anyway to change the people. Josiah tries anyway to change the people. (2 Chron 34:30-33)(2 Chron 34:30-33)


2 Chronicles 34:30-33 2 Chronicles 34:30-33 - The king went up - The king went up to the house of the LORD, with all the men to the house of the LORD, with all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem -- of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem -- the priests and the Levites, and all the the priests and the Levites, and all the people, great and small. And he read in people, great and small. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant which had been found in the the Covenant which had been found in the house of the LORD. house of the LORD.


31 Then the king stood in his place and 31 Then the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the LORD, to made a covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD, and to keep His follow the LORD, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book. that were written in this book.


32 And he made all who were present in Jerusalem 32 And he made all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a stand. So the inhabitants of and Benjamin take a stand. So the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. 33 Thus Josiah removed all God of their fathers. 33 Thus Josiah removed all the abominations from all the country that the abominations from all the country that belonged belonged to the children of Israel, and made all who were to the children of Israel, and made all who were present in Israel diligently serve the LORD their present in Israel diligently serve the LORD their God. All his days they did not depart from God. All his days they did not depart from following the LORD God of their fathers.following the LORD God of their fathers.


Have you ever thought: “I will make them Have you ever thought: “I will make them do what is right!”?do what is right!”?


Have you ever thought: “I will make them Have you ever thought: “I will make them do what is right!”?do what is right!”?

He had them observe the Passover. He had them observe the Passover. (2 Chron 35:1, 5, 7, 18-19)(2 Chron 35:1, 5, 7, 18-19)


2 Chronicles 35:12 Chronicles 35:1 - - Now Josiah kept a Now Josiah kept a Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and they slaughtered the Passover they slaughtered the Passover lambs lambs on the on the fourteenth fourteenth day day of the first month.of the first month.


2 Chronicles 35:72 Chronicles 35:7 - - Then Josiah gave the Then Josiah gave the lay lay people lambs and young goats from the people lambs and young goats from the flock, all for Passover flock, all for Passover offerings offerings for all who for all who were present, to the number of thirty were present, to the number of thirty thousand, as well as three thousand cattle; thousand, as well as three thousand cattle; these these were were from the king's possessions.from the king's possessions.


2 Chronicles 35:18-192 Chronicles 35:18-19 - - There had been no There had been no Passover kept in Israel like that since the days Passover kept in Israel like that since the days of Samuel the prophet; and none of the kings of Samuel the prophet; and none of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as Josiah of Israel had kept such a Passover as Josiah kept, with the priests and the Levites, all Judah kept, with the priests and the Levites, all Judah and Israel who were present, and the and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 19 In the eighteenth inhabitants of Jerusalem. 19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah this Passover was year of the reign of Josiah this Passover was kept.kept.


He had to try and he did! What did God He had to try and he did! What did God think of the fruits of his efforts?think of the fruits of his efforts?


He had to try and he did! What did God He had to try and he did! What did God think of the fruits of his efforts?think of the fruits of his efforts?

Jeremiah started preaching during the reign Jeremiah started preaching during the reign of Josiah.of Josiah. (Jer 1:1-2) (Jer 1:1-2)


Jeremiah 1:1-2Jeremiah 1:1-2 -- The words of Jeremiah The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, 2 to in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, 2 to whom the word of the LORD came in the whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.


Would you liked to have preached with Would you liked to have preached with such a king in power?such a king in power?


Would you liked to have preached with Would you liked to have preached with such a king in power?such a king in power?

What did Jeremiah say about the reforms of What did Jeremiah say about the reforms of Josiah? ---- NOTHING!Josiah? ---- NOTHING!


He called Judah’s actions a pretense. He called Judah’s actions a pretense. (Jer 3:9-11)(Jer 3:9-11)


Jeremiah 3:9-11Jeremiah 3:9-11 - - "So it came to pass, through "So it came to pass, through her casual harlotry, that she defiled the land her casual harlotry, that she defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees. and committed adultery with stones and trees. 10 "And yet for all this her treacherous sister 10 "And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not turned to Me with her whole Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense," says the LORD. 11 heart, but in pretense," says the LORD. 11 Then the LORD said to me, "Backsliding Israel Then the LORD said to me, "Backsliding Israel has shown herself more righteous than has shown herself more righteous than treacherous Judah.treacherous Judah.


Questions to Consider:Questions to Consider:


Questions to Consider:Questions to Consider: 1. Describe in your own words the nature of 1. Describe in your own words the nature of

God. How should these things change us?God. How should these things change us?



God. How should these things change us?God. How should these things change us? 2. What are the first steps in knowing God?2. What are the first steps in knowing God?



God. How should these things change us?God. How should these things change us? 2. What are the first steps in knowing God?2. What are the first steps in knowing God? 3. Why do some people who once knew 3. Why do some people who once knew

God cease to fear Him? God cease to fear Him? (Jer 6:15)(Jer 6:15)



God. How should these things change us?God. How should these things change us? 2. What are the first steps in knowing God?2. What are the first steps in knowing God? 3. Why do some people who once knew God 3. Why do some people who once knew God

cease to fear Him? cease to fear Him? (Jer 6:15)(Jer 6:15) 4. What are some common characteristics of 4. What are some common characteristics of

teachers who do not fear God? teachers who do not fear God?


5. Why did the reforms of Josiah fail?5. Why did the reforms of Josiah fail?

we need to understand the nature of the spiritual battles of god’s people. n the battleground has...

Documents

nature of god

spiritual commitment

mind of god

thoughts of god

image of god

leaky buckets

solid teaching

minds of men