Sunday August 3, 2025

Sermon Title: The Word That Leads Us to Christ

Series Big Idea: Capturing the urgency and clarity of the prophets’ messages in turbulent times

Sermon Big Idea: God's Word reveals our sin, and prepares our hearts for grace in Christ, the true and better King

Introduction: 

In one of Judah's darkest spiritual seasons, the rediscovery of God's Word sparks conviction and change. This moment reminds us that God's truth is never truly lost and when it is found, it calls His people back to Himself.

(2 Kings 22:8-13)

The high priest Hilkiah told the court secretary Shaphan, “I have found the book of the law in the Lord’s temple,” and he gave the book to Shaphan, who read it. 9 Then the court secretary Shaphan went to the king and reported, “Your servants have emptied out the silver that was found in the temple and have given it to those doing the work—those who oversee the Lord’s temple.” 10 Then the court secretary Shaphan told the king, “The priest Hilkiah has given me a book,” and Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. 11 When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. 12 Then he commanded the priest Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, the court secretary Shaphan, and the king’s servant Asaiah, 13 “Go and inquire of the Lord for me, for the people, and for all Judah about the words in this book that has been found. For great is the Lord’s wrath that is kindled against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words of this book in order to do everything written about us.” 

I. God's Word Confronts Sin and Awakens Conviction (22:8-12): 

God's Word cuts through all the noise of empty religion and exposes the true spiritual condition of the heart. Like Josiah, we are called to hear the Word with humility and respond to its convicting power.

II. God's Wrath Calls for a Greater King to Intercede (22:13): 

Josiah's limitations as a righteous leader highlight our need for a greater King to deal with the guilt we cannot remove. Jesus, the Word made flesh, is the only One who can bear God's wrath and bring true redemption.

Conclusion: 

This passage calls us not only to tremble at God's Word but to trust completely in Christ, the only one who fulfills it. In every judgement, every tear, and every word of conviction, the Spirit leads us to the feet of Jesus, our Savior and King.

2 Kings 22:8-13 Bibliography

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books, 1985.

Rydelnik, Michael A., and Michael Vanlaningham, editors. The Moody Bible Commentary. Moody Publishers, 2014.

Carson, D. A., et al., editors. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. 4th ed., Inter-Varsity Press, 1994.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

Cabal, Ted, et al. The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith. Holman Bible Publishers, 2007.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, editors. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Crossway Bibles. The ESV Study Bible. Crossway Bibles, 2008.

Barry, John D., et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Spurgeon. The Spurgeon Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Brown, Francis, S. R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon. Hendrickson Publishers, 2007.

Wiseman, Donald J. 1 and 2 Kings: An Introduction and Commentary. InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Barnes, William H. 1-2 Kings. Edited by Philip W. Comfort, vol. 4b, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2012.

Christian Standard Bible. Holman Bible Publishers, 2020.

Merida, Tony. Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings. Holman Reference, 2015.

Inrig, Gary. I & II Kings. Edited by Max Anders, vol. 7, Holman, 2003.

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