Divine Leadership: The True King in Christ

 

Summary

First and Second Kings, along with First and Second Chronicles, provide a comprehensive narrative of the Israelite monarchy, focusing on the period from Solomon's reign to the Babylonian exile. These books are akin to the synoptic gospels, offering different perspectives on the same historical events. First and Second Kings primarily focus on the northern kingdom, while Chronicles emphasizes the southern kingdom. The narrative begins with Solomon, David's son, whose reign starts well but ends in decline, leading to the division of the kingdom under his son Rehoboam. This division sets the stage for the narratives of Elijah and Elisha, two prophets who deliver God's messages to the kings, highlighting their failures and the nation's spiritual decline.

The stories of Elijah and Elisha are pivotal, as they demonstrate the futility of relying on human kings and prophets for deliverance. Despite their greatness, neither Elijah's miraculous acts nor Solomon's wisdom could prevent Israel's downfall. This narrative underscores the biblical theme that no human effort can achieve salvation. The story of Naaman, a Syrian general healed by Elisha, illustrates the concept of grace, emphasizing that salvation is not earned but received through humility and repentance.

First and Second Kings ultimately point to the need for a true king, a role fulfilled by Jesus Christ. John the Baptist, likened to Elijah, prepares the way for Jesus, who embodies the true prophet, priest, and king. Jesus' miracles echo those of Elijah and Elisha, affirming His identity as the awaited Messiah. The transfiguration of Jesus, witnessed by Moses and Elijah, reveals His divine glory, fulfilling the longing for a true deliverer. This narrative invites us to recognize Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Limitations of Human Leadership: The narrative of First and Second Kings reveals the limitations of human kings and prophets. Despite their wisdom and power, figures like Solomon and Elijah could not bring about lasting deliverance or transformation. This highlights the biblical truth that human efforts are insufficient for salvation, pointing us to the need for divine intervention. [04:49]

2. The Role of Prophets: Elijah and Elisha serve as God's messengers, confronting the kings with their failures and calling the nation back to faithfulness. Their stories remind us of the importance of listening to God's voice and the role of prophetic truth in guiding and correcting us. The prophets' messages challenge us to examine our own lives and align them with God's will. [03:04]

3. Grace and Humility: The story of Naaman's healing illustrates the principle of grace, showing that salvation is not earned but received through humility and repentance. This narrative challenges our natural inclination to earn God's favor and invites us to embrace the transformative power of grace. [06:44]

4. The True King: The narrative points to the need for a true king, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Unlike the flawed human kings, Jesus embodies the perfect prophet, priest, and king. His life and ministry fulfill the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament, offering us hope and redemption. [08:42]

5. The Glory of God Revealed: The transfiguration of Jesus, witnessed by Moses and Elijah, reveals His divine glory and affirms His identity as the true deliverer. This event invites us to behold the glory of God in Christ and to recognize Him as the ultimate fulfillment of our deepest longings. [09:39]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - Introduction to First and Second Kings
[01:02] - Comparison with Chronicles
[01:17] - Focus on Northern and Southern Kingdoms
[02:15] - Solomon's Reign and Division
[02:32] - Decline of the Kings
[03:04] - Role of Elijah and Elisha
[04:00] - Human Kings' Limitations
[05:18] - Understanding Grace
[06:14] - Naaman's Story
[07:12] - Salvation through Weakness
[07:41] - Jesus as the True King
[08:54] - Miracles of Elijah and Elisha
[09:39] - The Transfiguration and Divine Glory

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 17:1-24 - The story of Elijah and the widow at Zarephath.
2. 2 Kings 5:1-14 - The healing of Naaman by Elisha.
3. Matthew 17:1-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus.

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the key events that led to the division of the Israelite kingdom under Rehoboam's rule? [01:32]
2. How did Elijah and Elisha serve as God's messengers to the kings, and what was their primary message? [03:04]
3. In the story of Naaman, what was his initial reaction to Elisha's instructions, and how did his attitude change? [06:31]
4. During the Transfiguration, who appeared with Jesus, and what significance does this event hold in the context of the sermon? [09:39]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the narrative of First and Second Kings illustrate the limitations of human leadership, and what does this suggest about the need for divine intervention? [04:17]
2. What role do the prophets Elijah and Elisha play in calling the nation back to faithfulness, and how does this relate to the importance of listening to God's voice today? [03:04]
3. How does the story of Naaman challenge the common human inclination to earn salvation, and what does it teach about grace and humility? [06:44]
4. In what ways does the Transfiguration of Jesus reveal His divine glory, and how does this event fulfill the longing for a true deliverer? [09:39]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you relied on human wisdom or leadership for deliverance. How did that experience shape your understanding of the need for divine intervention? [04:17]
2. How can you cultivate a habit of listening to God's voice in your daily life, and what steps can you take to align your actions with His will? [03:04]
3. Consider a situation where you tried to earn favor or approval. How can the story of Naaman inspire you to embrace grace and humility in that context? [06:44]
4. In what ways can you recognize and celebrate the divine glory of Jesus in your life, and how does this recognition impact your faith journey? [09:39]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the need for a true king or leader. How can you invite Jesus to fulfill that role and guide you? [08:42]
6. Think about a recent challenge or decision you faced. How can the examples of Elijah and Elisha encourage you to seek God's guidance and truth in similar situations? [03:04]
7. How can the themes of grace and humility from the sermon influence your interactions with others, especially those who may not share your beliefs? [06:44]

Devotional

Day 1: The Inadequacy of Human Authority
The narrative of First and Second Kings reveals the limitations of human kings and prophets. Despite their wisdom and power, figures like Solomon and Elijah could not bring about lasting deliverance or transformation. This highlights the biblical truth that human efforts are insufficient for salvation, pointing us to the need for divine intervention. The stories of these leaders serve as a reminder that no matter how great human authority may seem, it is ultimately flawed and incapable of providing the ultimate salvation that only God can offer. This understanding invites us to shift our reliance from human leaders to God, who alone can fulfill our deepest needs and longings. [04:49]

Jeremiah 17:5-6 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on human authority or wisdom instead of seeking God's guidance and strength? How can you begin to shift your trust to God today?


Day 2: Prophetic Voices and Divine Guidance
Elijah and Elisha serve as God's messengers, confronting the kings with their failures and calling the nation back to faithfulness. Their stories remind us of the importance of listening to God's voice and the role of prophetic truth in guiding and correcting us. The prophets' messages challenge us to examine our own lives and align them with God's will. By paying attention to the prophetic voices in our lives, whether through Scripture, prayer, or wise counsel, we can discern God's direction and make choices that honor Him. [03:04]

Amos 3:7 (ESV): "For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets."

Reflection: Who are the prophetic voices in your life that help guide you toward God's truth? How can you be more intentional in seeking and listening to these voices?


Day 3: Embracing Grace Through Humility
The story of Naaman's healing illustrates the principle of grace, showing that salvation is not earned but received through humility and repentance. This narrative challenges our natural inclination to earn God's favor and invites us to embrace the transformative power of grace. Naaman's willingness to humble himself and follow Elisha's instructions led to his healing, demonstrating that God's grace is available to all who approach Him with a humble heart. This story encourages us to let go of our pride and self-reliance, recognizing that God's grace is a gift to be received, not a reward to be earned. [06:44]

James 4:6 (ESV): "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"

Reflection: What areas of pride or self-reliance are preventing you from fully receiving God's grace? How can you practice humility and openness to God's transformative work in your life today?


Day 4: The Need for a True King
The narrative points to the need for a true king, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Unlike the flawed human kings, Jesus embodies the perfect prophet, priest, and king. His life and ministry fulfill the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament, offering us hope and redemption. Jesus' role as the true king invites us to submit to His authority and follow His example, trusting in His perfect leadership and love. By recognizing Jesus as our true king, we can experience the fullness of life and purpose that He offers. [08:42]

Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as your true king change the way you live your daily life? What specific steps can you take to align your actions and decisions with His leadership?


Day 5: Witnessing the Glory of God
The transfiguration of Jesus, witnessed by Moses and Elijah, reveals His divine glory and affirms His identity as the true deliverer. This event invites us to behold the glory of God in Christ and to recognize Him as the ultimate fulfillment of our deepest longings. By contemplating the glory of God revealed in Jesus, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with Him and inspired to live in a way that reflects His light to the world. This transformative encounter with God's glory encourages us to seek His presence and allow His majesty to shape our lives. [09:39]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: How can you create space in your life to behold the glory of God more fully? What practices or habits can help you remain aware of His presence and allow His glory to transform you?

Quotes


and through his son Maria Bowen who does a very foolish thing and tries to uh really throw his weight around be very domineering uh very abusive basically with his power and as a result uh loses half the kingdom uh that Rebels against him you just see no no the storyline is there is absolutely no way that a mere human king or any kind of mere human being is going to deliver the people and make them what they should be [00:40:42]

so Elijah the greatest human prophet uh Solomon David the greatest human Kings they're not enough it ends with the people in Exile so we're going to have to have something something besides a human deliverer so it really it takes what judges was sort of hinting at for a second Samuels with hinting at and makes it absolutely decisive [00:49:28]

the gospel starts with the idea that I cannot save myself that no human effort can save me and that that there's nothing any human being can do to save him or herself or there's nothing a human being can do to save other people and so that's already fair I mean we we already have that that is actually coming out in judges it's also coming out in first second Samuel so it's really one of the main themes [00:54:49]

Naaman is a great um Siri in general and he comes in and he says I am going to give you all this money Elisha so that you can curate my leprosy and Elisha says I want your money go down to the Jordan and wash and he's he's absolutely Furious because he thought that Elisha would say uh bring me the broomstick of the Wicked Witch of the West do some great deed and then you can have your healing [01:00:50]

he he was a man who like every other human being in the world says I have to earn my salvation and Elisha says no you don't and the people who understand that are the little people in that story The the little slave girl the you read the story it's Second Kings five and you see this the same idea that it's the it's it's weakness and repentance and um getting rid of your pride that is the only way forward [01:04:02]

Elijah goes onto the mountain and sees uh you know there's a there's wind but the Lord is not in the wind and there's fire and the Lord's on the Fire or the earthquake and finally he speaks to him in a still small voice so hints of the fact that it's not through strength but weakness that we actually come into salvation is all there and for a second Kings [01:12:32]

John the Baptist had some sense that he was in the place of Elijah see the Bible several places predicts that Elijah would return and pave the way for a new king the true king John the Baptist has some sense that he might be Elijah and that maybe Jesus is that true king but when he's into he's in prison he sends a messenger to Jesus and says are you the one who is to come or should we look for another [01:17:43]

you know what Jesus says he says go tell John what you see that because of Jesus the blind sea death here the lame walk and the poor have good news preach to them and what Jesus is doing is he's summarizing the Miracles of Elijah and Elisha Elijah Elisha prophesied to false Kings and yet what Jesus is saying to John is I'm the true king I'm the one who is not just a king I'm the prophet and I'm the priest and I'm the king [01:22:31]

and so the the the Miracles of Elijah and Elisha Jesus says that that proves that I'm the one who is to come I'm very moved by the fact that you go back to Exodus and you have Moses saying I want to see your glory and God says I can't let you see it it'll kill you and Elijah also goes up on a mountain you know Miller's Moses says can I see your glory up on Mount Sinai God says no Elijah goes up on the mountain and God just speaks to him in a still small voice [01:29:04]

God brings Moses and Elijah back and on the mountain of transfiguration they actually finally see the glory that it was longed for they Jesus the true Moses Jesus is the true Elijah he's a true Prophet he's a true priest he's a true king and um I just think that was really wonderful of God [01:36:16]

the difference is very important to keep in mind first and second Kings is really going to be looking at the northern kingdom because uh because the stupidity of rehoboam which was Solomon's son Israel divided into a northern and southern Kingdom and because of that uh the uh there were really two story lines or two historical plot lines to follow and second first second Kings follows the the northern kingdom more than the southern Chronicles follows the southern Kingdom more than the northern [00:01:37]

Elijah and Elisha prophesied from God to the Kings and told them why they were declining why they were not doing their job why Israel was not being delivered from oppression but was constantly falling into oppression why the Israelites were not being the people of God so what you actually have is the ideal King the decline of the Kings God's word to the Kings from Elijah Elisha and then finally the further decline all the way down to the Exile [00:02:56]

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Transcript
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