From Borrowed Faith to Genuine Restoration

Devotional

Day 1: The Value of Godly Discipleship and Spiritual Role Models

God often places spiritual mentors and role models in our lives to guide, encourage, and challenge us in our walk with Him. These individuals, like Jehoiada in the life of King Joash, can be the reason we stand firm in faith, especially during seasons of spiritual dryness or challenge. Their visible faith and commitment to God inspire us to pursue God more deeply, reminding us that faith is meant to be passed from generation to generation through authentic relationships and discipleship. Take time to reflect on those who have shaped your faith and consider how you might be that influence for others. [39:29]

2 Timothy 1:5-7 (ESV)
"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Reflection: Who is one person whose faith has deeply impacted your walk with God, and how can you intentionally thank or encourage them this week?

Day 2: The Danger of Borrowed Faith

It is possible to follow God outwardly while relying on the faith of others, rather than cultivating a genuine, personal relationship with Him. King Joash did what was right as long as Jehoiada was alive, but when his mentor died, Joash’s true spiritual state was revealed, and he quickly turned away from God. This warns us that borrowed faith cannot sustain us; we must ensure our faith is rooted in a real encounter with God, not just in the influence of others. [54:51]

2 Chronicles 24:1-2, 15-18 (ESV)
"Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Zibiah of Beersheba. And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest... But Jehoiada grew old and full of days, and died. He was 130 years old at his death. And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel and toward God and his house. Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king. Then the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you relying on someone else’s faith or convictions instead of seeking a personal, living relationship with God?

Day 3: The Call to Examine the Authenticity of Our Faith

We are challenged to honestly examine whether our faith is genuine or merely a reflection of those around us. True faith is anchored in a personal conviction about who God is, His sovereignty, and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. When trials, doubts, or temptations come, only authentic faith will endure; borrowed or superficial faith will falter. God invites us to bring our questions and doubts to Him, seeking a faith that is alive and rooted in Christ alone. [01:07:05]

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"

Reflection: What is one honest question or doubt you have about your faith, and how can you bring it before God in prayer today?

Day 4: God’s Persistent Grace and Providence

Even when we stray or our faith falters, God’s grace pursues us. He sends people, circumstances, and His Word to call us back to Himself, pricking our conscience and inviting us to repentance. God’s faithfulness is seen in how He continually reaches out, offering forgiveness and restoration, no matter how far we have wandered. His providence ensures that we are never without opportunities to return to Him and experience His steadfast love. [01:15:59]

Psalm 103:8-11 (ESV)
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him."

Reflection: Can you recall a time when God sent someone or something to draw you back to Him? How can you respond to His grace today?

Day 5: The Invitation to Living, Active Faith in Christ

God invites us to move from borrowed or stagnant faith to a living, active trust in Jesus Christ. No matter our past failures or doubts, it is never too late to come to Him as we are, trusting in His mercy and power to restore and renew us. Jesus is the Savior who repairs broken souls and welcomes all who call on Him in sincerity. Today, He calls us to lay aside unbelief and receive the fullness of His Spirit, so that our faith may overflow and endure through every season. [01:24:03]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What step can you take today to move from passive or borrowed faith to an active, personal trust in Jesus?

Sermon Summary

In 2 Chronicles 24, we encounter the story of King Joash, a man who began his reign with great promise, guided and mentored by the godly priest Jehoiada. Under Jehoiada’s influence, Joash led significant reforms, restoring the temple and reviving the worship of God in Judah. This period of spiritual renewal was not just the result of Joash’s own initiative, but was deeply rooted in the courageous and faithful leadership of Jehoiada, who risked his life to preserve the Davidic line and to nurture Joash in the ways of the Lord. The story reminds us of the profound impact that spiritual mentors and godly examples have in shaping our faith and destinies.

Yet, the narrative takes a tragic turn after Jehoiada’s death. Joash, once zealous for God, quickly abandons his faith when new influences enter his life. The same king who had been so passionate about God’s house now turns to idolatry, leading his people astray. This shift exposes a sobering reality: Joash’s faith was not truly his own, but rather a borrowed faith, propped up by the presence of his mentor. When that support was gone, his convictions crumbled. This challenges each of us to examine the authenticity of our own faith. Are we standing on a living, personal relationship with God, or are we merely echoing the faith of those around us?

God, in His mercy, does not leave His people without warning or opportunity for repentance. Even as Joash and Judah stray, God sends prophets to call them back, demonstrating His relentless grace and providence. The story is a call to honesty about our spiritual condition. If we find ourselves doubting, drifting, or living on borrowed faith, God invites us to come to Him as we are. He is the expert in restoring broken souls and reviving genuine faith. No matter how far we have wandered, it is never too late to return, to cry out for help, and to experience the transforming power of Christ. The invitation is to move from a secondhand, inherited faith to a living, active trust in Jesus—a faith that endures, even when the mentors and supports of our lives are gone.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power and Necessity of Spiritual Mentorship God often uses faithful mentors and spiritual role models to shape our journey and keep us anchored in truth. Jehoiada’s courage and faithfulness not only preserved the Davidic line but also inspired Joash to pursue God’s purposes. We are called to both seek out and become such influences, recognizing that discipleship is God’s chosen means for passing faith from generation to generation. [39:29]
2. The Danger of Borrowed Faith It is possible to appear zealous and committed while actually living on the borrowed faith of others. Joash’s devotion was genuine only as long as Jehoiada was present; once that support was gone, his true spiritual state was revealed. We must honestly ask ourselves whether our faith is rooted in a personal encounter with God, or if it is simply a reflection of those we admire. [55:42]
3. God’s Relentless Grace in Our Wandering Even when we drift or rebel, God’s providence and grace pursue us. He sends warnings, pricks our conscience, and places barriers in our path to call us back to Himself. This relentless pursuit is not condemnation, but an expression of His steadfast love, always inviting us to repentance and restoration. [75:09]
4. The Call to Honest Self-Examination Seasons of doubt or spiritual dryness are not uncommon, but pretending or hiding our struggles only deepens the problem. Like a patient who ignores pain until it becomes unbearable, we risk spiritual disaster if we do not bring our doubts and weaknesses to God and to trusted community. True faith is forged in honesty, humility, and a willingness to let God search and heal our hearts. [96:24]
5. Restoration Is Always Possible Through Christ No matter how far we have fallen or how long we have lived on borrowed faith, God’s mercy is greater still. He is the expert in repairing broken souls and restoring backsliders. The invitation is always open: come as you are, confess your need, and trust in the finished work of Jesus. He not only saves sinners, but restores those who have wandered, making our faith living and unshakeable. [84:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:34] - Introduction: The Pain of Abandoned Faith
[33:44] - Examining Our Own Faith
[34:35] - Joash’s Early Reign and Jehoiada’s Influence
[36:57] - Restoration of the Temple
[38:07] - The Death of Jehoiada and Joash’s Downfall
[39:29] - The Value of Spiritual Discipleship
[42:07] - Historical Context: Kings Before Joash
[45:03] - The Wickedness of Ahab and Judah’s Decline
[47:44] - Jehoiada’s Courage and Preservation of Joash
[49:31] - Religious Reforms and Godly Influence
[53:58] - The Blessing of Godly Examples
[55:42] - The Reality of Borrowed Faith
[66:36] - Honest Questions: Is Your Faith Real?
[73:01] - The Need for Personal Revelation
[74:14] - God’s Providence and Grace
[75:09] - God’s Warnings and the Call to Repentance
[84:03] - Restoration and the Invitation to Return
[96:24] - Prayer for Genuine Faith and Restoration
[97:35] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 24:1-19 — (The story of King Joash’s early reign, his reforms under Jehoiada, and the turning point after Jehoiada’s death.)

Observation Questions

According to 2 Chronicles 24:2, what was the key factor that influenced Joash to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord?
What actions did Joash take to restore the temple, and how did the people respond to his leadership during this time?
What happened after Jehoiada died, and how did Joash’s behavior change?
In verse 19, what did God do when Joash and the people turned away from Him?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Joash’s faith and commitment to God changed so drastically after Jehoiada’s death? What does this reveal about the nature of his faith?
The sermon describes Jehoiada as a spiritual mentor and hero of faith. What role do spiritual mentors play in shaping someone’s faith, according to both the passage and the sermon?
The sermon talks about “borrowed faith.” What are some signs that someone’s faith might be borrowed rather than personal and genuine?
How does God respond when His people wander away, according to this story? What does this show us about God’s character?

Application Questions

Who has been a Jehoiada in your life—a spiritual mentor or example who helped you grow in faith? How did their influence shape your walk with God?
Looking at Joash’s story, are there areas in your life where your faith might be more “borrowed” from others than truly your own? How can you tell?
The sermon challenges us to examine whether our faith is genuine or just a reflection of those around us. When was the last time you honestly evaluated the foundation of your faith? What did you discover?
God sent prophets to warn Joash and the people, showing His relentless grace. Can you recall a time when God used someone or something to call you back to Him when you were drifting? How did you respond?
The sermon says that pretending or hiding our doubts only deepens the problem. Is there a doubt or struggle in your faith that you’ve been hiding? What would it look like to bring it into the light with God or with trusted friends?
Restoration is always possible through Christ, no matter how far we’ve wandered. If you feel distant from God right now, what is one step you can take this week to move toward Him?
The story of Joash is a warning and an invitation. What is one practical way you can help someone else move from “borrowed faith” to a living, personal relationship with Jesus?

Sermon Clips

And we begin to wonder whether these individuals really knew the Lord to begin with. And so, technically this passage in scripture today, we have a king named Joash. And we'll read just a bit. And as you will be reading in the first verse, you will notice that there's a lot to come back about this king. But as we come to the end of the chapter, you will soon see that, in fact, he had a borrowed faith. So this afternoon, I want you to help me examine your own life and mine in light of this text in scripture. [00:32:50]

It doesn't mean you should be cast away. It doesn't mean you should be troubled. At this very moment, God is providing you and I an opportunity to continue to earnestly seek And to ensure that our faith is a living one. So let's read 2 Chronicles 24, chapter 24. 1, chapter 24, verse 1 to 19. I'll be reading from the English Standard Version. [00:33:50]

discipleship matters it is the same Paul who was encouraging timothy to fan into flames the gifting that is in him for he had laid hands on him in first Corinthians 11 verse 1 Paul also encourages the brethren to imitate him as he imitates Christ so in the passage we just read we find the same in respect to King Joash and in his case it was this man named Jehovah who is referred to in the verses 15 and 16 and you cannot miss the fact that indeed this priest was a hero of faith and the very reason he was buried among the kings mind you he's not a king he was just but priest but he was buried among the kings why because the bible says that he had done good in in Israel towards God in his house [00:40:54]

so after him the Bible indicates that there is 16 years of downward spiral in the life of Judah judah is the southern kingdom and israel is the northern king the king took over from joseph was joram joram was he reigned for eight years and of course he was joseph's son he married athalia who was mentioned in the previous text we read she was the daughter of ahab and so in securing herself or in himself this joram he murdered all his brothers so that there would be no competition for him to take over when it was time for him to rule the bible describes this joram as one who followed the ways of ahab now i don't know if you read the story of ahab or you know those accounts of ahab you [00:43:51]

It was King Jeorah, a priest Jeorah, and his wife, who got this little child together with a nurse and hid him in their home for about six to seven years, protecting the seed and nurturing and grooming him until we enter into chapter 20. So if you want to turn with me to chapter 23 quickly, in 2 Chronicles, verse 1 and then the 3, we read, but in the seventh year, Jeorah took courage, I didn't like that word, and entered into a covenant with the commanders of hundreds, Azariah, the sons of Jerom, et cetera, et cetera, verse 3, and all the assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. [00:47:50]

the Bible makes it important to us to know that God when you stand for the things of God not only does God give you courage he gives you favor God granted Judah favor to have this conversation with the commanders of Judah they could have easily wanted that where they could have said no we're opposing to your your suggestions and so no doubt Judah was a hero of course because he risked and hence as I mentioned he took courage if you bear in mind that this all took place when there was a 16 years of rebellion in Judah the people had been the kings that came were again pushing idolatry turning their ways against God so the situation was turning from bad to worse but this priest single -handed brought Judah back to its rightful position before God with the right king on the throne and so when we read towards the end of chapter 23 and verse 16 and we see what Judah immediately enters into religious reforms this is where we see this priest has established the king and now he begins to operate in his priestly ministry to reform to bring back that spiritual component that spiritual component that was missing or has been trampled upon for 16 years and so he goes into this religious reforms breaking down the altars and the images of Baal tearing down everything that there was supposed to be to worship Baal but he did this so that Yahweh the God of Judah and the God of Israel would be worshipped the wife and so this individual who has entered into the life of Joash we notice for instance in chapter 24 where we read and verse two is that Joach did what was what right in the eyes of the lord all the days of Jehoda the priests And even when he commanded the task to be what collected, [00:50:57]

So as you sit here this afternoon, you ought to accept the fact that you are what you are because there were individuals like Jehovah. Perhaps it was a godly mother or a father whose faith you stood on. Maybe it was a brother or sister. Maybe it was a church member. Maybe it was a colleague. It doesn't matter. That person's visible faith challenged your lukewarmness. And so you were able to stand firm for the things of God because of what that visible faith was doing. [00:54:28]

church we need to be grateful if some human face on the canvas of the memory of our minds challenges us about our prayer lives about how we engage deeply in the word of god about the things of god about the things we're going through the persecutions and the suffering we're going through we need to be thankful that there are godly examples out there like jehoda because he had done good in israel and towards god and his house the bible says that he was blessed may you be blessed and may you know that jehoda's in your life [00:55:54]

so i've said that there's there's benefits and there's value in having godly discipleship and spiritual discipleship but this is the second lesson that we need to take from this this text is that faith that is visible that you're seeing in the jeweils of your life is it sinking is it a sinking sand or a genuine faith of yours the second lesson i want us to understand in this passage of scripture is that despite the reality of all of these things it is possible for you to follow such role models with a borrowed faith [00:57:07]

despite those the role models that we have it is possible that you're following these things or these with a borrowed that is why i asked you and i pressed this question to you this afternoon is your faith and often this manifests when you part ways with such an individual suddenly the values that this person had instilled in you go up in flames and then you see a downward turn in you go up in flames and that's what we see here with king joash and this time it's verses 17 and 18. verses 17 and 18. let's read and it's quite a sad narrative now after the death of jehovah the princes of judah came and paid homage to the king then the king listened to them and they abandoned the house of the lord the god of their fathers and served the ashram and the idols and the wrath came upon julia and jerusalem for this guilt of theirs a visitation came and out of that visitation you turned your back to work towards the past what a sacrifice it's almost difficult to appreciate because if you remember the the levites were taking rather long as i mentioned to take action and refer to temple and it was this same king joash who stepped in getting frustrated summoning joe to make sure these things the temple is built and not just built built according to reflect the honor of god god now we just read princes have come to visit him we're not told of the content of the conversation [00:57:54]

And these people maybe had begun by having a doctrinal understanding of the word of God. And, morally speaking, they were grounded. And along the way, it's a full disaster now. They're fully abandoned the faith. It actually reminds me, there was a time, yes, two years ago, that one of the American networks had a conversation and they decided to bring panels of experts on the faith. And they had identified different religious bodies and brought their experts, so you got the Imam there, you got the Buddhists there, you got it, and so forth. [01:02:44]

This is why Jude said in chapter 1, verse 4, For certain people have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were designated for this condemnation. Unnoticed, ungodly people, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of God into sexuality and deny our only master, the Lord Jesus Christ. These people are now denying the every essence of our faith, this Lord Jesus. [01:04:43]

this god is involved that nothing happens by chance or accident in his sovereign will whatever comes into your life good or bad this god is gone do you believe this are you an individual who admit trials some failures have come into you to your life perhaps an illness an accident a death in the family whatever else might it be you've become bitter on the inside perhaps you've been asking if there is a god if there is a god why should all of these things happen to me or to my family you may be sitting here listening to the sound of my voice or you're online joining us for your soul and in your soul doubt is beginning to grow concerning the reality of god who is involved in this creation i pose to you this afternoon we just celebrated easter do you believe in god's redemptive plan [01:07:25]

and like i said you may be hearing the voice and you're sitting here still wondering did this second person of the godhead become man a perfect man live an absolute perfect life and then took upon himself my guilt and my sins in order that i may stand free in his place of punishment that god has raised him from the dead and he's alive today and he sits at the right hand of the father interceding for you and i [01:08:56]

breaking breakthroughs for you and i bible says that he told peter peter the devil is sifting you like wheat but i am what i've prayed for you that your faith your faith your faith your faith will be strengthened and that you will also strengthen your brothers this is the god we are serving and so if there is doubt creeping in your faith your faith your faith my prayer to you this afternoon may the majesty of the king of jesus christ whose blood spoke two thousand years ago continue to intercede are [01:09:39]

his word to you and i this afternoon that perhaps you've already begun to be overgrown with doubt on the inside concerning your walk in the faith you're somehow hoping all of this will just go away perhaps you've already begun to wander away from god in your secret sense but you know that very so often that light breaks through and very so often a message has scratched the heart where it makes you uncomfortable don't consider that as mere coincidence the bible says that he stands at the door knocking knock it on your conscience knock it on your heart it is god who is saying where are you going this road is self -destruction so turn back and turn back perhaps god has brought me here today to remind you and to prick your conscience through his word to address the issue of your faith faith so that you will begin to trust him trust him it is the holy spirit who will produce unshakable faith for in him we have a living faith so church i challenge you this afternoon i don't know what you're going through i don't know what your walk and journey has been we're a couple of days in going into the month of may five months into the year already i don't know how you began with god i don't know your current situation now but i don't want you to go leave here today not answering this question all along is that faith today god is reminding you i am he i am he put your faith and trust in me believe in me trust me when you fully trust god god there is no option of sinking sand that faith becomes general and so in the midst of praises in the midst of discussions in the midst of trials that will come your way the bible will ensure at least reminds you and i that when we trust this same jesus he makes a way and so this afternoon my final appeal to you is this if you've already begun to notice secret doubts don't wait until the jihadists in your life have moved on or you yourself have moved out the jihadists on the top [01:18:39]

god is a god of love so while you still have breath it's never too late the god we serve is a dependable god he's an expert in repairing souls saving lives and putting together that which is broken yours even mine today is to simply cry unto him and say god help you can cry to this jesus and that is why he came he came as a savior to deal with the sin issue that you and i have he's not asking you first about to sort out all your mess and then come to him he's saying come as you are in your brokenness [01:24:14]

and you will be the one testifying in due season that he doesn't just save sinners he restores backsliders too so church i plead with you i plead with you do not allow yourself to continue with this ball of faith come to this jesus come running to this jesus come crying to this jesus come calling on his name come saying that lord my unbelief it is true perhaps it is borrowed faith but today i want that active and living faith i am in need of you i am in need of you and this jesus you will see what he will do [01:25:34]

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