Rediscovering God: Josiah's Journey of Repentance and Reform

Summary

### Summary

This morning, we delved into the life of King Josiah from 2 Kings 22, focusing on his rediscovery, repentance, and reform. Josiah, who became king at the tender age of eight, inherited a kingdom steeped in idolatry and neglect of God's laws. Despite his youth, Josiah's commitment to God was unwavering. He initiated significant reforms, starting with the physical repair of the temple, during which the Book of the Law was rediscovered. This rediscovery led to a profound moment of repentance for Josiah, who tore his clothes in grief upon hearing the words of the Law. His response was not just personal but also communal, as he led the entire nation in a covenant to follow God's commandments wholeheartedly.

We explored the dangers of idolatry, emphasizing that it directly challenges God's sovereignty and distorts our understanding of His nature. Idolatry isn't just about worshiping physical idols; it includes anything that takes God's place in our hearts, such as material possessions, relationships, or even our own comfort and security. Josiah's radical actions—destroying idols and purging the land of false worship—serve as a powerful example for us. We must be willing to identify and eliminate the idols in our lives, even if it means making significant sacrifices.

The sermon concluded with a call to action: to examine our hearts and identify any idols that may be hindering our relationship with God. We were encouraged to respond as Josiah did, with genuine repentance and a commitment to reform. This involves not only personal introspection but also seeking accountability from others to ensure that we remain steadfast in our devotion to God.

### Key Takeaways

1. Rediscovery of God's Word: Josiah's story begins with the rediscovery of the Book of the Law, which had been lost in the temple. This rediscovery led to a profound moment of repentance and reform. It reminds us of the importance of regularly engaging with Scripture, as it has the power to convict and guide us back to God. [39:03]

2. The Danger of Idolatry: Idolatry is profoundly dangerous because it challenges God's sovereignty and distorts our understanding of His nature. When we prioritize anything above God, we disrupt our relationship with Him and hinder our spiritual growth. This misplaced trust ultimately leaves us unfulfilled and spiritually impoverished. [51:41]

3. Radical Repentance: Josiah's response to the rediscovered Law was radical. He didn't just acknowledge the problem; he took decisive action to eliminate idolatry from the land. This teaches us that true repentance involves more than just feeling sorry; it requires concrete actions to remove the idols from our lives. [49:55]

4. Communal Commitment: Josiah led the entire nation in a covenant to follow God's commandments. This communal aspect of repentance and reform highlights the importance of accountability and collective commitment in our spiritual journey. We are not meant to walk this path alone. [46:19]

5. Modern Idols: Idolatry isn't limited to ancient times; it manifests in various forms today, such as our obsession with technology, success, relationships, and entertainment. Identifying and addressing these modern idols is crucial for maintaining a vibrant and growing relationship with God. [01:02:10]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[23:04] - Introduction and Prayer
[24:31] - Setting the Scene: King Josiah
[33:06] - Purpose of Scripture
[34:17] - Historical Context
[35:42] - Josiah's Early Reign
[36:55] - Josiah's Righteousness
[37:52] - Repairing the Temple
[39:03] - Rediscovery of the Book of the Law
[40:44] - Josiah's Reaction
[42:54] - Personal Reflection on Scripture
[45:12] - Prophetic Warning
[45:53] - Josiah's Reforms
[48:04] - Modern Idolatry
[49:55] - Radical Repentance
[51:41] - The Danger of Idolatry
[53:27] - Worship the Creator Over the Created
[55:29] - Personal Testimony
[58:38] - Idolatry and Sanctification
[01:02:10] - Modern Idols
[01:05:57] - Call to Action and Altar Call

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Kings 22:1-20 - The story of King Josiah's rediscovery of the Book of the Law, his repentance, and the reforms he initiated.
2. Exodus 20:3-5 - God's command against idolatry.
3. Colossians 3:5-6 - The call to put to death earthly things, including idolatry.

#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did King Josiah take upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law? ([39:03])
2. How did Josiah's rediscovery of the Book of the Law impact the nation of Judah? ([46:19])
3. What were some of the specific idols and practices Josiah removed from the land? ([47:20])
4. According to the sermon, what are some modern forms of idolatry that we might encounter today? ([01:02:10])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was Josiah's reaction to the rediscovered Book of the Law so intense, and what does this teach us about the importance of Scripture in our lives? ([40:44])
2. How does idolatry challenge God's sovereignty and distort our understanding of His nature? ([51:41])
3. What does Josiah's communal call to repentance and reform tell us about the role of community in our spiritual lives? ([46:19])
4. How can modern idols, such as technology or relationships, subtly take precedence over our relationship with God? ([01:02:10])

#### Application Questions
1. Josiah responded to the Book of the Law with genuine repentance and decisive action. When was the last time you felt convicted by Scripture, and how did you respond? ([40:44])
2. The sermon emphasized the danger of idolatry. Identify one potential idol in your life. What steps can you take this week to remove or reprioritize it? ([49:55])
3. Josiah led a communal commitment to follow God's commandments. How can you involve your family or small group in a similar commitment to spiritual growth and accountability? ([46:19])
4. Reflect on the modern idols mentioned in the sermon, such as comfort, technology, and success. Which one do you struggle with the most, and what practical changes can you make to address this? ([01:02:10])
5. The sermon called for radical repentance. What is one concrete action you can take this week to demonstrate your commitment to removing idols from your life? ([49:55])
6. How can you ensure that your engagement with Scripture is regular and transformative, similar to Josiah's rediscovery of the Book of the Law? ([39:03])
7. The pastor shared a personal story about idolatry. Can you think of a time when you realized something had become an idol in your life? How did you address it, and what did you learn from the experience? ([56:59])

Devotional

Day 1: Rediscovering the Power of Scripture
Description: The story of King Josiah begins with the rediscovery of the Book of the Law, which had been lost in the temple. This moment was pivotal, leading to a profound transformation in Josiah's life and reign. The rediscovery of God's Word brought about a deep sense of conviction and a desire for reform. It serves as a reminder of the importance of regularly engaging with Scripture. When we immerse ourselves in God's Word, it has the power to convict us, guide us, and bring us back to a closer relationship with Him. Just as Josiah's rediscovery led to national repentance and reform, our engagement with Scripture can lead to personal and communal transformation. [39:03]

Deuteronomy 31:26-27 (ESV): "Take this Book of the Law and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may be there for a witness against you. For I know how rebellious and stubborn you are. Behold, even today while I am yet alive with you, you have been rebellious against the Lord. How much more after my death!"

Reflection: When was the last time you felt deeply convicted by a passage of Scripture? How can you make regular engagement with God's Word a priority in your daily life?

Day 2: The Perils of Idolatry
Description: Idolatry is a significant danger because it challenges God's sovereignty and distorts our understanding of His nature. When we prioritize anything above God, we disrupt our relationship with Him and hinder our spiritual growth. Idolatry isn't limited to ancient times; it manifests in various forms today, such as our obsession with technology, success, relationships, and entertainment. These modern idols can leave us unfulfilled and spiritually impoverished. Josiah's radical actions in destroying idols and purging the land of false worship serve as a powerful example for us. We must be willing to identify and eliminate the idols in our lives, even if it means making significant sacrifices. [51:41]

Ezekiel 14:3-4 (ESV): "Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces. Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them? Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Any one of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart and sets the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face and yet comes to the prophet, I the Lord will answer him as he comes with the multitude of his idols."

Reflection: What modern idols have taken root in your heart? What steps can you take today to begin removing these idols and refocusing your devotion on God?

Day 3: Embracing Radical Repentance
Description: Josiah's response to the rediscovered Law was radical. He didn't just acknowledge the problem; he took decisive action to eliminate idolatry from the land. This teaches us that true repentance involves more than just feeling sorry; it requires concrete actions to remove the idols from our lives. Josiah's radical repentance serves as a model for us. We must be willing to take bold steps to turn away from sin and towards God. This might involve making difficult decisions or significant changes in our lives, but it is essential for genuine spiritual growth and renewal. [49:55]

Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."

Reflection: Is there a specific sin or habit in your life that you need to repent of? What concrete steps can you take today to turn away from this sin and towards God?

Day 4: The Power of Communal Commitment
Description: Josiah led the entire nation in a covenant to follow God's commandments. This communal aspect of repentance and reform highlights the importance of accountability and collective commitment in our spiritual journey. We are not meant to walk this path alone. The support and encouragement of a faith community can help us stay steadfast in our devotion to God. Josiah's leadership in bringing the nation together to commit to God's commandments serves as a powerful example of the impact of communal commitment. It reminds us that our faith journey is strengthened when we walk together with others who share our commitment to God. [46:19]

Nehemiah 9:38 (ESV): "Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests."

Reflection: How can you involve your faith community in your spiritual journey? Who can you reach out to for accountability and support in your commitment to follow God's commandments?

Day 5: Identifying and Addressing Modern Idols
Description: Idolatry isn't limited to ancient times; it manifests in various forms today, such as our obsession with technology, success, relationships, and entertainment. Identifying and addressing these modern idols is crucial for maintaining a vibrant and growing relationship with God. Just as Josiah took radical steps to eliminate idolatry from the land, we must be willing to take bold actions to remove the idols from our lives. This might involve making significant sacrifices or changes in our daily habits, but it is essential for our spiritual well-being. By addressing modern idols, we can ensure that our hearts remain fully devoted to God. [01:02:10]

1 John 5:21 (ESV): "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

Reflection: What modern idol is most prevalent in your life? What specific action can you take today to begin addressing this idol and refocusing your heart on God?

Quotes

1. "When the Lord reveals the issue of idolatry in our lives. I know that we know this, but it's also good to hear it from time to time. But just remember that whenever we read Scripture, when we hear it taught, when we hear it preached, you know, the purpose is for us to hear it and do it. It's not just to hear it. It's not just because we don't have anything else to do. It's not because we just want to be entertained. It should be because we are going to respond to what the Lord is saying through the Scripture to each of us." [33:06] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Josiah's story is one of rediscovery, repentance, and reform. Rediscovery, repentance, and reform. It offers us profound lessons on how to live. A life devoted to God himself and only to God himself." [34:17] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The book of the law, which is the word or the words of God, was in the temple and somehow got lost. Did you get that? The book of the law, the word and the words of God, was in the physical structure that they were repairing and somehow it got lost. You know what that's the equivalent of? That's the equivalent of me standing up here week after week after week and just talking about everything and anything that does not have to do with God." [39:03] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his robes. That means that when he grasped what the word was saying, he was in complete disbelief. He couldn't believe that this is what it said to the point where he had a physical reaction. Question I have for us is one, how often are we in the book? Two, how often do we respond this way?" [40:44] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Idolatry is profoundly dangerous to our walk with Christ because it directly challenges God's sovereignty and our devotion to him. It is profoundly dangerous to our walk with Christ because it directly challenges God's sovereignty and our devotion to him. The Bible repeatedly warns against idolatry. Emphasizing that it leads us away from true worship of God." [51:41] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "When we prioritize anything above God, we disrupt our relationship with Him and hinder our spiritual growth. Listen to me carefully. That stuff isn't just bad stuff. It includes things like the gift of your spouse. Like, your spouse could be an idol. You could be pointing your spouse above God. It could also include the gift of your children. It could be, it could also be the gift of where you live. It could be the gift of your talent. Anything that we put above God and we worship other than Him directly challenges God's sovereignty in our devotion to Him." [53:27] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Idolatry hinders our sanctification and the process of becoming more like Christ. Colossians 3, 5, and 6 urges us to put to death, therefore, what is earthly in you. Sexual immorality, passion, evil desire, covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these, the wrath of God is coming. Write this down. Idolatry, fuels sinful behaviors. Idolatry fuels sinful behaviors. It also fuels attitudes that are contrary to the character of Christ." [01:00:09] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Comfort and security. Many people prioritize their comfort and sense of security above all else. This can manifest in an excessive focus on material possessions, financial stability, or even avoiding challenges that might disrupt their comfortable lifestyle. Secondly, technology, and social media. The constant use of smartphones, social media, and other digital devices can become an idol when they consume, I think that's an appropriate word, consume our time and attention, distracting us from our relationship with God, and meaningful interactions with other human beings." [01:02:10] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Relationships, placing undue importance on relationships, whether that's romantic or otherwise, can lead us to prioritize these connections over our relationship with God. This can result in seeking fulfillment and identity in others, rather than Christ. Let me give you some common ones. Spouse, child or children, friends, boss, relationships that we tend to seek the approval of over God himself. Or, here's another one, any one of those relationships that I just listed off, when you find yourself bowing to the whims of what that person or those people, people want, that is in direct opposition of what God wants." [01:04:02] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Entertainment and leisure. Excessive focus on entertainment, such as movies, sports, hobbies, can become an idol when it takes precedent over our spiritual growth and responsibilities. Look, this is hard. This, that, I mean, all of them are hard, but that's a hard one. Listen, we are literally at the beginning of the absolute best time of the year. Like, it's football season, y'all. Like, this is the best time. Like, I'm not asking your opinion. I'm telling you, this is the best time, and it's so easy for me. I'm talking about me here. It's so easy for me to make that an idol and prioritize that time and focus over spiritual things." [01:05:57] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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