Straying from God's ways: a dangerous drift (2 Kings 16:1-20)
Brothers and sisters, the story of King Ahaz in 2 Kings 16:1-20 is a sobering account of a man who strayed far from God, ultimately leading his kingdom into spiritual ruin. His choices serve as a warning to us: when do we become weary of God, and how can we avoid the perilous path of spiritual compromise?
I. When We Adopt Principles From the World Around Us (2 Kings 16:2-4)
Ahaz, despite being a king of Judah, chose to emulate the wicked practices of the kings of Israel.
• 1. When we adopt common principles out of fear of what others might say (v. 2): Ahaz did not follow the righteous ways of his ancestor David. He prioritized the acceptance of the surrounding nations, showcasing fear of man rather than fear of God. We often compromise our convictions to fit in with the world's standards.
• 2. When we adopt common practices out of fear of what others might say (v. 3): He followed the idolatrous practices of the kings of Israel, even sacrificing his own son. We can easily fall into the trap of conforming to worldly trends, even when they contradict God's Word.
• 3. When we deliberately transgress God's precepts (v. 4): Ahaz's actions were a deliberate rejection of God's commands.
◦ a. Sin is subtle: It often creeps into our lives gradually, masking its true nature.
◦ b. Sin attracts: It promises temporary pleasure and gratification, luring us away from God's path.
II. When We Profane What Is Consecrated to God (2 Kings 16:5-10)
Ahaz's actions extended beyond personal sin to the profanation of God's temple and the compromising of God's people.
• 1. If we open doors to the enemy, he takes control (v. 6b): Ahaz's alliance with the king of Syria opened the door for further spiritual corruption. When we compromise with the world, we give the enemy access to our lives.
• 2. When we make pacts and agreements with the world (v. 7): Ahaz sought help from the king of Assyria, placing his trust in human alliances rather than God.
◦ a. We need to examine who we do business with: Our associations can influence our spiritual lives.
◦ b. We cannot stop depending on God: We must always rely on God's provision, not the world's support.
• 3. When we surrender what is holy to the world (vv. 8, 9): Ahaz took treasures from the temple to bribe the king of Assyria, showing a disregard for what was sacred. We must protect the sanctity of God's house and His Word.
III. When We Mix Christian Life With Religiosity (2 Kings 16:10-15)
Ahaz's actions reveal a shift from true worship to a form of religious syncretism.
• 1. When we fabricate a religion of convenience (vv. 10, 11): Ahaz created a new altar based on a pagan design, adapting worship to suit his own preferences. We can fall into the trap of creating a personalized version of Christianity, rather than adhering to God's revealed truth.
• 2. When idols take the place of God (vv. 12, 13): Ahaz placed the pagan altar in a prominent position, displacing the altar of God.
◦ a. When we displace God (vv. 14, 15): We can displace God from the central place of our lives by prioritizing other things.
IV. When We Act to Please Others (2 Kings 16:16-18)
Ahaz's desire for acceptance led him to manipulate and compromise God's ways.
• 1. When we manipulate the things of God (vv. 16, 17): Ahaz altered the temple's design to please the king of Assyria, demonstrating a willingness to compromise God's ways for human approval.
• 2. When, in order to be accepted, we renounce our convictions (vv. 18): Ahaz's actions reveal a desire to be accepted by the world, even at the expense of his faith. We must remain steadfast in our convictions, even when facing opposition.
- Decisions That Can Change Your Life (2 Kings 13:1-9)
- Where Will We Spend Eternity? A Solemn Choice (Luke 16:19-31)
- Nine Great Things God Has For Us
Conclusion:
Ahaz's story is a call to vigilance. We must guard against the subtle temptations that lead us away from God. It is time to return to the old path, the path of unwavering devotion to our Lord. May we choose to follow God's ways, even when they are unpopular, and may we remain steadfast in our faith, regardless of the world's influence. Amen.
