Sermon Notes + 2.15.2026
SERMON NOTES
All the Money That Was Brought Into the House of the Lord
2 Kings 12
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: The forty-year reign of Jehoash is marked by his initial obedience to the Lord, which was first instilled in him by Jehoida the priest, but still falls short of God’s standard due to his failure to remove the high places. Early in his reign, Jehoash instructs the priests to collect money that is brought into the house of the Lord and designate the funds for repairs to the Temple. Twenty-three years later, Jehoash discovers that repairs have not been made, so he reassigns the collection and distribution process to include the workers on the Temple more directly while ensuring that the priests still receive their wages. This change in procedure results in proper recognition of the workers’ skills as well as continued confidence among those who gave their money for Temple repairs. Despite his good judgment to this point, Jehoash later plunders the goods of the Temple in order to appease Hazael, king of Syria. The actions of Jehoash thus provide an important lesson in how to rightly give to the house of the Lord.
01. Giving to the house of the Lord is an opportunity to express our love for the Lord; let us give according to our ability, regularly and joyfully.
02. Giving to the house of the Lord includes the expectation that funds will be used for the Lord; let us expect transparency, excellence, and accountability.
03. Giving to the house of the Lord enables generations to continue to worship the Lord; let us leave a legacy through our generosity.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. According to verse 2, what impact did Jehoida have on the life of Jehoash? Who invested in your life when you were young, specifically to lead you to walk with the Lord? Are you investing your life in the next generation by instructing others how to walk with the Lord?
2. Recall that Jehoash was hidden in the house of the Lord for six years (2 Kings 11:2-3). How did this situation create a special fondness in his heart for the Temple (2 Kings 12:4-5)? Are there any church buildings that have a special place in your heart? What memories do you have that make those church buildings meaningful?
3. Why do you think the funds for the Temple were not put to proper usage for twenty-three years (verse 6)? How does good stewardship include not only those who give but also those who oversee the funds received? How did Jehoash resolve this problem? What does his resolution suggest about recognizing and utilizing the giftedness of people in the church?
4. Trace out the responsibilities of those who received the money that was brought into the house of the Lord. Notice how collecting, securing, counting, and distributing are done with transparency and care. What dangers can occur when any of these areas are neglected or are not conducted with transparency? What safeguards should be in place at every level?
5. Jehoash’s actions with regard to the sacred gifts and treasures in the house of the Lord are a reminder that church finances can be misused without warning and without recovery; and yet, it was not wrong for the people to give money to the house of the Lord. Pray that we will continue to give generously to the house of the Lord at Northpoint and that the Lord will use our giving to bless generations to come.
For Further Reading: Jamie Dunlop, Budgeting for a Healthy Church (Zondervan, 2019)