Sermon Notes + 4.12.2026
SERMON NOTES
He Did What Was Right in the Eyes of the Lord
2 Kings 18:1-12
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: The reign of King Hezekiah in Judah is set in stark contrast to the ruin of the northern kingdom under the rule of King Hoshea. The fall of Samaria and the subsequent deportation of the Israelites came about because they did not obey the voice of the Lord. Hezekiah could have taken a similar path due to the sins of his father and the idolatry of his country, but he chose otherwise. According to the author, Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord by modeling his life after King David. Hezekiah trusted the Lord; he held fast to the Lord; and he kept the commandments of the Lord. Hezekiah’s faith was public as well as personal. He removed elements of worship that were expressly forbidden by the Lord, and he broke in pieces the bronze serpent which was prescribed by the Lord but had become a stumbling block to the people of God. Although Hezekiah’s commitment to the Lord would waver over time, this summary of true faith serves as a helpful guide for our walk with the Lord today.
01. Doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord requires breaking with our sinful past.
02. Doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord reorients our affections to trust in Christ alone.
03. Doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord results in a desire for genuine worship.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. Read 2 Kings 17 in its entirety in order to feel the drumbeat of judgment for the northern kingdom of Israel. How does the description of Hezekiah in 2 Kings 18:1-7 bring about hope for the southern kingdom of Judah?
2. Considering the fact that no kings in Israel are good and only a few in Judah do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, how is your faith strengthened when you see or read about godly men and women? Which biblical or historical figures have encouraged you in the faith over the years?
3. Using 2 Kings 18:1-8, outline the faith of Hezekiah. What sins did he reject that were practiced in his country? As the son of Ahaz, a very ungodly king, what challenges might Hezekiah have faced as he lived out his faith as a young man? Can what was said of Hezekiah be said of you—do you trust in the Lord? Do you hold fast to the Lord? Do you keep the commandments of the Lord?
4. What is the background behind the creation of the bronze serpent according to Numbers 21:4-9? How did the bronze serpent become a means of idolatry for the people of God? What kind of pushback do you think Hezekiah received after he destroyed this ancient artifact? Why was it necessary for him to do so?
5. Read 2 Chronicles 29-31. What additional reforms did Hezekiah bring about in Judah? How does his personal walk with the Lord and public actions on behalf of the Lord challenge you to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord in your daily life?
For Further Reading: Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Revival (Crossway, 1987)