SERMON NOTES
I Am Your Servant and Your Son
2 Kings 16
Dr. Tony Chute, Lead Pastor
Overview: The southern kingdom of Judah suffers a setback under the reign of Ahaz, who, unlike his father and grandfather, walks in the way of the kings of Israel. He sacrifices on the high places and even burns his own son as an offering to the false gods of the surrounding nations. Under threat of invasion from the king of Syria and the king of Israel, Ahaz formally pledges his allegiance to Tiglath-pileser by taking an oath and providing him with gold and silver from the Temple. Ahaz’s actions result in a reprieve from his troubles, thus leading him to delve deeper into Assyrian religion. He orders Uriah the priest to craft a model of the altar he saw in Damascus in order to replace the altar authorized for sacrifice by the Lord, though he strangely decides to keep the original altar as his own. On the surface, Ahaz’s decision to serve Tiglath-pileser appears to be in the best interests of Judah as he prevents their destruction; however, the assessment of Kings and Chronicles has the final word—Ahaz’s decision to walk away from the Lord of his youth resulted in the ruin of him and his people.
01. If we are not firm in our faith, we will not be firm at all. Let us recognize our frailty by acknowledging that all religions are not equal; that none of our troubles are unknown to God; and that changing our loyalties will not bring lasting peace.
02. If we are not firm in our faith, we will not be firm at all. Let us reinforce our faith by rejecting the lure of popular religion; by trusting the Lord in our times of trial; and by worshipping Him according to His Word.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
1. What is the author’s assessment of Ahaz’s reign? What examples does he provide in order to justify his assessment? How do the actions of Ahaz and the assessment of the author illustrate the principle taught by Jesus in Matthew 7:16–20? What do your actions suggest about your faith?
2. According to verse 3, King Ahaz burned his son as an offering “according to the despicable practices of the nations the LORD drove out before the people of Israel.” How does this passage illustrate the fact that not all religions are equal? What would you say to someone who believes that it doesn’t matter what we believe, as long as we are sincere?
3. What led Ahaz to approach Tiglath-pileser for security and deliverance? Read Isaiah 7 alongside this chapter. What alternatives did Isaiah offer Ahaz? Why did Ahaz refuse the Lord’s offer for a sign? How does the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy encourage you to trust the Lord in your times of trouble?
4. Ahaz said to Tiglath-Pileser, “I am your servant and your son. Come and rescue me” (2 Kings 16:7a). 2 Chronicles 28 provides additional commentary on this episode, describing the futility of Ahaz’s actions: 2 Chronicles 28:21, “it did not help him”; 2 Chronicles 28:22, “he became yet more faithless to the Lord”; and 2 Chronicles 28:24, “he shut up the doors of the house of the Lord.” What would have happened if Ahaz had said to the Lord, “I am your servant and your son”? Take a moment to pray for those who have walked away from the Lord and have yet to see the futility of their decision.
5. Isaiah told Ahaz, “If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all” (Isaiah 7:9b). In light of the points of application, what are you doing to ensure your faith is in the Lord no matter what comes your way?
For Further Reading: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, From Fear to Faith: Rejoicing in the Lord in Turbulent Times (NavPress, 2011)