(Christian Living Sermon) Hillside 8/95
Filename: Kings to Imitate

SOME KINGS WORTH IMITATING

TEXT: Hebrews 6:9-12

INTRODUCTION--

1. The writer of Hebrews may have had other worthies in mind, but the OT contains the record of many worthy of imitation. (See Hebrews 11.)
   
2. Some of the 43 kings of Israel are among those worthies; some good, some evil, some legitimate, some usurpers, but who all dealt with God.
   
3. We will look at the prosperity of 5 kings, all of Judah, and their examples.

LESSON--

1. UZZIAH, 2 Chronicles 26:5
   
   1. The meaning of "prosperity."
      
      1. In the OT. Deuteronomy 7:12-15 (physical)
         
      2. In the NT. 3 John 2; Ephesians 1:15-20 (spiritual)
         
   2. As Uzziah "set himself to seek God," so Christ "set his face to go to Jerusalem," Luke 9:51 (The rest of the context shows the effect.)
      
   3. Lesson: SET YOURSELF TO SEEK GOD
      
2. HEZEKIAH, 2 Chronicles 31:21
   
   1. Jesus also commands "heart" commitment. Matthew 22:37; Acts 8:36-37
      
   2. Lesson: SEEK GOD WITH ALL THY HEART
      
3. JOTHAM, 2 Chronicles 27:6 (Compare Hosea 14:9.)
   
   1. Jesus is the great example of pleasing God. John 8:28-29
      
   2. Lesson: WALK IN THE WAYS OF GOD
      
4. JEHOSHAPHAT, 1 Kings 22:43
   
   1. His father ASA could not follow his father, but had to imitate his older ancestor, David. 1 Kings 15:11ff (Compare a much later king. 2 Kings 22:2)
      
   2. We can imitate Jesus (John 8:12), or followers of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:1).
      
   3. Lesson: IMITATE THE GOOD QUALITIES OF OTHERS
      
5. JOSIAH, 2 Kings 23:25
   
   1. He was a greater, more knowledgeable reformer than even David.
      
   2. His zeal was mentioned by a prophet many years before. 1 Kings 13:1-2
      
   3. Lesson; TURN TO GOD WITH ZEAL FOR HIS LAW

APPLICATION-- Some of these kings were not without their faults.

1. Uzziah tried to usurp the function of a priest. 2 Chronicles 26:16-21
   
2. Jehoshaphat was rebuked for helping wicked kings. 2 Chronicles 19:1-3
   
3. Hezekiah foolishly showed his wealth to potential enemies. 2 Kings 20:12-19 (Compare 2 Chronicles 32:30-31.)
   
4. Lesson: EVEN THE BEST OF PEOPLE CAN FALL TO THE PITFALLS OF PRIDE, VANITY, SHALLOWNESS, WORLDLINESS, AND INSTABILITY.
   
5. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God..."