Read From Joash to Amaziah and An Overview of Amaziah. Briefly, what stands out to you about King Amaziah?
In Matthew 22, Jesus says, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment" (Matthew 22:36-38). What do you think it looks like to truly love God with all of your heart? Why do you think Jesus calls this command "the great and first commandment"?
2 Chronicles 25:2 says of Amaziah, "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, yet not with a whole heart." What do you think that means? Has there ever been a time in your life when your actions were technically the "right thing to do" but the heart behind your actions was not pure? What was really going on in your heart? If a time comes to mind, share that story.
Read 2 Chronicles 25:14-16 and False Gods in Our Lives. What things in your life are you tempted to worship as if they are God? Be honest and specific. What dangers would you face if you continue to treat things that are not God as if they are God?
Idolatry is not only false worship. It also has a hardening effect on our hearts. Amaziah's foolish, hardened heart could not discern that the prophet's word was a merciful appeal from God to turn from his pride and false sense of security. Who in your life challenges you to remain whole-hearted before the Lord? How have you responded in the past when they have appealed to you to repent?
Partial devotion is often more dangerous than outright rebellion. Half-hearted devotion to God blinds us to the gospel by making us feel secure while keeping us from fully surrendering to the Lord. We don't need slightly better behavior; we need new hearts. And only Jesus offers those. Spend a few moments meditating on Romans 12:2. "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Then go to God in prayer with one another. Confess and repent of ways you have withheld whole-hearted devotion from Him alone.
Sermon Details
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The biggest threat to our faith isn’t that we don’t obey or love God; it’s that we sometimes do. Join us as Halim Suh explores King Amaziah’s reign to show the dangers of having a divided heart.
