Theme: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart
Date: February 27th, 2025
Reference Text: 2 Kings 22: 3 – 10 and 2 Chron. 34: 8 – 13
Introduction
From our previous study, we have good opportunity to gain experience that Jeremiah`s world was bounded within Judah by kings Josiah (640-609BC), Jehoahaz (609BC), Jehoiakim (609-598BC), Jehoiachin (598BC), and Zedekiah (598-587BC). Throughout the study we have learned that Jeremiah witnessed under pressure because during the latter years of his ministry the Babylonians had defeated Judah twice in 597BC and 586BCand Judah reinterpret her forms of political existence, religious practices, personal faith, and corporate theology.
Because a significant difference exists, this study will focus on Josiah`s reform as one of the most significant periods of revival in the earlier days of Judah not because of the resolute action Josiah took against idolatry to return the people to God, but from the perspectives of the program he put in place for repairing of the temple at 26 years of age. First, he turned on the money Shaphan had collected for labor and material for the Temple to be fixed. Josiah was convinced reforms should start with God and returning the people back to God.
Josiah understands, as well as we should that Judah have all the answers about why things are happening and what the future holds from God through Jeremiah. But the people refuse to pay attention and agree to suffer more than they had thought possible. Readily visible, Jeremiah spoke and shared in the spirit of Josiah`s reformation, he warned about judgment and proclaimed renewal for Judah to renew their covenant and the vows they had shattered so long before.
QUESTIONS
1. Accountability is foundational to success. For that reason, accurate record keeping and financial reporting remain a critical aspect of business, governance and human progress and success.
A. In our world today, financial integrity is critical - What insights does our study offer that no accounting from the workers of the money which they turned over to them was necessary in 2 kings 22: 7; 2 Kings 12: 13 – 15.
B. Regarding personal and collective responsibility, what idea does Romans 14: 12 convey that each person shall give account of himself to God. What essentially is Paul admonishing
2. Matt. 23: 23 criticizes those who neglect important ethical principles for minor ones. Discuss the need for a balance between diligence and ethical conduct. In what sense and in what area are you missing your sense of proportion
A. 1 Timothy 6: 10 serves as critical reminder of the pitfall that can arise from misdirected pursuit of wealth. What other ways spiritual leaders corrupt church doctrines to provide income for church coffers throughout history?
B. Luke 16: 1 - 3 reminds us of financial transparency and accountability. Capable and resource people suffer greater than would have been possible around accountability. What areas do they suffer and what can we learn from them.
C. Luke 2: 1 - 5 highlights the role of governance and pattern of potential burden taxes place in society. Considering the actual history of this event, what in our world today could make people not act with the utmost responsibility and sense of integrity
3. Define idolatry.
A. When Josiah started his reform, he destroyed everything that connected Judah with idolatry. Discuss the idea behind the grinding of the idol to powder and emphasize what His action symbolizes in 2 kgs 23: 6?
B. Using Eph 6: 11; 1 Timothy 6: 1 – 12 and 2 Timothy 2: 1 - 7, explain why idol worship and resisting idol worship is a powerful temptation and a lifelong Christian battle.
4. In view of Josiah`s reform, explain the statement, the spiritual health of a nation rises and falls on the level of Bible literacy and obedience to God.
A. From Deut. 32: 45 – 47 and Deut. 31: 9 -13, we noticed how God intended Bible literacy and knowledge of his word as core value for Israel. Read and discuss the value of Bible literacy from Rm. 10: 13 – 17; 1 Sam 3: 1 – 10; Hosea 4: 1 – 6; Psa. 119: 9 - 11,105
B. From 2 Chron. 34: 19 – 28, Josiah took the warning in the book of the law seriously. List or mention the step(s) he took and discuss the significance of the step(s) he took.
5. Before Josiah`s reform, Judah has experienced periods of revival from 2 Chron15: 1 - 19; 2 Chron. 17: 1 - 10. Since our study focuses on Josiah`s reform, point out one of Judah`s biggest errors and what have they have missed all along.
A. According to 2 Chron. 35: 1 – 6, Josiah encouraged the Priest and Levites to carry out their appointed service. Trace out the two things they did and the significance of each
B. In 2 Chron. 35: 7 – 19, Josiah provided most of the animals for the feast while other leaders and priests provided what they could provide. What do you think motivated his action
C. Passover is celebrated yearly as God has commanded in Exodus 12: 14 – 27. Summarize Josiah`s obedience from 2 Chron 35: 18
