Trinity Bible Church

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word that you have given to us. We thank you that there are many people mentioned in your Word and that we can learn from their godly example, as well as from the mistakes they made. Please help us to learn from the example set before us in the passage we are reading this morning, for your glory, Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Henry Alford, Psalms and Hymns, 1844. Music: St. George’s Windsor, George J. Elvey, 1858.

COME, YE THANKFUL PEOPLE, COME
Click here for tune.

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field, fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day all offenses purge away,
Giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store in His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified, in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.

Thought Provoker

Imagine you are going out as a family. You are going looking for a particular place none of you have ever been to before. Think about:

• the things you would need in order to find that place.
• the things you would have to take with you.
• the things you would do to make sure you arrived there safely.
• Vs. 1-4 Jehoshaphat is rebuked by Jehu for his inconsistency.
• Vs. 5-11 Jehoshaphat sets up and instructs judges on how they are to conduct themselves.

Thinking of Jehu’s words to Jehoshaphat in v.3 — “and hast prepared thine heart to seek God”

What would happen if you did not prepare properly?

Dad’s Study

Jehoshaphat has committed a terrible sin. Jehu bravely confronts him about it. He shows Jehoshaphat the error of his ways, but is also kind enough to point out some of the good things Jehoshaphat has done. He has got rid of the wooden images in the land. He has tried to turn the people from idolatry and back to the worship of the only true and living God. As the fourth verse tells us he had brought the people back to the Lord.

But Jehoshaphat has also prepared his heart to seek after God. How do we do that? How do we seek after God? Ask the family for any ideas!! There are many. I just want us to think of one, briefly.

One way we seek after God is in prayer and in Matthew 6 the Lord himself gives us instruction on how we are to seek after God. We are not to be like the hypocrites who pray to their audience. They do not seek after God but the applause of those who listen. We are not to be like the heathen who say words which they do not mean. Seeking after God is not simply speaking into thin air.

No! To seek after God we must:

• remember who we are praying to; think of the kind of God He is.
• be alone with God; get away from any hindrances.
• speak with God; pour out our heart to God.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Think of Hannah in her time of need. She went to the house of the Lord to seek God.

Psalm 40:16 “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, the Lord be magnified.”

A. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful, not from any virtue in them, or in him who does administer them (1 Cor. 3:7; 1 Peter 3:21), but only by the blessing of Christ (1 Cor. 3:6) and the working of the Spirit in those who by faith receive them (1 Cor. 12:13).

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Prayer

Father, allow us to learn from the poor judgments of Jehoshaphat that we must never relax in our watch against evil.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Henry Alford, Psalms and Hymns, 1844. Music: St. George’s Windsor, George J. Elvey, 1858.

COME, YE THANKFUL PEOPLE, COME
Click here for tune.

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field, fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day all offenses purge away,
Giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store in His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified, in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.

Thought Provoker

This chapter contains information on both the lives of Ahab and Jehoshaphat similar to what we read in 1 Kings 22. In 1 Kings, the life of Ahab is emphasized in chapters 16 through 22, with the life of Jehoshaphat summarized in 22:41-50. In our book and chapter today, 2 Chronicles 18, the life of Jehoshaphat is emphasized. His story is told in chapters 17 through 20. When are Christians most likely to relax in their watch against an onslaught of evil?

Dad’s Study

The reason for emphasis on Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles, over Ahab, is because Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah, while Ahab was the king of Israel. Jehoshaphat is emphasized because 1 & 2 Chronicles contain the genealogies and the kingly reigns of the sons of David. The post exilic Jews were claiming, establishing and preserving, as they resumed life in the promise land, the divine promises given to King David and his sons.

Therefore, in today’s chapter, 18, we will consider the writer’s “leading actor” in the story, Jehoshaphat. We will need to borrow v.1 -3 in chapter 19.

Help your family to identify the ‘commentary’ on Jehoshaphat in the chapter.

1. v.1a He had riches and honor in abundance.
2. v.1b He joins affinity with Ahab.
3. v.2a He visits Ahab in Samaria.
4. v.4 He requests that Ahab inquire of the Lord.
5. v.6 He requests that Ahab inquire of a prophet of the Lord.
6. v.31 He cries out and the Lord helps him.
7. 19:1 He returns to his house in peace.
8. 19:2 He is rebuked by Jehu.
9. 19:3 He is affirmed by Jehu.

Early in Jehoshaphat’s reign he “walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; but sought to the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments and NOT after the doings of Israel”(17:2-4). As a result, the Lord established Jehoshaphat’s kingdom in strength against Israel (17:1,5) and in riches and honor (17:5).

Help your family identify two examples of Jehoshaphat’s poor judgment.

#1. In v.1 of our chapter, the author refers to the strength of Jehoshaphat’s kingdom by commenting on his wealth and honor. The reference of Jehoshaphat’s strong reign, accompanied with a statement that he joined affinity with Ahab, indicates a problem—poor judgment. We learn from 21:6 that Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram was married to Ahab’s daughter. The marriage is very likely a component in the alliance Jehoshaphat made with Ahab in 18:1.

#2. Jehoshaphat receives God’s counsel (v.16ff) against Ahab, yet still agrees to assist him in battle. Furthermore, he agrees to a strategy that puts him in risk. Again, poor judgment!

What did the Lord think about Jehoshaphat assisting Ahab in battle?

19:2 Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord?

What disposition of Jehoshaphat preserved him from the Lord’s wrath?

19:3 thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

The commentary given for Jehoshaphat’s life as a whole is positive (see 1Kings 22:41-50, 2Chronicles 20:31-34). Yet, we see the presence of incomplete wisdom, a lack of thoroughness, misplaced dependency, and poor judgment. In spite of all this, we see a man whom when he cries unto the Lord, the Lord preserves him.

There was one vital disposition that characterized Jehoshaphat. He prepared his heart to seek God (19:3) Because Jehoshaphat sought God (17:3-5, 18:4,6,31), his remaining corruptions were not enemies sufficient in power to disable the work of divine favor.

Because we are the Lord’s, His enemies are our enemies. Remaining sin within us and the work or the workers of Satan in this world are our foes. In all cases we are not to help them nor love them.

In regards to remaining sin, we are commanded to put to death sin in our members. We are most able to put off unrighteousness by putting on some attitude or some act of righteousness.

In regards to a work or worker of Satan, we are told to take captive every thought in obedience to Christ.

We are not to walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners nor sit in the seat of scoffers. We are greatly aided in resisting our outward enemies by watching out for them and avoiding them. Sometimes the biblically prescribe act is to flee.

Fathers, you know your children’s dispositions – strengths & weaknesses. Have frank discussions with them. Take this time and this summer to cultivate spiritual dispositions that will prevent them from helping or loving the Lord’s enemies.

We pray again: Father, allow us to learn from the poor judgments of Jehoshaphat that we must never relax in our watch against evil.

Octave Bourgeois – Greenville, SC

Catechism

Question 74

Q. How do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful?

A. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful, not from any virtue in them, or in him who does administer them (1 Cor. 3:7; 1 Peter 3:21), but only by the blessing of Christ (1 Cor. 3:6) and the working of the Spirit in those who by faith receive them (1 Cor. 12:13).

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Prayer

Dearest Heavenly Father, thank You for the free grace You have lavished upon our lives. Your love for us is the cause of all our good and hope. In love You have secured our redemption by the sacrifice of Your Son. You have also brought us to partake of His redemptive benefits by the effectual work of Your Spirit. Now we desire to love You in return. Please help us! Supply grace to our hearts that we would seek our best and deepest joys only in Yourself. Make us to be people of influence in our generation for the fame of Christ. Make our sons and daughters to be leaders in their time and place for the honor of Your Name. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Henry Alford, Psalms and Hymns, 1844. Music: St. George’s Windsor, George J. Elvey, 1858.

COME, YE THANKFUL PEOPLE, COME
Click here for tune.

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field, fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day all offenses purge away,
Giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store in His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified, in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.

Thought Provoker

2 Chronicles 17:10 is a historical demonstration of what principle from Proverbs 16? (The answer will be disclosed within the following discussion.)

Dad’s Study

Christian parents have one preeminent burden for their children; namely, that each of them would become genuine heart disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ through faith. Largely to that end our prayers and tears and labors are directed. That is, of course, as it must be. Our children are the bond slaves of sin by nature. Christ alone is able to liberate them from their guilt and bondage of soul.

Yet, there are other aspirations that Christian parents should have for their children. In another day in our national history, Christian parents desired that their children be ìgreatî, in a holy sense. They wished that their children would become people of influence for Christ. They wished them to be leaders within their culture for the glory of God and the good of the world. To this end, also, they prayed and labored. Not accidentally, therefore, many offspring of Christian homes became statesmen, military officers, and business leaders as well as ministers of the glorious Gospel.

In his early years as king of Judah, Jehoshaphat evidenced many crucial traits of Godly leadership—traits that Christian parents ought to seek to instill in their children. Let’s quickly look at some of these traits:

1. He sought to be ready, prepared for the challenges of his office and of his circumstances. The northern kingdom of Israel was a threat to the kingdom of Judah; therefore, Jehoshaphat endeavored to understand what he would need to lead the kingdom he inherited from his father. Having discerned what was needed, he sought to cultivate those things in himself and in his government. He was discerning and diligent.

2. He found and followed an excellent example of faithful and successful royalty. Jehoshaphat searched out the early reign of King David and walked in his ways. (verse 3).
3. He consciously and purposefully resorted to the Lord and not to the false gods all around him. He was convinced that Jehovah only is God and refused to be dissuaded by the many philosophies of the nations surrounding Judah (verse 4).
4. He made the Lord the delight of his heart. The New King James translates verse 6: “And his heart took delight in the ways of the Lord.” Jehoshaphat found the joy of his soul in his God and in the ways of his God. His heart was exalted in the Lord. (Do our children understand that God is the source of their ultimate happiness? Is their perception of religion one of dread and fear instead of joy and delight?)
5. He aggressively labored for the good of the people under his care:
   • Spiritually he removed the idols and places of false worship. He also sent messengers to teach the precepts of God throughout the land. Jehoshaphat prospered personally but the indication is that that was incidental to the effort he exercised for the spiritual well being of others.

   • Physically, he provided for the safety and peace of the people. (verses 2, 13ff).
6. He enjoyed the blessing of God. Jehoshaphat’s success as king came from the Lord. God graciously and mightily blessed his efforts to be a good and faithful leader for God’s glory. Part of that blessing was giving him peace from the terrors of his enemies, verse 10 (which is promised in Prov. 16:7 to those whose ways please the Lord).

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Here is a challenge for parents: to instill in our children, especially our sons but not exclusively our sons, the character, faith, enjoyment of God, self-discipline, and courage to be leaders for Christ wherever Providence places them. The place we must begin is with being ourselves within the family what we wish our children to become in the world at large.

Pastor Gary Hendrix

Catechism

Question 74

Q. How do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful?

A. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful, not from any virtue in them, or in him who does administer them (1 Cor. 3:7; 1 Peter 3:21), but only by the blessing of Christ (1 Cor. 3:6) and the working of the Spirit in those who by faith receive them (1 Cor. 12:13).

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Prayer

A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:1-5).

Today’s Hymn

Words: William Whiting, 1860. He wrote the lyrics as a poem for a student about to sail for America.

In America, “Eternal Father” is often called the “Navy Hymn,” because it is sung at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It is also sung on ships of the British Royal Navy and has been translated into French. It was the favorite hymn of U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and was sung at his funeral in Hyde Park, New York, April 1945. The Navy Band played it in 1963 as U.S. President John Kennedy’s body was carried up the steps of the U.S. Capitol to lie in state. Roosevelt served as Secretary of the Navy, and Kennedy was a PT boat commander in World War II.

ETERNAL FATHER, STRONG TO SAVE
Click here for tune.

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who biddest the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy Word,
Who walked on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Trinity of love and power!
Our family shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect us wheresoever we go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

Thought Provoker

In Luke 10 is the parable of the good Samaritan. In this parable Christ tells of the Jew who is beaten by robbers and left for dead. Several other Jews, including religious leaders, pass by without helping, however a Samaritan sees his plight and has compassion on him and helps him. Jews did not like, and would not associate with Samaritans. The Bible does not indicate how the Jew who was helped responded to the Samaritans kindness. What do you think was his response? When someone helps us are we more likely to be drawn to him and trust him?

Dad’s Study

2 Chronicles 15 told us about Asa’s battles with other nations, how he trusted in God for victory, the religious reforms Asa instituted, and how Judah turned their hearts to God. In verse 15 it says they sought God earnestly with their whole heart and that God was found by them. As a result God delivered them from their enemies and gave them rest on every side for 25 years.

After 25 years of peace and prosperity, during which Judah drew near to God with their whole heart, Israel came against Judah. Asa responded by going to the treasury of the house of the Lord and taking out silver and gold which he sent to the king of Syria. Asa paid a ransom for Syria to break her treaty with Israel and fight against Israel, thus causing Israel to withdraw. Asa is rebuked for trusting in men rather than God. Asa had been the benefactor of God’s deliverance from the Ethiopians and had seen God’s promise of peace and rest from his adversaries fulfilled for 25 years. Now, at the first hint of opposition Asa abandons God, not only in his response to this trouble but also in the rest of his reign.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

What does it mean to really trust in God?

1.A true trust in God will not fail in the face of opposition. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength (Isa. 26:4).

2.By His grace He will cause us to persevere until the end. They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever (Psa. 125:1).

If we truly trust in God we will act in proportion to that trust. The greatest example of this is Christ’s trust in the Father when He gave up His life on the cross. He displayed a total and absolute trust in the will of the Father. (Luke 23:46).

Asa’s trust failed and he acted foolishly. His trust failed because his heart was not completely God’s and at this moment of testing the deficiency was made known. (Verse 9) God knows the hearts of men and he desires that our hearts be fully his, just as David He desires that we each be a man or woman after God’s own heart. Where is your heart? Do you really trust God?

Catechism

Question 73

Q. How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation?

A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend to it with diligence (Pr. 8:34; 1 Pe. 2:1,2), and prayer (Ps. 119:18) receive it with faith (Heb. 4:2), and love (2 Th. 2:10), lay it up into our hearts (Ps. 119:11), and practise it in our lives (Jas. 1:25).

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Prayer

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD Psalm 40: 1-3.

Today’s Hymn

Words: William Whiting, 1860. He wrote the lyrics as a poem for a student about to sail for America.

In America, “Eternal Father” is often called the “Navy Hymn,” because it is sung at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It is also sung on ships of the British Royal Navy and has been translated into French. It was the favorite hymn of U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and was sung at his funeral in Hyde Park, New York, April 1945. The Navy Band played it in 1963 as U.S. President John Kennedy’s body was carried up the steps of the U.S. Capitol to lie in state. Roosevelt served as Secretary of the Navy, and Kennedy was a PT boat commander in World War II.

ETERNAL FATHER, STRONG TO SAVE
Click here for tune.

Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who biddest the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy Word,
Who walked on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Trinity of love and power!
Our family shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect us wheresoever we go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

Thought Provoker

During the last year, while I served as a hospital chaplain, I have been amazed to hear even the most irreligious physician tell patients and families that though he may have great knowledge and medical skill, God does the healing. We are told that Asa ruled Judah with reverence for God and wisdom, but it was God who struck the blows to give him military victory.

Dad’s Study

In verses 1-5 we see that Asa tried to honor God by removing altars to false gods and cutting down wooden totems (ashtoreths verse 3). He also encouraged the nation to godliness by command and example (verse 4).

In verses 6-8 we are told that in spite of the prosperity and peace God granted Asa’s early reign, he prepared for war by fortifying the cities and building a large, well-trained army.

In verses 9-15, we read of Asa’s and Judah’s success against the Ethiopians. Here lies the key passage for us:

“And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy Naomi we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled” (Verse 11 and 12).

Though he had wisely turned his nation to God and prepared for war, Asa knew that without the providence of God Judah could not succeed.

In verse 11 he sought God’s blessing on Judah by recognizing God’s power and sovereignty. In verse 12 we do not read of courageous soldiers or masterful tactical maneuvers (though there probably were) but, we read that “the LORD smote” the Ethiopians. Each action of Asa and his people were but a part of God’s work and purpose.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

In our daily lives we find a freedom to act and feel because we know that God works all things in accordance to His will. Each and every act that we perform is an ordained part of God’s plan unfolding.

Greg Bailey – Greenville, SC

Catechism

Question 73

Q. How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation?

A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend to it with diligence (Pr. 8:34; 1 Pe. 2:1,2), and prayer (Ps. 119:18) receive it with faith (Heb. 4:2), and love (2 Th. 2:10), lay it up into our hearts (Ps. 119:11), and practise it in our lives (Jas. 1:25).

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