WHOSE ALTARS?
Second Chronicles 32.1-23


1A.  FIRST, LET’S LOOK AT THE RECORD OF THE BIBLE (2 Chronicles 32.1-19)

Do you see what the Assyrians have done here? More than a generation earlier they had attacked and carried of the northern nation of Israel. Now they have attacked Judah to the south and have Jerusalem under long siege. But notice what we can surmise about the Assyrians from verse 12.

1B.  First, their observations

2B.  Which led to their conclusions

What conclusions are obvious from their own words, which they spoke to the men on the walls surrounding Jerusalem in attempt to persuade them to give up their defense of the city? As they investigated and took note of the fact that Hezekiah took away the popular high places, took away the many altars, and commanded that the people worship at one altar in Jerusalem, what did they erroneously conclude?

1C.  First, sin was mistaken for that which was sacred.

2C.  Second, truth was mistaken for error.

3C.  Finally, right was mistaken for wrong.



2A.  SECOND, LET’S LOOK AT THE REASON OF OUR GOD

1B.  That is to say, why did God allow such things as this to happen to His people, first of all, and then why did He so meticulously record what happened to His people. Especially, why did He keep such careful record of their mistakes, their sins, and their humiliations?

2B.  Two passages in the New Testament give us the reason why God maintained this record for us (First Corinthians 10.11-12; Second Timothy 3.16-4.4)



3A.  FINALLY, THE RESPONSE OF THE BELIEVER

What does a lost person think as a result of your lifestyle? What do you communicate? We know, from Second Chronicles 32.12, that they observe us and draw wrong conclusions when God’s people don’t live right. What do the lost people around you think, as a result of your brand of Christian lifestyle, about:

1B.  Sin?

2B.  Salvation?

3B.  The Savior?

4B.  Separation?

5B.  Sanctification?

6B.  Soul Winning?

7B.  Sacrificial Giving?

8B.  The Second Coming Of Christ?

9B.  Scripture?