Sermon Guide

Grace & Truth: Prophets, Priests, and Kings
Kent Landhuis

THEME – We want (need) a perfect prophet, priest, and king.
TEXT – 2 Chronicles 25:2 “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.”

1. The disappointing legacy of the kings.
a. The king’s job description:

  • Honor God.
  • Maintain covenant faithfulness.
  • Protect the people.

b. Bad kings.

  • Omri: But Omri did evil in the eyes of the Lord and sinned more than all those before him.” 1 Kings 16:25
  • Ahab: “Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.” 1 Kings 16:30

c. Good kings.

  • Saul: “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” 1 Samuel 15:11
  • Amaziah: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.” 2 Chronicles 25:2
  • David: “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22

2. The disappointing legacy of the priests.

a. The priestly job description.

  • Honor God.
  • Promote faithfulness.
  • Make sacrifices.

b. Good priests.

  • Aaron: “Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them.” Exodus 7:6
  • Zadok: “(They) who were faithful in serving and did not go astray.” Ezekiel 48:11

c. Bad priests.

  • Nadab and Abihu: “Nadab and Abihu died when they made an offering before the Lord with unauthorized fire.” Numbers 26:61
  • Uriah: “Uriah the priest did just as King Ahaz had ordered.” 2 Kings 16:16

3. The disappointing legacy of the prophets.

a. The prophetic job description.

  • Honor God.
  • Covenant watchdog.
  • Guide to repentance.

b. Good prophets.

  • Moses: “There has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” Deuteronomy 34:10
  • Samuel: “All Israel gathered for his funeral.” 1 Samuel 25:1
  • Elijah: “Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.” 2 Kings 2:11

c. Bad prophets.

  • Balaam: “I have sinned.” Numbers 22:34
  • 450 Prophets of Baal: “They shouted. But there was no response; no one answered.” 1 Kings 18:26

4. The perfect king, priest, and prophet.

  • Jesus reigns as the perfect king, establishing God’s reign of righteousness and justice.
  • Jesus the great high priest (and sacrificial lamb) reconciles us to God through his sacrifice and intercession.
  • Jesus the faithful prophet, reveals God’s perfect will to guide us into flourishing.
  • What epitaph would you give to Jesus?

 

 

Love. Belong. Serve.