Worship and Influence December 4, 2016

2 Chronicles 20:31-21:1 So Jehoshaphat was king over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 32 And he walked in the way of his father Asa, and did not turn aside from it, doing what was right in the sight of the Lord. 33 Nevertheless the high places were not taken away, for as yet the people had not directed their hearts to the God of their fathers. 34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, indeed they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, which is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel. 35 After this Jehoshaphat king of Judah allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted very wickedly. 36 And he allied himself with him

2 Chronicles 20:31-21:1 to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion Geber. 37 But Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord has destroyed your works.” Then the ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish. 1 And Jehoshaphat rested with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the City of David. Then Jehoram his son reigned in his place.

Introduction Worshipping God and His Son Jesus Christ Coming Together v. 1-4 Setting Our Eyes On Him v. 5-12 Positioning Ourselves to Fight v. 13-19 Declaring and Celebrating the Lord’s Victory v.20-30 While he prioritized worship and thanksgiving, he prospered He made choices that impacted his ability to influence others He set himself to cleanse the land of idolatry 1 Kings 22:43 He appointed righteous judges 2 Chron 19:4-8 He had priests officiate in administering justice 2 Chron 19:4-8

Introduction He was not able to remove the high places He made an alliance with King Ahab, king of Israel He again made an alliance with Ahaziah, for a business deal

Lesson 1: Destroy the High Places He allowed the high places to remain High places are associated with idolatry Commandment of God as they came into Promise Land If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off Matt 5:30 Enemy wants a place to hook you and draw you back What if any places can he hook you? Where are the high places located in your life?

Lesson 2: Protect Our Hearts for Worship Our hearts have a direct impact on our worship Idolatry: When something other than God has our deepest affection Idolatry can lead us into unholy alliances Allow the Holy Spirit free reign in all areas of our lives

Lesson 3: Influence Others Through Our Freedom When we tear down high places, it will broaden our influence It will open our hearts to God in fresh ways He will go to battle for us Jehoshaphat lost influence later in life through unholy alliances Ask the Holy Spirit where you may have any unholy alliances

Conclusion Destroy the High Places Protect Our Hearts for Worship Influence Others Through Our Freedom