Reformation through Scripture Alone

Text: 2Kings 5:1-14

I. INTRODUCTION

In October 31, 1517 an Augustinian monk, Martin Luther, nailed his 95 thesis on the door of Wittenburg Church. It was the time where many traditions and practices that were not adhere to the Scripture. People were being deceived by the Roman Catholic added beliefs and practices like prayer for the dead, paying indulgences, and purgatory. When he began to study the Scripture, he found out that many beliefs and traditions of the RCC were unbiblical. For this reason, he convince the leaders of the church and even common people to go back to what the Scripture is saying. Reformation begins with acknowledging the authority of the Scripture. This year we are celebrating the 500th Year of Reformation where people based their faith and practices on Scripture alone.

CIS: Reformation begins discovering the great importance of the Bible.

II. BODY

Background

• King Manasseh and his son Amon who became king next to him,  lead the people of Judah to idolatry during their reign (2Kings 21:1-26). For this reason God was very angry and pronounced judgment against the southern kingdom.

• After their death, King Josiah began to rule the southern kingdom when he was eight years old.
• King Josiah is different from his father and grandfather.
• He loves the Lord and God's temple. For this reason he mandated to repair the temple.
• During that time the high priest named Hilkiah found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord (2Kings 22:8)
• When they found the Book of the Law, there begins the reformation.

There are 4 Important events that will happen to the people of God when they discover the importance of the Bible.

1. Realization of Sin (vv11-13)

The discovery of the great value of the Bible will lead people to realize their sins.

• The king tore his clothes as a sign of realization of his sins and the whole kingdom.
• The people of the kingdom also heard it (23:1-2)
• Point: Only the hearing of the Word of God can make people realize their sin.
• Challenge: There must be preaching of the Word of God so that people who can hear may realize their sins against God

Transition: Realization of Sin leads to finding peach with God.

2. Reconciliation to God through Covenant (23:3)

The discovery of the great value of the Bible will lead people to reconcile with God through covenant.

• The whole kingdom joined in the covenant (v3)
• Point: Reconciliation with God is through believing Jesus Christ with whom the Father made a covenant for reconciliation
• Challenge: Be reconciled with God through believing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Transition: Reconciliation with God means to turn from the things that God abhors.

3. Removal of Idols (vv4-20)

The discovery of great value of the Bible will lead people to remove their idols.

• The mandate of the king is to remove all forms, objects, accomplices of idolatry.
• They removed the high places, altars, and statutes of different gods.
• Even the priests that leads people to idolatry have been exterminated.
• Today there are still idols in the heart of every man (money, fame, gadgets)

• Note: Everyone who reconciles with God must refrain from idolatries.
• Challenge: Examine yourselves whether you still have idols in your life, then remove your idols in your life

Transition: Now that God has set us free from the sin of idolatries, this is a proof that God is faithful to His promise though we sin

                   against Him. Let us acknowledge His faithfulness

4. Recollection of God's Faithfulness (vv21-23)

The discovery of the great value of the Bible will lead people to remember God's faithfulness

• The Passover is the feast that shows God's faithfulness.
• It symbolizes that sacrifice paschal lamb who will save the people from death like what had happened to Egypt.
• For the longest time, since the time of the Judges, Israel never observe the Passover (v22)
• For this reason, King Josiah commanded to keep the feast of Passover to remember God's faithfulness.
• They believe that God is still faithful to His promise that one day a Savior from the line of David will come to deliver them.

• Note: Jesus Christ, the Paschal Lamb,  is the fulfillment of God's faithfulness.

• Challenge: Let us remember God's faithfulness through corporate worship, doing the will of God, serving God through serving

                   others, and advancing His kingdom.

III. CONCLUSION

• In 386 Augustine, one  of the church fathers, was converted. He consider the voice of a child saying "Pick it up and read." So he picked up his Bible and read Romans 13. From that time on, he never be the same. He realized his sin and reconciled with God. He turn from his wicked ways of immorality (his idol) and live for God. His ministries and writings shows how he always remember God's faithfulness. When he discover the great value of the Bible there comes reformation.
• It is true to us today. God will reformed our hearts, minds, and ways. And it is only through His Word.

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