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THE GIFT OF FIFTEEN EXTRA YEARS

Text: 2 Kings 20; 2 Chronicles 32
1 February 2011

(I) THE GIFT OF FIFTEEN EXTRA YEARS

1. Prayer of Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:2-3; Isaiah 38)

2. Promise of God (2 Kings 20:6)

3. Power of God (Deuteronomy 8:18)

a) Property

“God had given him very much property…” 2 Chronicles 32:29

b) Prosperity

“Hezekiah prospered in all his works…” 2 Chronicles 32:30

(II) TESTING OF THE HEART

1. Promise of Blessing (Deuteronomy 8:7-10)

2. Power of God at work (Deuteronomy 8:18)

3. Principle of testing (Deuteronomy 8:16, 2 Chronicles 32:31)

a) To humble man

b) To prove the heart

(III) FAILING GOD’S TEST

1. Royal emissary from Babylon

a) Royal visit to Jerusalem

b) Inquired after the health of Hezekiah

c) Many presents (2 Kings 20:12)

2. Response of Hezekiah

a) Gave great attention to this royal visit

b) Displayed all the wealth of the land (2 Kings 20:13, 15)

3. Rebuke from the Lord (2 Kings 20:16-18)

a) Babylonian captivity predicted (2 Kings 20:17-18)

b) The pride of Hezekiah would prove his downfall

i) Pride in wealth

ii) Pride in self (achievements)

4. Recalcitrant Hezekiah

a) Unrepentant

b) Hardened heart

c) Selfishness

“So Hezekiah said to Isaiah,

‘The word of the LORD which you have spoken is good!’

For he said, “Will there not be peace and truth at least in my days?’ ” 2 Kings 20:19