Standing On Your Own Two Feet
Today's Three-minute Bible Study
Print, Study and Apply
Title: Standing On Your Own Two Feet ------------------------------ Date: 1/06/2001
Keywords:
"independence"
"Joash"
Welcome
to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual
temptation.
Passage: 2 Chronicles 24:1-2, 15, 17-18*
1. Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Zibiah from Beersheba.
2. And Joash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest….
15. Now when Jehoiada reached a ripe old age he died; he was one hundred and thirty years old at his death….
17. But after the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and bowed down to the king, and the king listened to them.
18. And they abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols; so wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their guilt.
Questions
There is a very long section of Scripture dealing with the reign of King Joash of Judah. Virtually all of 2 Chronicles 24 is about his reign. You might want to read the whole chapter at some point.
1. Notice how Joash behaves while Jehoiada, the old priest is alive (vv. 1-2).
2. What was his behavior like after Jehoiada the priest died? (vv. 17-18)
3. What do you think moved Joash to change his behavior?
Practical help
Joash's commitment to righteous living was only skin-deep. As soon as Jehoiada, his godly mentor, died, Joash changed loyalties as easily as you or I might change radio stations in our car. He was peer dependent and therefore easily swayed by the crowd, which after Jehoiada's death, wanted him to worship other gods -- so he did.
What advice could we give Joash that would help him "stand on his own two feet" with God? What advice can we offer to those who struggle with the temptation to view pornography?
Joash and porn strugglers need to decide to pledge allegiance to God, who does not change or pass off the scene, and NOT to will power or to friends or even to self.
Are your convictions regarding porn viewing easily swayed, based on the feelings of the moment? Maybe it is time you settled the issue about its legitimacy once and for all, before God. In a weak moment, you need to be able to look back at a prior decision. Make the decision now, BEFORE GOD, to stay away from the toxic stuff.
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*"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, © Copyright
The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by
permission."
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