No Turning Back

Theme: In Reforming Around God's Word, Josiah Left No Avenue for Return to False gods.
I. Renewing the Covenant with the Lord – vv. 1-20
A. Reading and Covenanting to Follow God's Word – vv. 1-3; Dt 31:10-13; Jos 24:24
B. Removing the Abominations from God's People – vv. 4-14; 2 Ki 21:7; Dt 23:17; Je 7:31-32
C. Directing God's Worship to His Temple – vv. 15-20; I Ki 11:5-7
II. Following God's Commands in Worship – vv. 21-25
A. Keeping the Passover – vv. 21-23; Dt 16:2-8; 2 Ch 35:18-19
B. Removing the Superstitions – v. 24; Le 19:31
C. Turning to the Lord with All His Heart– v. 25; Php 3:7-8
III. God's Wrath Against Sin is Not Turned Away – vv. 26-30
A. God's Anger is Provoked through Abominations – vv. 26-27; I Ki 22:53; 2 Ki 21:11-12
B. God's Reformer is Destroyed – vv. 28-30

The sermon examines the reign of Josiah, highlighting his zealous efforts to reform Judah by rediscovering and reaffirming the covenant with God, dismantling idolatrous practices, and centralizing worship in the temple. While Josiah's dedication to the law and purification of the land resulted in a period of unprecedented devotion, the message underscores that his efforts were ultimately insufficient to prevent God's judgment on Judah due to the enduring sinfulness of the people. The sermon emphasizes the importance of radical commitment to God's word, recognizing that true transformation requires a change of heart and a relentless pursuit of righteousness, even in the face of inevitable consequences and the ongoing presence of evil.