Message 4 – A Sign of Real Revival 2 Chronicles 31: 1-21 INTRODUCTION: We do not choose to constantly talk about money in this church. When we do address it, we don’t just talk about money, we talk about life stewardship – the giving of our time and abilities as well as our material wealth. Since we are examining 2 Chronicles 29-31 and the great revival in Judah led by King Hezekiah, we come today to give our attention to the last of the three chapters. Our study of this great revival would be incomplete without studying it. It is the record of how the revival continued after the big celebration of the Passover in Jerusalem (at the temple). What happened was a beautiful demonstration of liberality by those who had experienced revival. The check register in your checkbook is a good indicator of whether or not you have experienced real revival. It reflects our material sacrifice and is an indicator of where we are spiritually. Check your giving to God’s causes against other expenditures that are part of you life. What does the comparison tell you? Sacrificial giving has always been a part of worship. People who have experienced a renewed relationship to God are compelled to give to God’s causes! This chapter (2 Chronicles 31) has some great Scriptural stewardship principles in it. I. HEZEKIAH’S REQUIREMENT A. What? The tithe B. Why? To support the work of God in the temple (Priests and Levites). C. God has always had His place to bring offerings to Him: 1. Old Testament: – The temple 2. New Testament: – The church 3. Kingdom giving: Giving to para-church organizations and other ministries – Many causes need money in order to function. D. A major consideration as we begin to examine stewardship principles from this passage: Get these two things! 1. Revival results in God’s people becoming obedient. 2. Stewardship is a major area of our obedience. II. OBSERVATIONS ON REVIVED STEWARDSHIP A. You cannot be a good disciple and not give to God’s work in the world! B. Structure and sufficient support – Hezekiah established the priestly divisions in order to insure smooth operation in the ministry. The priests and Levites needed support so they could give their efforts toward ministry (vv. 2, 4) 2 Chronicles 31: 4 HCSB 2 Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites for the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for praise in the gates of the camp of the Lord, each division corresponding to his service among the priests and Levites. 4 He told the people who lived in Jerusalem to give a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote their energy to the law of the Lord. (emphasis added) C. The stewardship of God’s revived people: 5 Stewardship principles 1. The movement was led by a godly man (Hezekiah) who sought God and led others to do the same (vv. 3, 20-21) 2 Chronicles 31: 3, 20-21 HCSB 3 The king contributed from his own possessions for the regular morning and evening burnt offerings, the burnt offerings of the Sabbaths, of the New Moons, and of the appointed feasts, as written in the law of the Lord. 20 Hezekiah did this throughout all Judah. He did what was good and upright and true before the Lord his God. 21 He was diligent in every deed that he began in the service of God’s temple, in the instruction and the commands, in order to seek his God, and he prospered. (emphasis added) NOTE: Leaders should never expect others to do what they are not willing to do themselves. a. His leadership example – Hezekiah gave as an example (v. 3) NOTE: Hezekiah is following David’s example. David gave from his own personal wealth to help build the temple (1 Chron. 29: 2-5). b. He did what as good, right, and true (v. 20) c. He was faithful (ESV) and diligent (HCSB) (v. 21a) d. He was passionate about his pursuit of God (v. 21b) 2. The people’s stewardship practices were according to Scripture (God’s Word)(v. 3) 2 Chronicles 31: 3 HCSB 3 The king contributed from his own possessions for the regular morning and evening burnt offerings, the burnt offerings of the Sabbaths, of the New Moons, and of the appointed feasts, as written in the law of the Lord. (emphasis added) 3. They gave their best (firstfruits) (v. 5) 2 Chronicles 31: 5 HCSB 5 When the word spread, the Israelites gave liberally of the best of the grain, new wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance, a tenth of everything. NOTE: Word “best” in HCSB is translated in some other translations (ESV, NIV, KJV, NASB) 4. They gave abundantly (sacrificially) –“heaps” (ESV – v. 8)(v. 5) NOTE: Examine the words used to describe their gifting (this list is from the HCSB) a. Liberally (v. 5) b. Dedicated (v. 6) c. Consecrated (v. 6) d. Piles/heaps (v. 8) e. Abundance (v. 10) f. Brought faithfully (v. 12) 2 Chronicles 31: 5, 8 HCSB 5 When the word spread, the Israelites gave liberally of the best of the grain, new wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance, a tenth of everything. 8 When Hezekiah and his officials came and viewed the piles, they praised the Lord and His people Israel. 5. Great care was given to be good stewards of what was given (distribution was attended to faithfully)(vv. 11-19) a. Distribution (faithfully) b. Handled by faithful stewards guided by trustworthy practices c. Two important elements: (1) Responsibility that leads to #2. (2) Accountability in churches and organizations who collect funding for ministry. .