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II CHRONICLES 16:7-9

"RELYING ON GOD"

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF RELYING ON GOD.
        A. Asa began his career as king with spiritual reformation.
                1. He rid the land of the images and places of worship of
                   the false gods.
                2. He ordered the people to worship Jehovah and to keep
                   his law.
        B. The Ethiopians invaded the land with a huge host of one
           million men and 300 chariots.
                1. King Asa relied on the Lord.
                        a. His wonderful prayer of dependence, 14: 11.
                        b. The Lord smote the Ethiopians.
        C. His kingdom became strong and prosperous.
                1. God's message to him through the prophet, "If you
                   seek the Lord."
        D. The glorious covenant they made to seek Jehovah with all their
           heart and soul.
        E. The ensuing years of power and success brought a subtle danger.
                1. Self-reliance.
        F. King Baasha began to build a fortified city against him.
                1. Rather than relying on the Lord he called on the king
                   of Syria.
                2. Baasha wasn't that strong, nothing compared to the
                   Ethiopians.
                        a. Strange how well we can fare in the big
                           problems yet stumble in the small trials.
                        b. Big problems we know we must rely on God.
                        c. Small ones we often take the attitude it's all
                           right Lord, I don't need you, I can handle this
                           one.
        G. His strategy was successful in opening the second front against
           Baasha, they defeated him.
                1. Yet he developed a pattern that ultimately cost him
                   his life.

II. GOD'S WARNING AGAINST SELF-RELIANCE.
        A. He may have gained a temporary advantage over Baasha but he
           has opened the door for Syria to return and invade whole land.

Ill. THE GLORlOUS TRUTH OF GOD REVEALED. "The eyes of the Lord go to and
                                          fro."
        A. God is not passive in His desire to bless you, but active.
        B. How God gives.
                1. Men, three basic types.
                        a. Those you must sell on idea.
                        b. Those who lust need to know.
                        c. Those who are looking for place.
                2. Some picture God as giving as the first type others
                   as the 2nd.
                3. The prophet revealed that the third type best
                   typifies God.
        C. God is just looking for those who will rely totally on Him.