Josiah, An Obedient King – Part 2

      

Introduction
Josiah’s life teaches us what it truly means to obey all the way. In today’s lesson we will examine how Josiah found the truth, accepted God’s word, restored true worship, and fought against sin. His example shows us the depth of obedience God expects (2 Kings 22–23).

Finding the Truth
Josiah’s desire to serve God with all his heart was evident even before he possessed the written law. During the repairs of the temple, the book of the law was discovered. When Josiah heard its words, he humbled himself before God. This demonstrates an important principle: those who truly seek the truth will find it. Paul declared in Acts 17:27 that God is not far from any who diligently seek Him. The heavens declare God’s glory (Psalm 19:1), and creation itself points to the truth of a Creator (Romans 1:19–20). Those who love truth will not be left in ignorance. Just as Josiah found the law because of his desire to honor God, so will all who earnestly search with obedient hearts.

Accepting God’s Word as the Standard
When Josiah heard the words of the law, he tore his garments in sorrow, realizing Judah’s disobedience. His immediate response was to inquire of the Lord, showing that he accepted God’s word as the ultimate authority. He gathered all the elders, priests, prophets, and people to hear every word of the covenant read aloud (2 Kings 23:2–3). Josiah then made a covenant to keep God’s commands with all his heart and soul, and the people stood with him. This reverence for God’s word should still characterize our response today. Jesus said, “The word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). God’s word remains our authoritative standard for faith and life.

Restoring True Worship
Josiah did not stop with repentance; he acted. He restored the true worship of God according to the law that had been neglected for generations. He did not create a new religion but returned to God’s original pattern. In the same way, when we follow the New Testament, we do not establish a denomination but simply restore Christ’s church. Just as Josiah led Judah back to covenant faithfulness, Christians today must reject human creeds and faithfully follow the Bible alone (2 Timothy 3:16–17). The Lord’s church is not a denomination—it is the body of Christ, built according to His word.

Fighting Against Sin
Josiah’s obedience also meant purging Judah of false religion and immorality. He destroyed idols, tore down altars, and put away practices that dishonored God (2 Kings 23). He showed that obedience requires active resistance to sin. Christians are likewise called to spiritual battle, clothed in the armor of God (Ephesians 6:11–17). We are commanded to test the spirits (1 John 4:1), to mark and avoid false teachers (Romans 16:17–18), and to contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3). Obedience means standing firmly against anything that opposes the truth of God.

Call to Action
Like Josiah, we must seek God with honest hearts, accept His word as our standard, restore the true worship He commands, and fight against sin. Obedience is not partial or casual; it is complete surrender to God’s will. Let us commit ourselves today to turn to the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength, that our lives may honor Him.

Key Takeaways

• Josiah found the truth because he sought God diligently (Acts 17:27).

• He accepted God’s word as the authoritative standard (2 Kings 23:2–3).

• Restoring true worship requires following God’s word alone (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

• Obedience includes resisting false teaching and sin (Ephesians 6:11–17).

Scripture Reference List

• 2 Kings 22–23: Josiah’s obedience and reforms.

• Acts 17:27: God can be found by those who seek Him.

• Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:19–20: Creation reveals the truth of God.

• John 12:48: God’s word is the final standard of judgment.

• 2 Timothy 3:16–17: Scripture equips us for every good work.

• Ephesians 6:11–17: The Christian’s armor against sin and error.

• Romans 16:17–18; Jude 3: Standing against false teaching.

Prepared by Mike Glenn