Ii Chronicles 33
Manasseh's story teaches us about the depth of God's grace and the possibility of conversion, even for those who have lived in sin.
Chuck Smith preaches on the life of Manasseh, one of Judah's most notorious kings, who turned from his early training and led the nation into sin and idolatry. Despite his boldness in sinning and leading others astray, Manasseh's story takes a transformative turn when he is taken captive to Babylon, where he humbly cries out to God for forgiveness. This moment of repentance reveals the depth of God's grace, as Manasseh acknowledges Jehovah as the true God and experiences profound redemption. Smith emphasizes the contrast between Manasseh's initial pride and power and his eventual humility and faith, illustrating the transformative power of God's grace.
Text
"MANASSEH"
Intro: One of the most evil of all kings of Judah.
I. MANASSEH IN HIS SIN.
A. Sin against early training.
1. Father Hezekiah prayed for extension of life - God
granted 15 years in 3rd year Manasseh born.
2. Those who go wrong after good training are worst
men in the world.
3. Many times greatest champions of hell educated in
our ranks.
B. A bold sinner.
1. Did not put idol in some inconspicuous place, but
right in temple of God.
2. Boldness is sure to win the day.
a. Give me a coward, you give me nothing.
b. Give me a bold man, he will do
something - it may be evil; it may be good.
c. If he curses God, it is with a loud voice.
C. He led others to sin - "He seduced Judah to sin."
1. As a king, he had great influence.
2. He stood first in rank of idolaters.
3. When the ungodly went to wage war against God and
righteousness, he led the ranks and cheered the others
on.
4. He led even his own children in idolatry. "caused his
children to pass through the fire: - Amon his son
reigned in his stead for 2 years" - vs.22 (children
follow in vices of parents, but seldom in repentance..
D. He shed much innocent blood - II Kings 21:26.
1. Sought to destroy those who opposed his -wickedness.
2. Isaiah was said to have been sown asunder by him for
rebuking his sin.
II. MANASSEH THE UNBELIEVER.
A. That is an unbeliever in Jehovah God.
1. He believed in many gods.
2. Followed superstitions.
3. Most credulous people in world are unbelievers
. . . it takes a thousand times more faith to be an
unbeliever.
4. Someone tells me I am credulous because I believe that
God created the heavens and earth and all life forms
within.
a. How do you think they got here?
b. I may believe that David killed a giant with a
sling and that Jonah was swallowed by a
whale - You say "How could a whale swallow a
man?" Much easier than I can swallow your
theory of creation.
B. Why an unbeliever?
1. Because of his power.
2. Because of his pride - pride is at the root of all sin.
3. His love for sin - he lusted after evil things.
III. MANASSEH THE CONVERT. "O the depth of the riches of grace."
A. Like the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, unbelievable.
B. Carried prisoner to Babylon, cried unto God.
1. He is no longer proud.
2. He is no longer powerful.
3. He is no longer a blasphemer.
C. The basis of his faith "Then he knew that Jehovah was God."
1. God had answered his prayer.
2. God had forgiven his sin.
a. How did he know?
Sermon Outline
- I. Manasseh in His Sin
- A. Sin against early training
- 1. Father Hezekiah prayed for extension of life - God granted 15 years in 3rd year Manasseh born.
- B. A bold sinner
- 1. Did not put idol in some inconspicuous place, but right in temple of God.
- C. He led others to sin
- 1. As a king, he had great influence.
- D. He shed much innocent blood
- 1. Sought to destroy those who opposed his wickedness.
- II. Manasseh the Unbeliever
- A. That is an unbeliever in Jehovah God
- 1. He believed in many gods.
- B. Why an unbeliever?
- 1. Because of his power.
- 2. Because of his pride - pride is at the root of all sin.
- 3. His love for sin - he lusted after evil things.
- III. Manasseh the Convert
- A. Like the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, unbelievable.
- B. Carried prisoner to Babylon, cried unto God
- 1. He is no longer proud.
- 2. He is no longer powerful.
- 3. He is no longer a blasphemer.
- C. The basis of his faith
- 1. God had answered his prayer.
- 2. God had forgiven his sin.
Key Quotes
“Those who go wrong after good training are worst men in the world.” — Chuck Smith
“Give me a bold man, he will do something - it may be evil; it may be good.” — Chuck Smith
“O the depth of the riches of grace.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must not take our early training for granted, as it can lead to a life of sin.
- True faith requires humility and a recognition of God's power and forgiveness.
- God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of their past sins or circumstances.