The Rise And Fall Of King Asa

(A Case of Spiritual Regression)
2 Chron. 14:4, 7 cf. 16:12
This is a sad account of how a good king went from seeking the help of the
Lord (14:7) to relying on the help of man (16:12). Galatians 3:3 says, “Are ye
so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”
He went from triumph to tragedy–trust to trepidation. Why would a man to go
from the success of trusting God to the defeat of relying on human strength?
I. The rest of RELIANCE (14:9-12). What does it mean to rely upon God?

• Trusting God’s WISDOM TO CHOOSE THE BEST THING.
• Trusting God’s STRENGTH TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE THING.
• Trusting God’s RICHES TO PROVIDE THE NEEDED THING.
• Trusting God’s RIGHTEOUSNESS TO DO THE JUST THING.
• Trusting God’s GRACE TO BE SUFFICIENT IN ALL THINGS.

1. Asa learned to trust God from the example of his father (cf.
   13:3, 14, 18).
2. God wants to give us victory, but we must rely upon Him so He
   gets the glory (14:8-12).
3. God warns Asa about becoming SELF-CONFIDENT (15:1-4, 7). There
   is a great danger after God gives us victory, to quit relying upon God.
   God’s warning to Israel (Dt. 8:11-14, 17-18).

II. The rejoicing of REVIVAL (15:8-19). The results of relying upon God:

1. Conviction (15:8).
2. Correction (15:8, 16). Some changed had to be made:
   1. Rejection of false religion (v. 8)
   2. Reordering of priorities– No more idols.
   3. Renewal of Biblical religion.
   4. Removal of ungodly politicians (15:16).
   5. Repudiation of immoral practices (cf. 1 Kings 15:11-12).
3. Consensus (15:9). People are influenced by a man who walks with
   God. People want leadership that relies upon God.
4. Covenant / Commitment (15:12-13).
5. Celebration (15:14-15).
6. Calmness (15:15).

Once my hands were always trying; Trying hard to do my best; Now my heart
is sweetly trusting And my soul is all at rest. Once my mind was always
planning, And my heart, with cares oppressed; Now I trust the Lord to lead me,
For my Lord knows what’s best! Once my life was full of effort, Now ’tis full of
joy and zest; Since I took His yoke upon me, Jesus gives me perfect rest!
[NOTE–Verse 19: The peace lasted 35 years. What happened in the 36th year? See
16:1-6. Asa becomes self-willed and self-reliant.]
III. The rebuke of REGRESSION (16:1-9).

1. Asa’s regression– God wants us to trust Him in the small
   details as well as the large. A civil skirmish existed between Israel and
   Judah [Baasha vs. Asa, probably an outgrowth of the situation of 15:9 cf.
   16:1-6]. Asa felt because the situation was not such a formidable problem,
   he could handle it WITHOUT GOD– God was ignored! No prayer is made.
   1. Asa relied upon his own skill in politics (16:2-3).
      Proverbs 3:5– “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not
      unto thine own understanding.”
   2. Asa relied upon “protection money” (16:2) Psalm 52:7– “Lo,
      this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the
      abundance of his riches…”
   3. Asa relied upon fleshly strength (16:4-6 cf. Ps. 20:7; Isa.
      30:1-3; 31:1-3; Jer. 17:5-7).
2. Asa is rebuked (16:7-9).
   1. Call to rememberance (16:7-8).
   2. God is looking for us to give Him the opportunity to act on
      our behalf (16:9 cf. 14:12). What Asa was saying, in effect, was, “God,
      I don’t need Your help.”
   3. Laodicean Church was rebuked for it’s self-sufficiency
      (Rev. 3:17-20).

IV. The reaction of RAGE (16:10-14). Results of not relying upon God:

1. Conflict (16:9). God says, “If you think you can handle it on
   your own, go ahead!”
2. Emotional unrest (16:10).
3. Taking out our frustrations on others (16:10).
4. Pride will keep a man from receiving a rebuke (16:12 cf.
   9:19-21).

CONCLUSION: Why would a man to go from the success of trusting God to the defeat
of relying on human strength? ANSWER: PRIDE.
WHAT ARE YOU RELYING ON? For salvation? / service? How much of our labor goes
unblessed because we are doing it in our strength, ability and wisdom?