How can we apply the lesson of 2 Chronicles 20:35 in our relationships? \Lesson Text\ “After this, Jehoshaphat king of Judah allied himself with Ahaziah king of Israel, whose deeds were wicked.” (2 Chronicles 20:35) \Core Principle—Alliances Shape Outcomes\ • Jehoshaphat was a godly king (2 Chronicles 17:3–6) • Ahaziah practiced evil (1 Kings 22:52–53) • Their partnership displeased the LORD and was destroyed (2 Chronicles 20:37) • Scripture presents literal cause-and-effect: partnering with the wicked invites loss \Relational Applications Today\ • Friendships: Close companionship molds attitudes and conduct (Proverbs 13:20) • Dating and Marriage: Unequal yokes fracture spiritual unity (2 Corinthians 6:14) • Business and Ministry: Shared ventures require shared values (Amos 3:3) • Counsel and Influence: Voices we trust steer life direction (Psalm 1:1) \Practical Guardrails\ • Evaluate character before commitment; integrity outweighs charisma • Seek counsel from Scripture and mature believers before formal agreements • Establish clear, written boundaries that safeguard righteousness • Withdraw promptly when a partnership drifts toward ungodliness (1 Corinthians 15:33) \Cultivating God-Honoring Connections\ • Pursue relationships with those who fear the LORD (Psalm 119:63) • Encourage mutual accountability and prayer (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Celebrate joint obedience, not mere success (Joshua 24:15) • Model steadfast loyalty to Christ first, ensuring every alliance submits to His Word \Promises to Anchor Our Choices\ • “The LORD watches over the righteous” (Psalm 1:6) • “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6) • “The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22) Building and guarding relationships by these truths preserves testimony, protects purpose, and secures God’s favor—exactly the outcome Jehoshaphat forfeited through one ill-advised alliance. |
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