Set Thine House In Order

Intro: Hezekiah was one of the greatest kings of Judah. Sadly, at the height of his popularity and power, he rendered not according to the benefits he received (II Chron. 32:25). This is typical of people’s attitudes today. They soon forget God’s abundant mercies. Some Christians live not differently to unbelievers. Like Hezekiah, they render not according to the benefits they received from God.

Isaiah the prophet was sent to King Hezekiah with an alarming message. God’s grim warning to Hezekiah was, "Set thine house in order for thou shalt die and not live." A thousand witnesses daily proclaim that message to us. Hospitals, funeral homes, obituaries, and graveyards silently remind us of our own mortality. "Set thine house in order for thou shalt die and not live."

God in His mercy, however, extended Hezekiah’s life for another 15 years. The same warning is for us today, "Set thine house in order for thou shalt die and not live." Before it would be too late, there are three houses that we need to set in proper order:

I. THE MATERIAL HOUSE WE LIVE IN (Tit. 2:1-5)

A. Do away with clutter. If Jesus suddenly visited your home, what stuff will he find? Will He find stacks of worldly CDs/DVDs, magazines, and posters of pagan stars? Good housekeeping is called for in a Christian home. Discard all rubbish! Oftentimes, the physical order of a home is a reflection of the general habits and attitudes of the residents.

B. Repair broken relationships as you would broken house parts. Husbands and wives should strive to love and respect each other. Children must submit to their parents. Parents must be impartial and show no favoritism among their children. Sibling rivalry should be discouraged and team-spirit promoted. Family members should value relationships more than personal, financial and material gains. Beware of covetousness (Luke 12:15).

C. Christians should make their homes a place where love, joy, peace, trust, security, quietness, and respect prevail. Strong Christian households make up strong and growing local churches. Set your material house in order (Matt. 12:25).

II. THE SPIRITUAL HOUSE OF GOD (I Tim. 3:15)

A. This was to set the Church in order. One of the things that Paul mentioned was to ordain elders (Tit. 1:5; I Tim. 5:17).

B. The Church should be a house of prayer not a venue for gossips, merchandise and lovers’ rendezvous (Acts 2:42-47).

C. The Church should have members who love, care, forbear, and forgive one another (Gal. 5:13-15; Phil. 2:2; 4:2).

D. The Church should be a training ground for good soldiers of Christ, not a picnic ground or a recreational area. It should preach all the counsel of God, not just make you feel good about yourself through psychology and positive thinking! Repentance and faith should be regularly enjoined from the pulpit (Acts 20:26-27, 21).

E. Paul would indeed have a hard time today! When he preached to Governor Felix he reasoned of righteousness, temperance and judgment to come. Thus, Felix was terrified! When Peter preached, the people were pricked in their hearts and cried out, "What must we do?" Today nobody trembles and cries out in anguish over his sins. When Stephen preached, they stopped their ears and all rushed upon him. Today such a message would cause people to shut their ears; yes, and rush to the exits never to return again!

F. It is good to have a large church attendance, but let us not compromise and borrow worldly ways in doing so. The Church does not need Satan’s tools to fulfil God’s work (see Acts 16:16-18).

G. Note: Results do not necessarily guarantee we are in God’s will. See Moses (Num. 20:8-12). He got desired results outside of God’s will! Set the house of God in order! (I Pet. 4:17-18).

III. THE FLESHLY HOUSE OF OUR BODY (II Cor. 5:1-2)

A. Set thine house in order for thou shalt die and not live. This body of ours is a house, and one day the landlord is going to give us an eviction notice when we will have to finally move out.

B. Paul said in II Cor. 4:16 that the outward man (the fleshly body) decays daily but the inward man is renewed daily. As far as the outward man is concerned, it ages and weakens day by day.

C. One thing for sure, this earthly house of our tabernacle will one day be dissolved. The amazing truth is that you are a walking, living pile of dirt and the only thing that holds up that pile of dirt is the tarrying of your soul and spirit within your mortal body.

D. Unless the Lord Jesus comes at the Rapture and before our death, Heb. 9:27 will be fulfilled…"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.."

Conclusion: Friend, life is short; death is sure and God’s judgment is coming. Therefore, "Set thine house in order for thou shalt die and not live." Prepare to meet thy God! (Amos 4:12)