1. Ahaz' idolatry, fear and failure (1-8)

Ahaz was a man driven by fear. He thought that many religions were better than one. He was superstitious and sincere--and what he did was detestable to God.

2. Men who feared the Lord (9-15)

Aram defeated Judah and took prisoners; Israel also invaded and took many prisoners and much plunder. But a prophet of the Lord reminded the men of Israel that they had conquered Judah because God permitted it. He told them to send the captives back, and because they feared the Lord, they did.

3. The Lord humbled Judah (16-27)

Instead of repenting and turning to the Lord in time of trouble, Ahaz became worse. He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, the country which had defeated him. This made the Lord very angry. Then he invited big trouble. He asked a super power Assyria for help. He invited an invasion.

Application: Lord, help me to fear you, so that I may not fear anyone else.
One Word: Fear God and repent