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“Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book to do according to all that is written concerning us.”¹

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, . . . And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.² Interestingly, Manasseh³ his grandfather and Amon⁴ his father, kings before him did what was evil in the sight of the LORD. Amon did as Manasseh his father had done. He walked and served the idols that his father served and worshipped them. He abandoned the LORD . . .⁵

Josiah’s heart was different; he wanted to please God. What caused him to be different? Whom was Josiah listening to that he walked the opposite direction from his father and grandfather?

Scripture teaches us that without faith it is impossible to please God.⁶ It takes a decision to act on what we believe. Fortunately, we have the word of God written and compiled—the Holy Bible for our strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. It tells us of persons who walked by faith. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death.⁷ By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.⁸ By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.⁹ By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.¹⁰

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that he child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.¹¹

More were mentioned—of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. . . .¹²

But how do we acquire faith? Where do we start? First, it takes inclining our ears to hear. And how are they to hear without someone preaching?¹³ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.¹⁴ Second, abiding in Jesus.¹⁵ Third, walking in obedience with other believers,¹⁶—walking in newness of life,¹⁷ growing as we do. Finally, then brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification . . .¹⁸