Stephen begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to gather and references a verse from 2 Chronicles 16:9, emphasizing God's eyes searching the earth to show strength on behalf of those with a perfect heart toward Him. He then offers a detailed overview of the books of Chronicles, highlighting their focus on David, Solomon, and the kings of Judah, with an emphasis on covenant fidelity and worship. Faithful kings bring blessing and rest to the nation, while wicked kings lead to curses and ruin, illustrating the importance of spiritual leadership. Stephen compares leaders to shepherds and the people to sheep, stressing the responsibility of leaders to guide rightly and the responsibility of individuals to seek God personally. He discusses God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, noting that despite failures, God's mercy ensures a continuing testimony, especially through Christ, the ultimate King. The focus shifts to King Esau, a good king who removed idols, sought the Lord, and experienced rest and prosperity. However, in his later years, pride and reliance on self led him to rely on worldly strategies, resulting in God's rebuke through the prophet Hananiah. Stephen underscores that a perfect heart—undivided, pure, and wholly committed—is essential for God's strength to be manifested. He concludes with a call for self-examination, humility, and wholehearted devotion, emphasizing that God's power is made perfect in weakness and that a sincere heart is vital for spiritual victory and building God's church.
9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.