• Convicted by truth when they encounter it– Josiah tore his clothes and wept at the word of the Lord

(22:11, 19)– Hard hearts resist truth – they will not hear it or accept it

(Matt. 13:15)– Today, tender hearts are convicted by truth when they hear it

Convicted by doctrinal mattersConvicted by practical matters

• Convinced every Bible lesson is aimed at them personally– Josiah’s first application was to himself—“Inquire of the Lord

for me” (22:13 + 23:1-25)– Hard hearts resist application – they will deflect it to others &

not self (John 12:42-48)– Today, tender hearts are convinced Bible lessons are pointed at

themReceptive to Bible lessons that teach change, repentance,

correction, obedience, urgency, confrontation, step-it-upNot afraid or too proud to take immediate action

• Consent to the blame when the wrong may not be theirs– Josiah was willing to accept blame & consequences for the

wrong of others (22:13) “They” had forsaken God and worshiped idols (22:17) “They” had provoked God to anger (22:17) “They” would become a desolation and a curse (22:19) Josiah included himself in the impending wrath—“us” (22:13)

– Hard hearts resist blame – they will not accept it (Matt. 18:17)– Today, tender hearts will consent to blame when the wrong

may not be theirsTurn the other cheek, accept defrauding – Luke 6:29Accept wrong and be cheated – 1 Cor. 6:7Go as far as personally possible for peace – Rom. 12:18-19

• Crowned with a special blessing from the Lord– Josiah was given special consideration from God (22:19b-20)– Hard hearts receive the “other” special consideration from

God (Heb. 3:7-11, 18-19)– Today, tender hearts will be crowned with a special blessing

from God (1 Pet. 3:8-12) If they truly believe that Jesus is God’s Son – John 1:12 If they truly repent of their sins – Acts 2:38 If they confess their faith in Jesus – Matthew 10:32 If they are immersed into Christ – John 3:5 If they serve the Lord faithfully – 1 Corinthians 15:58