I. This is a message to God's people (not pagans)
So...are parallels to Christians today? relevance to Christians today? Us, as individuals. Us as a nation.
II. The primary sin of Israel was Unfaithfulness! (toward God, made manifest in Idolatry)
The text indicates Idolatry!!! But - underlying idolatry = unfaithfulness! Which = biblically portrayed as Spiritual Adultery!
God and Israel had entered into a Covenant (agreement) which = (1) a solemn agreement (contract)
(2) an exclusive relationship
"I'll be your God; you'll be my people". Was a very serious thing they had entered into.
To violate this covenant = infidelity/unfaithfulness, spiritual adultery
Example: compare to the marriage covenant
POINT = THE SIN (1st and foremost) = Unfaithfulness.. which led to idolatry (manifest self as idolatry, the visible evidence of unfaithfulness.)
III. The Primary message of Jeremiah was "Return to Me" -
Example: 1st. word = "no other gods before me"
2nd. word = "no graven images"
"return to ME and ME ONLY!" (I'll accept, receive) example: the Prodigal Son
Text: Jer. 2:1-3-5 - LORD = God apart from all other gods
Question: Since idolatry is NOT a problem today, (in SE Oklahoma) and since the text refers to Israel ... then, what is the relevance?? Application to us today?
#1. You needn't have idolatry to have unfaithfulness (when you fail to love Him as you should)
Compare church at Ephesus - Rev. 2:2-5 - On one hand this is not spiritual adultery, however, = slipping, drifting away - Heb. 2:1
#2. On one hand, God loves His people unconditionally, however, their Behavior Matters!
Affects your life, the people around you, the future state. The way you acts makes a big difference.
How did the early church change the world???? (1) their doctrine, (2) their behavior
#3. This is not God turning His back on His people.... This is God being faithful!!! to Himself! His word! His laws, His purpose, His righteousness And to His people!!! Prov. 3:11-12 (expanded in Heb. 12) God is not into raising brats, spoiled kids
#4. Seeking freedom from God's laws (restrictions, restraints) does not result in freedom. Example: Adam and Eve.
On one hand, you are given the right to choose
However, NOT with impunity!! ie. exemption frm punishment or consequence
God's boundaries are for our good!!
#5. Refusal to admit to sin is the height of self-deception. refusal to admit doesn't make you free from it.
Jer. 2:35, 1 John 1:8. So.... 2 Cor. 13:5 = (1) saved? or (2) walking in the faith?
#6. Scripture, the prophets, (Jeremiah) .. call for more than "consider your ways". It's a call to consider your ways in the light of God's Word. - Jer. 2:4-5 "... what the Lord says"
#7. God is long suffering. If you will return .. He will accept you; receive you back.
Example: Prodigal Son
This = true of our nation
This = true of the individual people of our nation.
This = true of me and you!
Closing: Prov. 14:12
No comments:
Post a Comment