An
Appalling Observation
Jeremiah 5: 1-31
Intro: God’s view of us is more important than what we think
Synopsis – God justifies His impending punishment (vs 1-13) and gives them
explicit details of the “nation” that will be God’s instrument of discipline
(vs 14-19). God specifically tells His people their problem (vs 20-31)
1. God’s Search (vs 1-13)
a) The value of onerighteous person (vs 1; cf. Gen 18:23-32)
b) The superficiality
of the religious (vs 2-3)
c) The extent of
the problem: the poor – to the learned (vs 4-5)
d) The Peoples’
problem: spiritual adultery (vs 6-11)
e) The Leaders’
problem: there is ‘wind’, no ‘Spirit’ (vs 12-13)
2. God’s Mercy (vs 14-19)
a) The power
of God’s Word (vs 14; 23:29, Isa. 55:11, Heb 4:12)
b) The accuracy
of God’s revelation (vs 15-17; cf. Deut 28:49-52)
c) The compassion
of God’s judgment (vs 18-19; Heb 12:6)
3. God’s Verdict (vs 20-31)
a) They were:
o foolish
and (lit.) without heart (vs 21; cf. 10:5)
o did not fear God (vs 22, 24; Ps 33:8;
111:10, 25:12-14)
o wicked
in the things that they did (vs 25-28a)
o oppressive
and negligent (vs 28b; Ex 22:22, Mal 3:5)
b) [vs 30-31] Does
this appall and astonish (us today)?
i. The prophet
was preaching lies
ii. The priests
were ‘ruling’ by their own standards
iii. The people loved
it! (2 Tim. 4:3)
Conclusion: The cure and safeguard – fear God
Oct_16_2011
