The Valley of Slaughter

Jeremiah 7:28-8:3

Talk about national this and that, speak of this nation and that. Envision distinct plot of land with borders and seat of government. Like much we encounter every day a nation is man’s creation. It remains that way until something happens to change the character of it brought about by, yes, man. Whatever a nation accomplishes brought about by man and character of nation determined by character of its citizens. A nation without citizens, people, can do nothing more than occupy space and time.

Bear in mind, while a nation can be considered a body of people with a number of things in common, the nation is a body of individuals and not clones. Is why God distinguishes here between nation and people. While both in serious trouble, majority of Israelites no longer faithful to YHWH, God knew was not so for everyone. Even at its worst, were still a remnant of true believers in Israel. And, btw, true of every nation on earth today – might be hard to find but God has his people in all parts of our world.

God had drawn line, one beyond which no turning back for majority. God knew once character of nation matching that of people crossed the line, nothing short of complete overthrow and captivity in foreign land for 70 years would cause substantive change. Was why he told Jeremiah not to pray for their deliverance – to deliver from future captivity in Babylon would only deliver them to greater captivity in sin.

God didn’t hide what he intended to do, also didn’t hide reasons he had for judging his people. Is all here in B&W for following generations and nations to read and understand and be warned. God may not if ever treat our nation as he did Israel, yet he would be totally justified if he does. Meanwhile must learn all we can from their example – will help us better understand God, neighbors, ourselves.

A. a disobedient nation  v.28-29

do not obey

had been told to listen… and they didn’t – Deut. 6:1,3  “this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments… hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it”

was absence of interest not information at root of failure to obey – had heard what God said… repeatedly, did not take it in

do not change

know they didn’t b/c nothing changed either inward or outward – didn’t want to hear God at Sinai, wanted less later in history

until consciences were seared they knew would be good to obey God – was strict but not harsh, treated well when they obeyed

do not endorse truth

several months ago considered “A Post-Truth World” – at least for Israel, not first time has come about in their history

what an awful thing to be told: truth has perished, even in your speech – like boat that lost its mooring and destroyed itself on rocks in Cape Elizabeth… little left even worth salvaging

they did have option although refused to exercise it: return to truth of God’s word, repent of sin and turn back to true God

are rejected

baldness, buzz cuts, shaved heads sign of shame/reproach – think Nehemiah’s response to evil practices in Jerusalem years later

truly worth mourning over that people that had enjoyed such great favor with God strayed so far as to be rejected, abandoned

not situation where no hope for any individual who sincerely turned to God – door never shut/locked so sinner can’t be saved

B. an evildoing people  v.30-31

publicly evil

God declared what people of Judah failed to do (sins of omission), moves on to what they did (sins of commission)

if were doing this openly in rebellion against God, know what was out of sight only more evil and harmful toward others

polluted from the top

wasn’t rank-and-file worshipers but religious leaders defiling place of worship, establishing more and worse places

and… was sanctioned by government leaders as well – had been king who led revival, other kings who led return to idols

same true today in our nation and others, leaders in church and state both setting standard for refusing to obey God

to the bottom

high places and valley and Temple all where idols were worshiped – sacrificing children seen as act of worship required by their god

same with abortion: worship god of self, god of nature/Gaia, sacrificing children for good of self or the planet

understanding that would probably change the narrative when talking about issues of both life and death regardless of age

and all in between

no person lacks ability to find or make ways to worship idols – some even quite attractive… e.g. shrines to accident victims

ways sinful man contrives to worship ones God wouldn’t even think of – lets us know just how far from him people really are

C. a full graveyard  v.32-8:3

it will get worse

may be illusion but sure seems like places and ways and means of conflict on the increase in our world today

children killing each other, people of all ages killing themselves with various means, some for twisted reasons, others for no apparent reason than opportunity

will become radical form of “every man for himself” with no thought at all for consequences even for others incl. loved ones

there will be no relief

will follow reasoning that “desperate times require desperate measures” – sacrificing not only children, one another but what had always been considered sacred

will continue w/o any letup until complete desolation – nothing left of value in land, nothing growing and no one to tend

if this a result of climate change, be certain came about by hand of God – may have used human instruments… for his purpose

it’s a spiritual problem

everything the people would have identified as problem really symptom of much more serious deeper issue – wrong worship

God not only designed and made all that is, he designed and made all the rules that govern its proper and orderly operation

when man departs from God’s order, things eventually fall apart – only hope for restoring is by return to following God’s way

a choice of death rather than life

people of Judah eventually discover promises made by idols not only empty, awful consequences they didn’t promise would come true

no one who worships an idol ever dies happy b/c they cannot live happy – when living gets too painful, wish for escape

refuse to turn to one who promises abundant life, instead persist in following self-destructive way and encouraging others to join them in their folly

Grieves us to know how far from God our nation is – national character representative of individual character of majority… who are far from God. By no means limited to our nation, is true of all in our world. We pray for our leaders to do what is just and right, and we should. Need to pray just as much for those choosing our leaders. And pray that if we get to same point Judah was that God will give us wisdom and strength to stay true to him and not be discouraged.

Bought, Blessed and Benefited

Galatians 3:13-14

Not uncommon or surprising to hear Christians say, esp. group, “we are a blessed people”, “the Lord has really blessed me/us”. W/o question is surely true, frequently thinking about circumstances… our own or those we love/pray for. May even be comparison in mind, us vs. those in places like Ukraine or Middle East or North Korea. Would be wrong to minimize, take for granted advantages we do enjoy b/c of where God has ordained we live. Not by chance or luck of the draw home is here, is by God’s purposeful ordering of all things.

Another huge blessing less aware of, something taken away b/c of what Lord Jesus did in our place – we know Jesus broke chains of slavery to sin. Don’t think so much about Jesus taking away fear of death:

Heb. 2:14-15 (pg. 1374) Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Family, friends living in fear of death, fear that colors their choices and actions. Much of time they aren’t consciously aware of their fear, yet is there… and can be for Christian too yet doesn’t need to be. Shrink back from dying process, yes, but child of God need not fear death itself. Unbelievers use different strategies to avoid the fear, all involve deception or denial: stay so busy no time to think about it; use substances or relationships to dull or focus only on the moment; extreme sports to cheat death, cut down to size; even assisted suicide, death by appointment puts individual in control.

God has something very different planned for those who are his and all centers in Jesus – what Jesus by life/death/resurrection bought for us, blessings past/present/future treasured up in Jesus, benefits he has bestowed on us b/c of our union with him.

A. bought from the curse  v.13

curse universal but not inescapable

God promised death as consequence for disobedience/sin and… didn’t wait around – came into Garden with curse and sacrifice

even though God must keep promise, included words of hope – someone would deal decisively with the deceiver, Satan

followed by promise of sorrow and children – sin did not bring human life to immediate end, door left open for divine relief

necessary for there to be children to fulfill promise of “her seed” who would crush the head of the serpent

requires payment

God made perfectly clear – God took life of sacrifice to make coverings for Adam and Eve… and then God clothed them

beautiful visual aid of what must take place for sinful man to be restored to friendly (no longer hostile) relationship w/ God

set stage for rest of Bible – beyond ability of even almost-perfect Adam and Eve to restore themselves, only God could do it

was God who made sacrifice, accepted sacrifice, made clothing, put clothing on sinful man – anything less insufficient, unacceptable to God who has final say

he had to become a curse first

permanent solution required one more thing – action in Garden covered sin but didn’t remove it, true for every animal sacrifice

hinted here, Jesus became “a curse for us”, stated explicitly 2 Cor 5:21 “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

only one fit to do so, he “knew no sin”, all of what he paid went to our account b/c he needed none for his own

Jesus did what animal couldn’t: not only took on our form/nature, took our sin and paid penalty w/his life to keep God’s promise

took away Satan’s power by removing curse from us through death on cross; removed fear of death by conquering death

B. blessed in Christ  v.14a

Abraham would be blessed

God said he would bless Abraham, and kept making promises… when Abraham was old… and God kept every promise he made

blessed him with faithful wife, large inheritance to leave next generation, a name that would never be forgotten but honored

granted Abraham not only gift of faith and declaration he was justified, he gave son of promise to be focus of blessing in future

Abraham’s descendant would be a blessing

Abraham could see by faith God’s promise working out down through generations and had absolute confidence it would happen

won’t know til heaven just how much Abraham understood about God’s plan of redemption, the place that Seed would have in it

he did understand descendant would be really big deal – would be blessing to a world Abraham couldn’t even begin to imagine

included in his purchase

Isa. 53:11-12 “He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.”

promised blessing included full redemption for all who trusted God’s promise before Jesus’ death and all who have trusted since

is blessing that has feet to run – 2 Thess. 3:1 “…pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified” and reach to ends of earth, perhaps in our lifetime

C. benefited by the promise  v.14b

comprehensive gift of the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit thought of as silent member of Trinity, in reality has less obvious but no less important ministry to all believers

Spirit essential to fulfilling of promise made that includes all families of the earth, promise made by Jesus to send another Helper

compare state of 120 including Disciples in upper room prior to Pentecost w/how they acted after Holy Spirit poured out on them – equipped and empowered to continue work Jesus had begun during previous 3 years

life  John 3:6-8 

talk about being born again, being brought from death to life, a new creation since old things have gone away, new life

this brought about entirely by power and working of Holy Spirit – raising from dead in sin to alive in Christ, keeping alive to him

obedience  Ezek. 36:26-27 

benefit of new covenant – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”

sin has done such awful things to us we desperately need more than life support, organ transplants – need new replacements

these not aftermarket parts for DIY’er, are original new from the factory heart and spirit perfectly installed by Maker himself

character change  Gal. 5:22-23 

are not able to see or hear Spirit directly but can surely see indisputable evidence of his presence – Spirit never sits on sidelines

produces change in everyone he indwells, producing “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” only explainable by his presence and work

God by his Word and Spirit transforms us and equips us and empowers us to be useful coworkers with him in work of spreading Gospel to all families of the earth

Spirit works individually in each to properly fit us to be blessing to others same way Lord Jesus was and is – we each have our necessary part in Christ’s kingdom

God has kept his promise to Abraham, it has come to us Gentiles… through Christ Jesus. We have received promise of his Spirit through faith in him. Must not stop there – must live lives of faith… that show our faith to those around us. Remember, the just shall live – really alive and joyful, at peace with God and each other, displaying outwardly the new life we have within.

 

The Family That Worships Together

Jeremiah 7:16-27

If family or friends you share Gospel truth or biblical principles with don’t listen / heed what you say, take heart – are in very good company. God told both Isaiah and Jeremiah the Jewish people would not listen to them. Even Jesus, how could all who heard him not pay attention to him, yet overwhelming majority of Jews did not. Yet Isaiah and Jeremiah and Jesus persevered in declaring truth even though no one wanted to hear it… and so can we.

What is more surprising, shocking, is although at quick glance appeared people were doing good family-togetherness things, God told Jeremiah not to pray for them. Obviously they needed it or so we would think yet God said “DON’T DO IT!” Jeremiah was good prophet, sensitive pastor, one who would be quick to pray on behalf of those he cared about. Must have been hard / painful for Jeremiah to hear what God had to say.

Yes, Jeremiah God’s prophet to the nation, particularly Judah; at same time, were Jeremiah’s family. Went well beyond patriotism, love of country – Jewish people were one people, distinct from all other peoples for generations. Shared heritage beginning with the fathers – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob – made for bond not easily ignored. For these reasons, God’s teaching of Jeremiah has application from national to personal level, from 7th century before Jesus until now.

A. do not intercede  v.16

how not to pray

to be no doubt in Jeremiah’s mind what God forbidding him to do – pray, lift up cry or prayer, make intercession for the people

given what God has threatened (not empty threats, btw), what can expect to happen in near future, caring person wants to pray

naturally want to ask God to do good things: help, protect, relieve, defend, heal, raise up, all what we want for those we love

why not to pray that way

first reason, God said “don’t”, followed closely with “I will not listen” – at least clear to do so inconsistent with God’s will/purpose

want to ask God if he’s being mean, stubborn, even vindictive – are Jews so far gone no longer any hope for their recovery?

all of promises God made haven’t been fulfilled yet – if rest, incl. Redeemer, are to be kept requires continued existence

how to pray instead

suffering/hardship/calamity God sends always has purpose – if people can “dodge the bullet” God’s purpose short-circuited

rather than helping avoid consequences or asking God to relieve/relent, should pray outcome would serve good purpose… incl. bring glory to him

B. do look carefully  v.17-18

family togetherness

God challenges Jeremiah to look at culture, get below surface, grasp what really going on that has impact on next generation

appears right, mom / dad / children doing things together – will assume are cooperating, willingly pursuing common goal

doing good things

each doing what is most fitting for age / skill / ability – basically what you hope for in a well-ordered family, Christian or not

children not playing but working, engaged in useful / productive activity – developing physical emotional social skills

all what would appreciate seeing more of in children now, sure to be beneficial to future family / church / state

but for an evil purpose

but… a sinister side removes much of good in all of this – is what is most important for Jeremiah / us to recognize

not only teaching/developing good life skills in children, are actively teaching them to worship idols, intentionally do what displeases / provokes true God

many parents not consciously acting badly, are just doing what comes naturally… but doesn’t largely change end result

C. they hurt themselves  v.19-20

angry at God

typical mindset of rebel: whatever authority wants/says, do just the opposite, clearly show independence to do as you please

natural man naturally a rebel, enemy of God, angry b/c God doesn’t do/give/allow what they want so… fight back

even w/o thinking try to provoke God, aggravate him into acting and maybe can manipulate outcome… or have more to blame God for, be angry about

rebounds on them

actions prompted by evil desires often ricochet, cause even greater harm than intended… on perpetrator, not victim

when God is object (intended victim) never turns out as hoped – ends up bringing more hardship on themselves, to their shame

followed by God’s anger

since Jews responding to God’s efforts to do them good, repeated resistance only turns up heat of consequences God will bring

not vengeful but righteous anger poured out on people and land – not intended to destroy but rather to purify, bring repentance

b/c God is merciful and gracious, when anger has achieved his purpose it immediately ends – no more or less than what is necessary, true for individuals as well as nations

D. there was help but…  v.21-27

they make their own rules

from beginning God has expected more than outward ceremony – much more important to God was their way of life 24/7

instead decided on own initiative could pick and choose which rules to follow, which they thought could be safely ignored

acted on same basis as first parents, thought they knew better than God what they needed, what would work for them

they ignore God’s rules

couldn’t see how obeying God would be to their advantage – often argument against Christianity, all things you can’t do

result always regress not progress – progress of Gospel brings civilizing influence, progress of sinfulness return to barbarism

serious crimes becoming more evil, barbaric whether practiced by individuals or nations – should not be any surprise

they become more hardened

not only behavior that descends into increasing evil, become more determined / belligerent in opposition to what is good

God directing his criticism against Jews in particular but is characteristic of all peoples who are enemies of God

like Jews, won’t even listen to God’s truth, will not respond to calls for change/repentance – will instead get angry and change subject or walk away

Think about gods parents are teaching children to worship – self, stuff, and the like. Pray God would bring them to their senses and be glorified in it. When you pray for those experiencing hard times, be sure to pray as he brings them through hard times his purpose will be accomplished. And pray for wisdom to know how you can best help to bring that about.

And rest in this: regardless of circumstances, child of God who sincerely seeks to please him can be sure of God’s tender care. He will give joy to accompany sorrow, strength for hard situations, wisdom and understanding to do what pleases him. #7 song of 1972, “Lean on me when you’re not strong And I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on.” Yes, need others to lean on but… make sure to lean first on everlasting arms.

 

The Just Shall Live

Galatians 3:10-12

Shortly after beginning, Adam and Eve not exiled from Garden temporarily, put on probation, given schedule of visiting hours – were evicted, driven out and kept out permanently. Yet unbelievers the world over when giving any thought to Higher Power convince selves – like Formalist and Hypocrisy – can climb over wall down over hill in corner of Garden and avoid angel guardian – not necessary to enter through Wicket Gate as God requires. Believe they are certainly better than many, ought to be good enough to achieve what they want. Have compared self to others, reduced God to size they can manage, reframed his law into something anyone can achieve.

Until they understand they cannot possibly succeed, will not grasp need for a Savior, will persist trying to save self. That’s where we come in – need to hear truth of both their need and God’s grace. Don’t forget: Holy Spirit working to convict of sin must be effectually present or our best effort to persuade will fail. We must give best effort to communicate what Paul says here – is just as relevant today as ever. And it includes vital promise / encouragement for those already converted.

Youth and inexperience doesn’t encourage thinking about shortness of life – words of Jacob come to mind: Gen. 47:9 

“The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life”

Tend to think about approaching end more as “the days dwindle down to a precious few” (September Song) but don’t lose sight of what we’re told both OT & NT – the just shall live.

A. it cannot be by the law  v.10

not by doing

is great opportunity here for rejoicing, also for misunderstanding – certainly not ambiguous, trying to win heaven by doing an impossible task thanks to not Adam and Eve but sin

told at outset all who rely on what they have done are hopelessly lost, under condemnation – Jesus to Nicodemus, John 3:18 

“He who believes [has faith] in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe [have faith] is condemned already, because he has not believed [does not have faith] in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

we think first Law of Moses, incl. any works on which we rely – response to altar call, sinner’s prayer, baptism

an inflexible standard

God’s requirement has absolutely no wiggle room – he gives no place to gray areas, maybes… only black and white, yes or no

either meet his standard for both motivation (love for him alone) and action (perfection) or fail to measure up to his demand – don’t think it isn’t fair, Father required Jesus to meet all same demands

applies not only to particular command working on right now, must meet all God’s expectations at all times without any exceptions

only one outcome

when another person finds fault with us is easy to respond “I’m not perfect, you know”… and therein lies the problem… we aren’t perfect

even if were somehow able to reach that level, can never make up for all that happened before we got there – credit card, maxed out, start paying monthly use in full, still owe balance from before

it’s yes or no question – have you satisfied God’s demands perfectly – one person can answer “Yes” truthfully, Jesus, and he answers for all who are his – everyone else on their own

NOTE: not really new information, review is good to prepare for witness to others and proper thankfulness for God’s mercy & grace

B. it must be by faith  v.11

but by believing

one purpose of Law to convince us if heaven our destination we have no hope whatever of reaching on our own – must be another way provided for us

seen with increasing emphasis and detail in Law and then Prophets God not only promised and then made a way, he told us

not complicated, simple enough for young child to grasp – why Jesus said “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 19:14 

confidence in a Person, not a performance

to be truly effective in evangelism must introduce others to Jesus, not try to persuade by logical argument or personal experience

assurance of acceptance with God must have Jesus as its foundation, trusting God to save us because Jesus satisfied Father for us

Jesus made plain to Nicodemus belief in Him would have immediate results – better than CPR, no broken ribs, just eternal life

must be ours by grace

don’t even think about trying to pay God for salvation/life or even paying him back for it – no way could ever come up with something of equal value to life of Lord Jesus

if can’t buy it, earn it, pay back for it, must be another way – there is, God’s undeserved favor by giving priceless gift b/c he loves

truly salvation is all of God and none of us – every bit of everything that saves us freely given to us by God incl. faith in Christ

C. it is to be real life  v.12

shown by living – remember Gal. 2:20 

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

living that way means living for him in way that pleases him – iow, following him, displaying obvious connection with him

far more than trudging through each day as it comes, instead experiencing daily joy that Jesus has and wants us to share with him

new life in Christ

captured well in JWP song

unending because sourced in Christ

we get all excited about thought of life in heaven, how much better than now but… everlasting life doesn’t begin when we die… begins when we’re born…again

sure, much missing from life now that will be present then but… are experiencing blessings lost people don’t even dream about

our oneness with Jesus one of his good gifts to us, never ends but will get lots better, are privileged to lead others to Christ and help them enjoy real life

If you have been credited with Jesus’ righteousness, viewed by God as just, then you are alive with a life that surpasses all your dreams and imaginations. Not b/c of any other than God’s love and grace and mercy granting new life to you. With that new life comes assurance that not only do we belong to Jesus, he belongs to us… now… and forever. What we enjoy now only a taste of what is yet to come.

14. Don’t Murder

Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.”

 

What does it say:

“you have heard” – secondhand information, reported to them and not read by them

“But” – δέ can be either continuative or adversative – moreover/in addition or instead of – used both ways in NT

gradation / systematic progression in emotion/words and consequence:

“Any man who is angry with his brother
deserves to be punished (with death).
He who says to his brother ‘Thou blockhead!’
deserves to be condemned (to death) by the supreme court.
He who says: ‘Thou idiot!’
deserves to suffer (death) in hell.”  (TDNT, J. Jeremias)

What does it mean:

each step moves closer to what is forbidden and farther away from what is required

Matt. 27:1 “the chief priests and elders of the people”; Luk 23:23 “the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed”; John 18:28 “they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover”

believed they could incite others to murder and they were not culpable – same true of themselves, so long as they stopped short of the act

treatment of God’s law missed the mark on three counts – all that they piled on to make law-keeping burdensome and what they left out, esp. matters of the heart/mind/will besides practical application

“thou shalt not” implies “thou shalt” – Jesus gives examples of both proper frame of mind/motive and how that works out in practice

if greatest command is “love God with all your heart…” the root of all thought/word/deed is the heart – must be right if the rest is to please God Deut. 6:5; 10:12; 11:13; 13:3; 30:6 

What is God saying to me:

Unlike the scribes and Pharisees, Christians are to resist the starting point of sin in the spirit or soul. Schwertley

unlike current culture and irrational fascination with personal choice of death, starting point must be to support life and health… our own, our neighbor’s, our nation’s

Jesus next addresses practical examples of proper attitude about life

exceptions: (1) civil gov’t use of the sword as God’s agent of justice; (2) self-defense/defense of neighbor

“You must by all lawful endeavors preserve the life of your own body. We may take up this in these three things.

1. Just self-defense against violence offered unto us by others unjustly, Luke 22:36. So a man ought to defend himself if he can, against thieves or robbers; and therefore it is said, ‘If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him,’ Exodus 22:2-3. Yet this must be only in the case of necessity, where the violence cannot be escaped but by a violent repelling it; for all violent courses must be the last remedy, Luke 6:29. Where a soft reception will still the violence offered, it is not the spirit of Christ, but of Satan, that repels violence with violence. And when it is necessary, no greater violence may be offered than what is necessary to repel the attack.”  Thomas Boston (1676-1732, Scotland), The Ten Commandments

Matt. 24:43; 26:51-52 (dirk, knife, dagger)

Old Testament Gospel

Galatians 3:6-9

Ever wonder where to find place in Bible provided inspiration for children’s song? One, pretty simple, sing through 7x… w/motions to help work out wiggles. First 4 lines same in every verse:

Father Abraham had many sons,
Many sons had Father Abraham;
I am one of them and so are you,
So let’s all praise the Lord.

Even though song is simple, contains large far-reaching truth governing how to understand large portions of Bible. Paul continuing theme: how are we saved, particularly how justified or declared/made right with God. Starting place here if Abraham was credited by God as righteous 400 years before Sinai, must be something at work beside Law of Moses. Uses that as launching pad to teach important related principles significant to all generations of people regardless of place or heritage.

Soon Paul will make clear God wasn’t practicing trial and error with the Law – it has its purpose. Yet it cannot ever replace the Redeemer. Won’t even help law-keepers pick up some slack Jesus left – no one apart from Jesus can obey well enough to be rewarded for it… Adam didn’t pull that one off. More important, Jesus left no slack to be picked up by anyone… including Abraham. Abraham and wife did try to help God out, all know that didn’t turn out well for them. Yet Abraham had something of vital importance brought to our attention in both Old and New Testament both in our text and elsewhere.

Two words used here are interchangeable – belief/believe and faith. To have belief / faith in God is to believe in God. Same understanding / definition applies both OT/NT – cf. v.6, quotation from Gen 15:6.

A. believed and accounted  v.6

believed God

Abram appears suddenly at end off Shem’s genealogy, little background beyond family connections, ending up in Haran where Terah died

ch. 12, told by God to start walking, God would show him where to stop, promised childless couple remarkable destiny

Abram went, established an altar where God told him to stop – showed his faith by obedient action and proper worship

God credited him

God’s promise gets more personal, would have natural son (not adopted) whom God would make his rightful heir… and Abram believed

Abram believed promise of descendants w/o number, God credited him with righteousness b/c of  extraordinary faith

not so fast – faith didn’t do so well all the time: Sarah’s identity, Ishmael; sure, was Isaac & sacrifice but that was later

whose righteousness?

if something Abram already possessed, wouldn’t be “credited to him” – don’t need more than Genesis to recognize that

must be superior righteousness, belonging to someone else, accessible through faith by God’s design, still future descendant of Abram

is same righteousness required by God from Adam to the end – nothing less in any way sufficient to satisfy God’s perfect justice

B. those who are of faith  v.7,9

right object

this really the essence of saving faith for anyone, “believing God” – confidence in his existence, in promise God made to justify those who have faith… in him

w/o exception, everyone has faith in someone or something – important question: can what you believe in deliver what you need?

millions are perishing b/c are chasing empty promises – nothing promised by man or devil has power to deliver from just condemnation

sad fact, many “solutions” only bring face-to-face with God the righteous judge even sooner – examples abound

faltering faith

very promise God just made (offspring) that tested Abram’s to point of failure – God graciously provided substitute sacrifice JIT

know Heb. 11:19 “concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead” – who but larger-than-life Abraham could demonstrate that kind of faith under incredible pressure

didn’t always do so, sometimes his lack of faith caused great suffering for others along with himself… yet God kept his promise

not strength of faith but its presence that counts with God – Jesus healed boy disciples couldn’t, father openly confessed weak faith

brings blessing

to Abraham – first, “son of promise”, then an even greater offspring who would change the world… literally… forever

to the Gentiles – same faith with promise of eternal blessing available / effective for us regardless of place or time in history

to the nations – read of its fulfillment in last book, no ethnic group overlooked by God, no limit to God’s grace in salvation

C. the gospel to Abraham  v.8

God’s purpose

consequence of death b/c of sin eventually known by everyone – cause maybe unknown, no escaping fact, God did not intend world to remain w/o hope indefinitely

even though promise made in Garden, did not intend it to be hijacked by one people group, all other peoples left in misery

intentionally explicitly made known his big plan of redemption covered all kinds of people – also made clear salvation by faith… alone

for all the nations

don’t need to wait until NT to see promised results taking shape… even in life of Abraham – Melchizedek a Gentile priest of God

at beginning of Hebrew children entering Canaan, key figure in pre-battle planning… Rahab… demonstrated belief in true God, faith preserved her life when Jericho fell (Heb.11:31)

Ruth, foreigner from tribe of Moab, declared mom-in-law’s God her God – richly blessed by inclusion in family tree of Lord Jesus

three we know by name were Gentiles by birth, probably countless others unnamed – Israel required by law to welcome immigrants… so would hear Gospel, come to right saving faith

same faith, same family

genealogy big deal for lots of people, knowing where/who you come from helps with sense of belonging and identity – shows God has made us to be relational

Jews believed if they could guarantee Abraham belonged in family tree, their future was secure – Bible is clear, faith not DNA what counts with God

is our relationship with “favorite” son Jesus that assures of blessing – every promise of God comes to us through the Lord Jesus alone

Something none of us really like yet all get to experience it: uncertainty. If we think a little is good, add a little more to make certain. Fine for some things, not when concerns soul and eternal destiny. More we try to add to our salvation, less certain it becomes – never know how much is truly enough. To deal with it, people world over counting on God to grade on a curve – as long as we’re better than some, not as bad as others, be able to squeak in. Everyone who believes that way is perishing, facing eternal future alienated from God.

We know truth, know and believe Good News of salvation through faith in God’s promise – if trust in Christ and his righteousness, it will be accounted to us for righteousness. Just as people from other nations had contact with Jewish people and access to good news of Gospel, same should happen here today. Regardless of position on immigration, fact remains lost people from all over world coming here where Gospel resources are abundant. Must not squander opportunity God is giving us to tell them a Savior has died, his name is Jesus and he is mighty to save.

 

What the Church Needs Now

Jeremiah 7:1-15

507 years ago Martin Luther, 95 theses… in writing… in Latin… on purpose. Did not want everyone to know details of his controversy w/established church. Did not have result Luther wanted, only minimal change in Roman Catholic church. Greatest changes took place outside church, God used to provoke Protestant Reformation. Church of Jeremiah’s day in at least as great need of reformation as Luther’s church. Not far behind today event though specific issues may have slightly different details.

Approach God directed through Jeremiah more “in your face” than early reformers of 15th and 16th centuries. Intention that be no excuse for anyone being in dark about what God expected. God not in hurry yet… not fooling around either. cf. 26:1ff – “at the beginning of the reign of Josiah’s son, King Jehoiakim of Judah”, then follows same(?) sermon, 608 BC, 22 years before overthrow. God still inclined to be merciful but not forever – people will stop listening / responding if only threats, no action / follow through.

Had been some mending of their ways during time of Josiah but… had come to end, people falling back into old ways following Josiah’s needless death in battle. Jeremiah one of remnant, minority still faithful to true God. Answered God’s call to perform hard task for sensitive fellow – publicly rebuke crowds gathered for festival, calling them to repentance while door of opportunity still open. Not popular or well-received message – majority not interested in hearing, would take great offense at Jeremiah’s boldness and plain speaking.

A. listen up  v.1-3

call to attention

standing in gate of temple, not gate of city – intended to be heard / heeded by churched, “believers”, more than un-churched

didn’t need to go inside “church” to hear God’s challenge – impossible to ignore, no room to misunderstand what is meant

effective spiritual revival begins first with hearts of those in church – political change should be result/support, not cause

unpopular message

imagine being met at church door and told “you’re not coming the right way, it shows in how you live each day of week”

believed, actually had been convinced checking boxes all that was necessary – but… meeting outward performance standard w/o changed life worthless, even offensive to God

wonderful promise

God makes clear what is wrong, what must change, how he will respond if they have change of heart and please him

remember dedication of Temple, God’s overwhelming glory – really saying if they do right, they can remain close to him

B. don’t trust the lies  v.4-7

false hope

trusting in external performance to make them acceptable to God, trusting external evidence from God to show all was ok

had been assured by religious leaders “the Temple still stands, we’re safe, we’re ok” – God called that untrustworthy lie

clear bullet points

underlying problem: Psa 115:4-8 “Those who make them [idols] are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.”

if they want God’s blessing, must become like him in daily life – iow, Mic 6.8 “to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God”

promise repeated

God’s kindness on display, repeats promise made earlier – ensures they didn’t miss hearing it, assures he is serious about it

at same time, before conversation is over God makes clear promise/land gift not w/o conditions – true always of promised blessing

God w/o question is faithful, keeps his promises but… has no obligation, even desire, to reward persistent sinful behavior

C. you’re trusting them  v.8-11

no profit

examples abound, words that do not / can not deliver what they claim – favorite tactic, always true of what devil says

people really expecting more of the same, if they kept doing the same things, ought to get same results – if not, must be God’s fault, not result of sinful behavior

no change

actually didn’t want to change, instead wanted to keep doing what they wanted and wanted better results from same practices

were behaving deceptively/treacherously toward others including God, outraged/offended when gods treated them same way

same taking place in our own culture… and others – not really surprise, is natural result of sin nature less and less restrained

no hiding

were presumptuous enough to think regular practice of formalities justified, even made fully acceptable their offensive behavior

no secret to God what they were doing – he sees rainbow on sign/over entrance, he hears his word distorted and misused/misapplied to enable acceptance of sin

D. you really need to trust Me  v.12-15

take a trip

v12 along important road (parallel w/King’s Highway and Int’l Coastal Highway) due north 8mi Jerus to border, 12mi further to Shiloh

not only willful rebellion against God, also willful ignorance of his actions toward fellow Jews doing exact same things

take a close look

God expects them to see and understand – evidence is there, their ignoring won’t change it, surely their future unless…

doesn’t matter how long/carefully look at evidence – wrong worldview guarantees wrong conclusions

connect the right dots

can see from what happened to Israel they in grave danger of same… esp. when God says plainly he will do it

God doesn’t say Jewish people will be destroyed/annihilated, instead would be given over to foreign oppressors

Church in our land, many other parts of world needs to learn from ancient Israel. If any culture to “improve”, must begin with new life (reformation) in the church. Need to stop listening to lying words, promises made by those who are not friends of God, instead listen to God and heed his words. Need to be serious about living as child of God, trusting him, doing church and life his way.

Hard at times to do that, esp. when outnumbered, when trends going in unfavorable direction. With his help we can stay true to him, trust him in all circumstances, and remember he “has overcome the world”! (John 16:33)

 

You Foolish People!

Galatians 3:1-5

 

This letter of Apostle Paul contains some of sharpest and plainest language he used. Can gain some idea of his tone of voice, his motivation if consider larger context. Turns attention here from situation with Peter in Antioch to Galatian churches. With great energy calls them out, no mistaking what was on his mind. Determined to get their attention, shock them enough so they would listen, really hear what he had to say. Gives no hint of “trust me, I’m the apostle” – in fact, gives series of six logical reasoned arguments showing how important for them to know how they were saved.

But… was his heart of concern that motivated Paul: Gal 4.11 “I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.” See over and over hard-won gains melt away when circumstances change – different teacher in classroom, sidelined by injury, new business owner, and more. Paul didn’t want to see that happen in Galatian churches – that progress in Gospel evaporate b/c of unhealthy influence. Grief over what would mean for current believers and future generations heartbreaking for Apostle to even think about. He knew risk to them was great, consequences both in this life and next of immense importance.

Simply could not keep quiet, would use every means possible w/i boundaries of godly conduct to bring them back from brink of disaster. Don’t forget: Paul passionate for Christ and Gospel, not own approval ratings, not even concerned with how many friends or followers he could count. Concerned only with growing number and devotion of those following Jesus, would settle for nothing less. One more thing: clear from his philosophy of missions equipping leaders to do work of ministry in each local church high priority. Letter addressed “To the churches of Galatia”, audience included everyone but especially leaders/teachers.

In this portion of argument gives Galatians, indeed all of us an oral exam about details of testimony/personal experience: tell me this, I want to hear from you directly – knows that method would require them to get minds out of neutral, think seriously about these most serious principles related to question: how were you saved?

A. hard words to hear  v.1

senseless

lacking discernment not intelligence – short attention span, difficulty with focus, connecting dots inaccurately, not paying enough attention to what comes next spiritually

likely church activities, Bible study something to check off a list – not essential part of life as whole, list not in any order

failing to see beneath the surface – didn’t realize life like spaghetti, not waffles – pull one end, goes out of sight, moves on opposite side of plate

resulting change in behavior – acting as if thinking really disordered – illogical, irrational, disconnected, going from one thing to another with little evidence of purpose or understanding

bewitched

you can’t be in your right mind – Paul exaggerates (maybe) to get attention – from what he can observe, looks like under a spell

what other explanation possible? w/o considering their history, present actions made little or no sense, even contradictory

words, declared beliefs different from day to day and conflicting with actions – see more of that as people move away from truth

bewildered

conduct incongruous with billboard of Christ you have seen – billboards prohibited ME 1977, can’t blame for distracted driving

as if Paul when carried Gospel to Galatia set up billboard with Jesus’ portrait in exquisite detail on display, used laser pointer as he taught to draw attention to important features

are now acting confused, uncertain of what they saw / learned about Jesus, trying to make up own way of salvation as they go

B. hard questions to answer  v.2-4

how were you saved

think back to time of conversion, not that long ago, I was there, I remember, do you? what were you doing, how did it all happen?

was it a process? you did a little, God did a little, finally got job done? or was it an event? Spirit turned lights on, you understood Jesus’ work and your need, all b/c Holy Spirit present and active in you?

honest answer: sinner declared just/righteous in God’s sight b/c of Jesus’ work, not the sinner’s – no preconditions to salvation

what are you thinking

don’t you see the conflict – started out Christian life well, made good progress in understanding spiritual truths and application

now seems like gone back to old way of trying to please some god with ceremonies, retroactively make up something lacking

if required work of Holy Spirit to bring you into Christ’s kingdom, won’t Spirit be sufficient to keep you in it? don’t you need Spirit to grow in likeness to Jesus?

how is this possible

doesn’t what you have heard, seen, experienced as a Christian mean anything? have been walking this road a while, hasn’t Holy Spirit’s presence and work accomplished something?

just as word of God and Spirit of God necessary for new birth, same are essential (and sufficient, btw) for continued growth

if Galatians in “technology-free” era could be so easily misled, are at even greater risk today, esp. in sound-bite oriented culture

C. hard act to follow  v.5

he gave you his Spirit

John 14:16 “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever”

Father did so at your conversion – Jesus told Nicodemus that Spirit essential to new birth, actually the one who makes it happen

doesn’t work so quietly we never know it; more importantly, Spirit given to be a “Helper” – can’t possibly think of competing with him

he gave evidence of his presence

he has done it more since, see 5:22-23 – not evidence we manufacture, is what is present in some measure wherever Spirit abides

take a look, is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,​ gentleness, self-control apparent in your life

how obvious is dependent on how well we cooperate, doing our part in concert with Spirit to grow in grace

he wants only faith

continue building on what he started, using materials he supplies to build according to his plan in dependence on God

don’t forget, requires regular hearing word of God, believing it, receiving it as his word, living according to principles found in it

how can you possibly add value to what God already did? – Jesus said “it is finished”… was he right? or did he leave some undone?

Trying to earn salvation with Jesus’ help no more successful than doing it on our own. Encouraging lost people to clean up their act so Jesus can save them not right either. Encourage them to come to church, Bible study, wherever will hear Gospel truth proclaimed – faith comes by hearing.

Jesus is a complete Savior. Better we understand what it means to be lost in sin, how bound by sin we naturally are, better we grasp just how much Jesus accomplished in our place. Better we understand how dependent we still are on Holy Spirit’s help to do what pleases God. Don’t think of this just on Easter or at Lord’s Table – keep eyes on Jesus, praise and thank him for being such a great Savior.

 

13. The Law?

Matthew 5:17-20 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

 

What does it say:

Law, Prophets – “or” (ἢ), a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms – can be distinguished but still treated as package – whatever is done to one impacts the other

Law: Law of Moses, Pentateuch; Prophets: former and latter; “the Law and the Prophets” = Jewish Scriptures, the OT

destroy – καταλύω – unloose, set aside (Matt. 24:2), annul or abrogate (formally abolish)

fulfill – πληρόω – carry through to the end, leaving nothing undone

jot, tittle – yod (10th letter Heb.), iota (8th letter Greek); tittle (κεραία, stroke of a letter) — iow, smallest letter or part of a letter

What does it mean:

Jesus moves from basic foundational principles to daily application – these are building blocks of Christian life, how do you put them together to form a proper whole?

Jesus: in no way opposed to OT teaching; is definitely opposed to what Pharisees/tradition have made it

US Constitution – 14-1/2 pages; Acts of the First Congress (1791) – 225 pages; United States Code current 03/23/2024 – 90281 pages

US has had 235 years, Jesus lived 1400 years after Moses – 9 generations vs. 56 generations; decided absence of uniformity over interpretation of Constitution, hence Supreme Court… theoretically

Jesus giving summary introduction to remainder of Sermon – will not be laying out new higher standard for Jews to follow in millennial kingdom

will be peeling off all that has accumulated and obscured God’s Law as he gave it and intended for it to be practiced – “You have heard that it was said to those of old” vs “But I say to you”

consider envelope containing intro – “I came… to fulfill” and “unless your righteousness exceeds (abounds above)”

Jesus here didn’t criticize righteousness of scribes and Pharisees – did declare it was insufficient for entry into the kingdom

2nd statement w/o 1st takes away hope – who can possibly outdo those whose life work is to know/understand/keep the Law as means of righteousness

1st statement w/o 2nd takes away (or at least greatly diminishes) perceived need for lawkeeping in order to please God, rightly bear his image before others

together give great hope: Jesus came with mission to do what Adam failed to achieve… full compliance with/satisfaction of God’s Law and not for himself but for his people

don’t forget primary audience… his disciples – giving them instruction in number of categories, first to raise understanding of how to live, then how/what to preach/teach

What is God saying to me:

Jesus begins with:

1. his own example – he didn’t come to set it aside, came to obey it… as we should

2. but… our best effort cannot earn salvation – we cannot do any better than scribes and Pharisees; only Jesus can earn / merit salvation for us

3. however… with Jesus’ help as we trust him, depend on him, our obedience can display desire/effort to keep 1st commandment:
Mark 12:30  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.

and then the 2nd commandment, both according to Jesus’ teaching and example

At the Crossroads

Jeremiah 6:16-30

Yogi Berra, “when you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Examples throughout Bible of God’s people coming to fork in the road. Usually presented as choice for people / nation as group – toward end of life, Joshua told people they were at crossroads similar to one in Jeremiah’s day. At same time Joshua made clear individuals not compelled to follow the group: Josh 24:15 “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Could say our nation at similar point: when day comes next November, will have opportunity to choose as much as voters can what direction nation will take for next period of time. Same true for individuals that make up our nation, will make choice for what direction they will pursue. Have before us clear example of what not to do. Jeremiah also gives insight into God’s thinking and purpose, principles with application to nations and individuals in all times and places.

Jeremiah’s message absolutely correct, precisely what his people needed to hear – came directly from God to be faithfully delivered to people of Judah. Jeremiah did so, received disheartening response he knew would lead to greater troubles, more painful suffering for people he loved. Whether defiant rejection or more discreet “I’ll think about it” response, we have received similar from friends and family. Don’t give up, let God attend to results, learn from Jeremiah’s words and actions.

A. get your bearings  v.16-17

ask for directions

your road and mine has more than one fork – most important to take what you believe to be right path, don’t be afraid to ask

both paths have dangers, wrong one has far more (Bunyan) well-worn path often the safest; new paths not always right, may lead to Giant Despair

signs aren’t always clear, may be little to distinguish between choices – shouldn’t be hasty, remember not deciding is a decision

listen for the answer

if asking question, need to not only listen but also act – being teachable essential, otherwise waste of time to ask, try teaching

for places / times when choice not obvious, God appointed watchmen to signal the right direction – are expected to signal clearly

they speak with prophetic voice, not always foretelling future events but often warning of future consequences unless…

the wrong response

are those who cannot see or hear, not ones primarily in view here -we will not go, we will not listen – “will not”, not “cannot”

shows they have basic understanding of who is really speaking, what his intent is, which path they should choose yet refuse

wasn’t really Jeremiah they rebelled against, refused to hear… was God – same true when we try to encourage, warn of danger

B. pick a path  v.18-26

trees bear fruit  (18-20)

tree rotten at heart produces fruit rotten at heart… regardless of how it looks, will taste bad, eventually fruit entirely rots

thoughts lead to actions – expression “do w/o thinking” rarely possible – anything but reflex action purposeful in some measure

reinforces importance of carefully filtering what influences thoughts/minds – be sure will lead to godly actions

actions (fruit of thoughts) lead to consequences – God’s just response to willful rejection of what he has said

2nd rabbit trail: were doing right things but with wrong thoughts/desires unacceptable to God – motive counts

God adds hardship  (21-24)

the wrong road gets rough… and narrow… b/c God makes it that way – not simply “is what it is”, is God’s action

he directs desires and intentions of ungodly people/nations to accomplish his purpose, not always entirely what they want

just b/c instruments have no mercy does not mean same for God – showing great mercy by warning, incentive and opportunity for repentance

turn back  (25-26)

God continuing to plead with his people, don’t barrel ahead into danger – may look safe now but can/will change quickly

God has a point to hardship/suffering for both lost and saved – reason dictates if getting harder, lost should turn around – saved grow more like Jesus

problem is lost person not viewing situation rationally… and doesn’t want to be close to God – rather pursue promised goodies

is what gives strong motivation to worship false god(s) – think they can have benefits w/o needing to deal w/God

C. hardship runs its course  v.27-30

a weak alloy

task of assayer to evaluate sample to determine properties and value of metallic sample, ore for example

possible to make bronze/iron alloy but will have different properties from each base metal – may look like bronze but…

of lesser value / integrity than pure bronze, like fool’s gold – does not live up to promise of its appearance, needs purifying

full of impurities

different materials have different density, melting points – furnace even heated 7x and impurities still there, cannot be separated from one another

purpose of making alloy, mixture of metals, to have something with greater value/better properties than individuals

the assayer perceives no improvement in value – syncretism, mixing 2 religions, never improves religious worship

worshiping false gods in any amount doesn’t just diminish, it completely takes away value from worship of true God

impossible to decontaminate

dross refuses to rise to the top and be skimmed off – iron will not separate from bronze, stays encapsulated, doesn’t belong b/c it has same effect as impurity

more heat simply diffuses contamination more thoroughly – makes individual blobs smaller but more thoroughly dispersed

holds true for individuals/nations that are corrupt at heart – cannot be purified w/o radical change of heart

Not only decisions with national importance people face these days – reaches down to choices made at personal level. Demand for access to Physician-Assisted Suicide on the rise, death with dignity, euthanasia, different designations but all have same concept in view – all represent way for person to escape overwhelming and painful circumstances at time and in way of their own choosing. Fundamental idea is death and anything that might follow must be better than present. No room in their minds for different option – suffering from God with a purpose, that they turn to Him not some way of escape.

To be equipped to offer good help to those who are suffering, must be choosing right path for our own walk first. Then we can encourage others to accompany us, follow path of truth and life. Even when is hard, child of God has perfect guide and helper… God himself. At same time, should warn others following different path what it leads to. May be overwhelmed by hard circumstances but next life apart from God unimaginably worse. God and not death is a genuine refuge.