Andy Hazelet – March 18th, 2018
We will not reach the lost without a burden for the lost. What can we learn from Jeremiah about reaching the lost?
Big Idea: We will never reach the lost, without a burden for the lost.
Main Scripture: Jeremiah 23
Big Question: What does the burden of Jeremiah teach us about reaching the lost?
1. A burden requires Repentance.
Vs. 11-12 – “Even the priests and prophets are ungodly, wicked men. I have seen their despicable acts right here in my own Temple,” says the LORD. “Therefore, the paths they take will become slippery. They will be chased through the dark, and there they will fall. For I will bring disaster upon them at the time fixed for their punishment. I, the LORD, have spoken!” (NLT)
13-14 – “I saw that the prophets of Samaria were terribly evil, for they prophesied in the name of Baal and led my people of Israel into sin. But now I see that the prophets of Jerusalem are even worse! They commit adultery and love dishonesty. They encourage those who are doing evil so that no one turns away from their= sins. These prophets are as wicked as the people of Sodom and Gomorrah once were.” (NLT)
Vs. 15 – “Therefore, this is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says concerning the prophets: “I will feed them with bitterness and give them poison to drink. For it is because of Jerusalem’s prophets that wickedness has filled this land.” (NLT)
It’s impossible to be a disciple or a follower of someone and not end up like that person. Jesus said: “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40).
That’s the whole point of being a disciple of Jesus: we imitate Him, carry on His ministry, and become like Him in the process. Yet somehow many have come to believe that a person can be a “Christian” without being like Christ. A “follower” who doesn’t follow. How does that make any sense? Many people in the church have decided to take on the name of Christ and nothing else.” (Francis Chan – Multiply)
2 Chronicles 7:14 – “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (NLT)
2. A burden needs Rejection.
Vs. 16-18 – “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to his people: “Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes. They are making up everything they say. They do not speak for the LORD! They keep saying to those who despise my word, `Don’t worry! The LORD says you will have peace!’ And to those who stubbornly follow their own desires, they say, `No harm will come your way!’ “Have any of these prophets been in the LORD’s presence to hear what he is really saying? Has even one of them cared enough to listen?” (NLT)
Vs. 28-29 – “Let these false prophets tell their dreams, but let my true messengers faithfully proclaim my every word. There is a difference between straw and grain! Does not my word burn like fire?” says the LORD.
“Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?” (NLT)
3. A burden must be Ruined.
Vs. 9-10 – “My heart is broken because of the false prophets, and my bones tremble. I stagger like a drunkard, like someone overcome by wine, because of the holy words the LORD has spoken against them. For the land is full of adultery, and it lies under a curse. The land itself is in mourning—its wilderness pastures are dried up. For they all do evil and abuse what power they have.” (NLT)
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