Jeremiah 29:23
God's omniscience makes known our hearts, revealing our true nature and guiding us through His Word and Spirit.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the omniscience of God in his sermon on Jeremiah 29:23, reminding us that God knows the secrets of our hearts and our true motivations, even when we deceive ourselves. He highlights the importance of recognizing our own deceitful hearts and how God reveals our true selves through circumstances, His Word, and His Spirit. Smith encourages believers to reflect on their faith and trust in God, acknowledging that our declarations may not always align with our inner beliefs.
Text
THE LORD KNOWS
Intro: Jeremiah writing to captives in Babylon - occasion and message. "I know and make known
saith the LORD."
I. "I KNOW..." - THE OMNISCIENCE OF GOD.
A. These men were acting as God's spokesmen.
1. Their pretense was - "we walk close to God."
2. God declares them guilty of villainy, adultery, lies.
B. God knows the secret of our hearts.
1. "Such knowledge is too great for me."
2. He knows our true motivations.
3. He knows if we really believe His Word.
a. We sometimes deceive ourselves by our own testimonies.
b. We say we believe the Bible is the Word of God.
c. We say, "In God we trust."
II. "AND MAKE KNOWN" - "THE HEART IS DECEITFUL".
A. I don't know my own heart so how does God make known to me?
1. By bringing me into circumstances where what is inside is revealed. 40
years to prove thee to see what was in thine heart.
a. If I say I believe the Bible - when deep within there is doubt.
b. If I say I trust in God.
2. God makes known through His Word.
a. "The Word of God is alive and powerful..." (Heb.4:12. "...and is
a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
3. God makes known by His Spirit.
Sermon Outline
- The Omniscience of God
- The Heart is Deceitful
- God's Spokesmen
- Their Pretense
- God's Declaration
- God Knows Our Hearts
- Too Great for Me
- True Motivations
- Deceiving Ourselves
- Biblical Testimonies
- Godly Trust
- Understanding My Heart
- Circumstances Reveal
- Doubt and Trust
- God's Word
- God's Spirit
Key Quotes
“Such knowledge is too great for me.” — Chuck Smith
“The Word of God is alive and powerful, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize that God knows our hearts and makes known our true nature.
- Allow God to bring us into circumstances where our true nature is revealed.
- Trust in God's Word and Spirit to guide us and reveal our hearts.