Jeremiah 4
The sermon emphasizes the importance of true repentance and the consequences of refusing God, highlighting God's judgment as fierce and relentless.
Chuck Smith addresses the dire condition of Judah, emphasizing their failure to return to God with sincerity. He outlines the impending judgment due to the people's corruption, unbelief, and rebellious hearts, warning of a fierce enemy that will attack. Smith highlights the rejection of the people by God as a consequence of their refusal to embrace His truth and justice, leading to their scorn by others. He stresses that true repentance is essential, as superficial reforms cannot mask a cold heart towards God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a genuine return to faith and obedience to avoid divine rejection.
Text
Intro: Condition of people described - "Judah hath not returned to me with her whole heart."
I. DECLARATION OF JUDGMENT.
A. Appeal to true repentance.
1. People panicky because of peril.
2. Description of swift attack of foe.
B. Reason for judgment.
1. Corruption of people.
a. Truth and justice lost (people and leaders).
2. Unbelief of message.
3. RebeIlious heart of people.
C. Judgment described.
1. Fierce and relentless foe.
II. FINAL OUT-BURST, ONE DECLARATION, 2 REVELATIONS, 3 FACTS
A. Declaration - "Refuse silver shall men call them, because Jehovah hath rejected
them."
1. People rejected by God - scorned by men.
B. Three facts.
1. People's refusal of God.
2. God's refusal of the people.
3. When men refuse God and God, men - all others consider the refuse worthless.
a. People's refusal of God.
1. Word refuse.
2. Prophesies uttered in hour of outer reformation. There can
be a deadly coldness of heart in the midst of emotional
revival.
3. Deep down a contempt for God.
4. His law was despised - refused. Lost love, faith, obedience.
b. God's refusal of the people.
1. Why did God reject?
a. Because a God of truth. Justice, "He shall not
judge by the sight of His eyes or the hearing of
His ears.." - righteous judgment.
b. He looks beyond surface reforms.
c. Weak alliances.
c. Worlds attitude toward Jew - contempt.
Sermon Outline
- DECLARATION OF JUDGMENT
- FINAL OUT-BURST, ONE DECLARATION, 2 REVELATIONS, 3 FACTS
- A points: - Declaration - 'Refuse silver shall men call them, because Jehovah hath rejected them.' - People rejected by God - scorned by men
- B points: - Three facts - People's refusal of God - God's refusal of the people
- C points: - Judgment described - Fierce and relentless foe
Key Quotes
“Judah hath not returned to me with her whole heart.” — Chuck Smith
“Refuse silver shall men call them, because Jehovah hath rejected them.” — Chuck Smith
“He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes or the hearing of His ears..” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- True repentance is essential for a right relationship with God.
- God looks beyond surface reforms and judges based on righteousness.
- Refusing God leads to rejection and contempt from others.