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Jeremiah 15:19
Verse
Context
The LORD’s Promise
18Why is my pain unending, and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become like a mirage to me— water that is not there. 19Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you return, I will restore you; you will stand in My presence. And if you speak words that are noble instead of worthless, you will be My spokesman. It is they who must turn to you, but you must not turn to them. 20Then I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to save and deliver you, declares the LORD.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God's reply to Jeremiah. return . . . bring . . . again--Jeremiah, by his impatient language, had left his proper posture towards God; God saith, "If thou wilt return (to thy former patient discharge of thy prophetic function) I will bring thee back" to thy former position: in the Hebrew there is a play of words, "return . . . turn again" (Jer 8:4; Jer 4:1). stand before me--minister acceptably to Me (Deu 10:8; Kg1 17:1; Kg1 18:15). take . . . precious from . . . vile--image from metals: "If thou wilt separate what is precious in thee (the divine graces imparted) from what is vile (thy natural corruptions, impatience, and hasty words), thou shall be as My mouth": my mouthpiece (Exo 4:16). return not thou unto them--Let not them lead you into their profane ways (as Jeremiah had spoken irreverently, Jer 15:18), but lead thou them to the ways of godliness (Jer 15:16-17). Eze 22:26 accords with the other interpretation, which, however, does not so well suit the context, "If thou wilt separate from the promiscuous mass the better ones, and lead them to conversion by faithful warnings," &c.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall,.... As he had promised him, when he first called him to his office, Jer 1:18, and so would not be as a liar to him: and they shall fight against thee; by words and blows, by menaces and imprisonment: but they shall not prevail against thee; so as to cause him to call in his words, and contradict his prophecies; or so as to take away his life: for I am with thee, to save thee, and deliver thee, saith the Lord; the presence of God with his ministers is sufficient to save and deliver them out of all their troubles, and to protect and defend them against all their enemies; see Mat 28:20.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:19 The Lord confronted Jeremiah with the need to make a decision. If Jeremiah decided to return to a disposition of service and submission, the Lord would restore him to further usefulness. If Jeremiah took care to utter good words of submission, faith, and obedience, and reject worthless ones (such as those that the false prophets spoke, 14:14-16), Jeremiah could continue to be the Lord’s spokesman.
Jeremiah 15:19
The LORD’s Promise
18Why is my pain unending, and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become like a mirage to me— water that is not there. 19Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you return, I will restore you; you will stand in My presence. And if you speak words that are noble instead of worthless, you will be My spokesman. It is they who must turn to you, but you must not turn to them. 20Then I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to save and deliver you, declares the LORD.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Keeping a Good Conscience
By Zac Poonen2.4K49:13ConsciencePSA 1:2JER 15:191TI 1:192TI 4:21PE 3:15REV 3:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping a sensitive conscience and living a life that honors Christ. He encourages believers to always be ready to defend their faith with gentleness and reverence. The speaker acknowledges his own failures and emphasizes the need for repentance and mourning over sin. He also highlights the importance of faithfulness in all areas of life, including words, money, and relationships. The sermon concludes with a reminder to hold fast to what one has and to strive for perfection in Christlikeness.
(Church Leadership) 9. a Disciplined Tongue
By Zac Poonen2.2K58:46PSA 12:6JER 15:19MAT 6:331CO 9:27GAL 5:22EPH 5:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline in our lives as believers. He highlights the need to value and redeem our time, avoiding wasting it in daydreaming or being bored during church meetings. The speaker encourages listeners to have a sober estimate of themselves and to make church meetings interesting to prevent driving away young people. He also shares a story about D.L. Moody, illustrating the importance of discipline in the use of our tongue. The sermon concludes with a call to be disciplined in all areas of life and to seek self-control through the Holy Spirit.
Tongues on Fire
By Brian Long1.3K38:25TonguePSA 39:1JER 15:19MAT 7:17MAT 12:34LUK 6:45ACT 2:2JAS 3:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of the tongue and the importance of being mindful of our words. He highlights how lies and negative words can have a lasting impact on individuals, leading to bondage and a distorted self-perception. The preacher urges listeners to examine their hearts and be cautious of exaggerating or stretching the truth. He draws parallels to the danger of a spark in a dry grassland, emphasizing the potential harm that can come from even the smallest words or gossip. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and a reminder that our words can either edify and bring glory to God or cause devastating damage.
Jacob and Esau
By Paul Ravenhill1.3K1:19:47GEN 25:24PSA 22:7JER 15:19EZK 37:9MAT 6:33LUK 19:44HEB 12:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of separating the precious from the vile in order to experience true life. He discusses the power of atmosphere and how it can influence our beliefs and perceptions. The preacher also highlights the need for spiritual nourishment in the church, comparing it to a dog coming in from the field and asking to be fed. He warns against being too focused on earthly matters and missing the day of visitation from God. The sermon concludes with a plea to not be cast away and to hold onto the spiritual heritage and blessings from God.
The Spirit and the Word Change Us
By Zac Poonen1.3K57:09GEN 1:2JER 15:19MAT 8:8MRK 11:23ACT 2:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to the Holy Spirit's promptings and allowing our tongues to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. Drawing parallels between Genesis 1 and Acts 2, the speaker highlights the need for daily renewal and transformation through cooperation with the Holy Spirit. The message stresses the power of words spoken under the authority of the Holy Spirit to drive out darkness and obstacles in our lives.
Putting an End to the Prosperity Message
By Miki Hardy1.0K1:16:53Prosperity GospelJER 15:19MAT 6:33ROM 8:131CO 1:18GAL 5:11COL 1:281TI 6:10In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading a verse from Jeremiah and emphasizes the importance of returning to God. He expresses concern for Christians who are imprisoned by suffering and discouragement, but assures them that Jesus, the good shepherd, wants to set them free and bring them back to the truth of the gospel. The preacher shares a personal example of his son-in-law who has only been exposed to one gospel message and highlights the need for Christians to be aware of what is happening outside the church. He concludes by reminding the audience that God is not done with them and that their ultimate goal should be to become perfect in Christ.
Putting an End to the Prosperity Message
By Miki Hardy9321:03:48JER 15:19MAT 6:24MAT 7:15ACT 20:282CO 11:13GAL 1:101TI 6:51TI 6:102PE 2:31JN 4:1This sermon addresses the issue of false teachings and doctrines infiltrating the church, particularly focusing on the deceit of the doctrine of prosperity. The speaker emphasizes the need for Christians to discern and reject manipulative practices that exploit believers for financial gain, steering them away from true spiritual growth and maturity in Christ. The message challenges the prevailing focus on material wealth and false promises within churches, urging a return to a genuine relationship with Jesus and a rejection of worldly influences.
We Must Return to the Apostolic Message
By Miki Hardy8701:44:18ApostolicJER 15:19MAT 3:12MAT 6:33ROM 1:161CO 1:18In this sermon on 2 Corinthians chapter 6, the speaker shares his personal journey of understanding the Gospel and the call of God in his life. He emphasizes that true ministry is not about intelligence or material possessions, but about transmitting the life of Christ. The speaker highlights the importance of being willing to die to oneself in order to truly serve God and transmit His life to others. He also challenges the current state of the church, urging believers to embrace the message of the cross and strive to become more like Jesus.
Accepting the Truth and Living It Out
By Miki Hardy8411:51:45JER 15:19ROM 8:171CO 1:18PHP 1:29COL 1:292TI 4:3JAS 1:271PE 4:13This sermon focuses on the importance of discerning between what is precious and what is vile, particularly in the context of understanding the revelation of the cross of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the need for the church to recognize false doctrines and practices, offering a solution for restoration. The message highlights the presence of 'spiritual orphans' in the church, calling for leaders who are willing to embrace the challenging yet rewarding Christian life, which includes suffering for the sake of Christ.
A Return to the True Gospel
By Miki Hardy7561:23:43JER 15:19MAT 13:24This sermon emphasizes the importance of holding onto the true message of the Gospel, focusing on the need to preserve the sound doctrine of Christ and not compromise with false teachings or worldly influences. It calls for a return to the core message of the cross of Jesus Christ, highlighting the dangers of straying from this foundational truth and the impact it has on the spiritual growth and vitality of believers.
The Leakage of Spiritual Power
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Spiritual PowerCommunion with GodPSA 37:4PSA 141:3PRO 4:23JER 15:19MAT 6:61TH 5:19HEB 4:12Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining spiritual power, illustrating how distractions and trivial conversations can lead to a loss of divine influence. He recounts the experiences of James Caughey and an officer who, despite their good intentions, found themselves spiritually drained due to their focus on non-essential matters. Brengle stresses that true power comes from earnest communion with God and the Holy Spirit, urging believers to guard their hearts and mouths to remain effective instruments for God's work. He encourages a life of prayer and constant awareness of God's presence to ensure that one's ministry is filled with divine power and purpose.
(Needed-Men of God) 2. a Holy Man of God
By Zac Poonen0Spiritual DisciplineHolinessJOS 7:102KI 4:8PSA 119:37ISA 29:13JER 15:19EZK 33:31EPH 4:24JAS 1:26JAS 3:2JAS 5:16Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of being holy men and women of God, as exemplified by Elisha, who was recognized as such by a discerning woman. He challenges the audience to reflect on the impression they leave on others, urging that mere eloquence or charisma is insufficient without genuine holiness. Poonen identifies guile, lack of discipline, and insufficient time spent with God as key barriers to achieving holiness. He asserts that true holiness is essential for effective ministry and revival, and that Christians must strive for a life that reflects God's holiness, regardless of personal ambition or recognition. Ultimately, he calls for a deep yearning for holiness that aligns with God's character, as this is crucial for impactful prayer and ministry.
(The Full Gospel) 15. What a Happy Year It Will Be
By Zac Poonen0LEV 25:10JER 15:19MAT 7:2MAT 18:23MRK 2:27LUK 15:11JHN 7:38GAL 3:13COL 2:14HEB 4:91PE 4:8Zac Poonen preaches on the significance of the Sabbath and God's laws, emphasizing that they are meant to benefit humanity and bring happiness. He highlights the importance of starting each day in rest and fellowship with God, following the pattern set by Adam, and the need to forgive and release others as God has forgiven us. Poonen delves into the concept of the Sabbath rest under the new covenant, symbolizing a continuous state of jubilee where debts are forgiven and relationships are restored. He stresses the power of gratitude in serving the Lord under grace and the necessity of forgiving others daily to maintain God's forgiveness towards us.
A Discriminating Ministry
By J.C. Philpot02SA 6:22JOB 40:4PSA 119:37PRO 23:23JER 15:19JHN 8:32JHN 14:62TI 2:211PE 1:72PE 2:22J.C. Philpot preaches about the prophet Jeremiah's rough path and rebellious nature, highlighting the distinction between precious and vile elements in God's sight. He emphasizes the importance of discerning and separating the precious from the vile in characters, doctrines, experiences, and practices. Philpot explains how precious characters, doctrines, experiences, and practices are valued by God, while vile ones are rejected. He urges the congregation to return to God and truth, emphasizing the need to stand firm in faithfulness and not compromise for the sake of pleasing others.
Rahab: Holy or Hypocrite - Hebrews 11:31
By Jon Courson0JOS 2:9JOS 2:18JER 15:19JHN 4:16ROM 10:17Jon Courson delves into Hebrews 11, known as God's Hall of Faith, highlighting the surprising inclusions and exclusions. He focuses on Rahab, the only woman in the Hall of Faith besides Sarah, as both an example and a problem for believers. Rahab's faith, demonstrated practically by risking her life to protect the spies, is a powerful illustration of true belief. However, her act of lying poses a challenge for believers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining God's standards amidst worldly accusations of hypocrisy.
The Heir of Heaven Walking in Darkness, and the Heir of Hell Walking in Light
By J.C. Philpot0DEU 32:34PRO 30:12ISA 50:10JER 15:19MAT 7:13ROM 7:92PE 1:19REV 21:8J.C. Philpot preaches about the contrast between the heir of heaven who fears the Lord, obeys His voice, and walks in darkness, and the heirs of hell who kindle a false fire, surround themselves with sparks, and will lie down in sorrow. He emphasizes the importance of true faith and trust in God's mercy, highlighting the dangers of false religion and self-righteousness. Philpot warns against the deceitful workings of the heart and the delusions of the devil, urging listeners to seek genuine repentance, humility, and a deep relationship with God.
Homily 16 on the Statues
By St. John Chrysostom0JER 15:19MAT 7:26JHN 16:22ACT 26:28ROM 5:31CO 6:12CO 4:17EPH 4:1PHP 1:292TI 2:9John Chrysostom delivers a sermon addressing the Prefect's role in pacifying the people amidst rumors of danger, emphasizing the need for courage and faith in the face of adversity. He urges the congregation to avoid oaths and highlights the importance of enduring tribulations with patience and hope in God's deliverance. Chrysostom encourages the listeners to imitate Paul's example of finding joy and glory in suffering for Christ, showcasing the power of faith and perseverance. He concludes by exhorting the congregation to use the Lenten season as a time for spiritual growth, focusing on genuine repentance and good works that endure beyond the fasting period.
Matthew 7:6
By Chuck Smith0Grace and HolinessDiscernmentLEV 10:10DEU 23:3JER 15:19EZK 22:26MAT 7:1JHN 3:1JHN 4:7ROM 16:17Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of discernment in the Christian faith, particularly in the context of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:6. He warns against the dangers of indiscriminate acceptance that can lead to heresy and the neglect of church discipline. Smith illustrates that Jesus practiced discernment, choosing when to engage with individuals based on their openness to the truth, and highlights the necessity of distinguishing between the holy and the unholy in preaching. The sermon calls for a balance between grace and holiness in the message of the Gospel.
The Cross and the Tongue
By Jessie Penn-Lewis0Spiritual MaturityThe Power of WordsJER 15:19JHN 18:372CO 2:4EPH 4:14PHP 3:15PHP 3:18COL 1:28COL 4:12JAS 3:22PE 2:1Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes the critical relationship between our words and our spiritual maturity, particularly in the context of speaking about those who oppose the Cross of Christ. She highlights that true identification with Christ is reflected in our ability to control our speech, as stumbling in words reveals immaturity. The sermon calls for believers to speak the truth in love, especially when addressing the enemies of the Cross, and to maintain a spirit of compassion and weeping for those who have strayed. Penn-Lewis warns that our power in prayer and spiritual authority is compromised when we engage in unloving speech, urging believers to remain hidden in Christ to avoid the strife of tongues. Ultimately, she encourages a life that bears witness to the truth of God, ensuring our words are life-giving and aligned with His will.
The Bull's Eye
By Zac Poonen0Aim in LifeDisciplinePRO 6:25JER 15:19MAT 5:8ROM 12:11CO 9:261CO 10:312TI 4:7HEB 9:14JAS 1:261PE 2:11Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of having a definite aim in our Christian lives, drawing parallels between shooting at a target and focusing on our personal spiritual goals. He highlights that many Christians often get distracted by others' lives instead of working on their own salvation, urging believers to discipline their eyes and tongues to avoid disqualification in their service to God. Poonen points out that true discipleship involves presenting our bodies to God without blemish, just as Jesus did, and that we must mourn our failures when we miss the mark. He calls for a community of believers who are committed to this discipline and aim to build the church as the Body of Christ.
We May Speak for God
By C.H. Spurgeon0Faithfulness in MinistrySpeaking for GodISA 55:11JER 15:19ROM 10:14C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the honor and responsibility of being a mouthpiece for God, as exemplified by the prophet Jeremiah. Despite facing hatred and rejection for speaking the truth, Jeremiah remained faithful, and in return, God promised to speak through him. Spurgeon encourages preachers and believers alike to desire this divine privilege, as it allows them to share pure truth with power, bringing life and hope to others. He highlights the transformative impact of God's word, which can awaken the spiritually dead and bless those who receive it. The sermon concludes with a call to pray for all servants of the Lord to fulfill this calling.
Epistle 266
By George Fox0PRO 4:18ISA 25:6JER 15:19EZK 34:16MAT 20:9LUK 15:24JHN 12:36ROM 6:23EPH 5:132PE 2:1George Fox preaches about the importance of believers in the heavenly light seeking out the lost and driven away, distinguishing themselves from false prophets and teachers by putting a difference between the precious and the vile. He emphasizes the joy in finding the lost, drawing parallels to the parable of the prodigal son and the heavenly rewards awaiting those who return to the Father's house. Fox urges believers to diligently seek out those who have strayed, guided by the light to bring them back to the path of righteousness and away from the devil's influence.
Objections Answered
By George Cutting02CH 26:16JER 15:19PHP 1:202TI 2:192TI 3:15George Cutting preaches about the importance of aligning our lives with God's Word, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility in correcting our ways according to Scripture. He highlights the necessity of fleeing from sinful desires and pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace in fellowship with other believers. Cutting uses examples from the lives of biblical figures like Jeremiah and Saul of Tarsus to illustrate the principle of following God's will above personal preferences or human traditions.
Epistle 100
By George Fox0JER 15:19MAT 7:24JHN 1:9ROM 1:191CO 1:18EPH 2:20COL 3:10COL 4:62TI 2:15HEB 4:12REV 17:3REV 17:15George Fox preaches about dwelling in the power of the Lord God to stand firm in the world, handling the word of God correctly as a hammer, sword, and fire to discern the precious from the vile. He emphasizes waiting in the wisdom of God to respond to the divine presence in everyone, leading them away from worldly distractions and false teachings towards the true foundation in Christ. Fox urges people to turn to Christ as their husband and cornerstone, moving from outward symbols to experiencing the power of God within them, ultimately restoring the image of God they have lost by straying from the light.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God's reply to Jeremiah. return . . . bring . . . again--Jeremiah, by his impatient language, had left his proper posture towards God; God saith, "If thou wilt return (to thy former patient discharge of thy prophetic function) I will bring thee back" to thy former position: in the Hebrew there is a play of words, "return . . . turn again" (Jer 8:4; Jer 4:1). stand before me--minister acceptably to Me (Deu 10:8; Kg1 17:1; Kg1 18:15). take . . . precious from . . . vile--image from metals: "If thou wilt separate what is precious in thee (the divine graces imparted) from what is vile (thy natural corruptions, impatience, and hasty words), thou shall be as My mouth": my mouthpiece (Exo 4:16). return not thou unto them--Let not them lead you into their profane ways (as Jeremiah had spoken irreverently, Jer 15:18), but lead thou them to the ways of godliness (Jer 15:16-17). Eze 22:26 accords with the other interpretation, which, however, does not so well suit the context, "If thou wilt separate from the promiscuous mass the better ones, and lead them to conversion by faithful warnings," &c.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall,.... As he had promised him, when he first called him to his office, Jer 1:18, and so would not be as a liar to him: and they shall fight against thee; by words and blows, by menaces and imprisonment: but they shall not prevail against thee; so as to cause him to call in his words, and contradict his prophecies; or so as to take away his life: for I am with thee, to save thee, and deliver thee, saith the Lord; the presence of God with his ministers is sufficient to save and deliver them out of all their troubles, and to protect and defend them against all their enemies; see Mat 28:20.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:19 The Lord confronted Jeremiah with the need to make a decision. If Jeremiah decided to return to a disposition of service and submission, the Lord would restore him to further usefulness. If Jeremiah took care to utter good words of submission, faith, and obedience, and reject worthless ones (such as those that the false prophets spoke, 14:14-16), Jeremiah could continue to be the Lord’s spokesman.