Jeremiah 1
God chooses and ordains individuals to fulfill His purposes, and sometimes this requires destruction of the old system before building and planting something new.
Chuck Smith discusses the profound message of Jeremiah 1, emphasizing the dire spiritual condition of the nation that had forsaken God and turned to false idols. He highlights Jeremiah's youth and divine calling, illustrating that true ordination comes from God rather than man. Smith points out that Jeremiah's mission involved both destruction and restoration, indicating that sometimes a complete overhaul is necessary for true revival. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on what they worship and to recognize God's presence in their lives, as He equips them for their purpose.
Text
"TO WHOM THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME"
Intro: Jeremiah's difficult task - to oversee the death of the nation.
I. THE NATIONAL CONDITION AT THE TIME WHEN "THE WORD..."
A. Vs. 16 - Wickedness.
1. "Who have forsaken Me."
a. Described more fully in chapter 2. "Forsaken Me, the fountain of
living waters, and hewed out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can
hold no water."
1. Every man believes something about God, creation,
purpose.
a. If they reject the truth they devise some system
or idea.
b. They hew out cisterns.
c. Of all the philosophies, systems, and religions
of men it must be said, "They can't hold water".
b. Some say, "God is just a crutch."
1. Cartoon in Hollywood free paper.
2. "...have burned incense to other Gods."
a. A man must have a god - does have a god.
1. Your god is that master passion that controls your life.
a. Is it a desire to know?
b. Is it a desire to possess?
c. Is it a desire for pleasure?
b. To what are you burning incense today?
3. "...worshipped the works of their own hands."
a. Man has a built-in worship drive.
b. "Who worshipped and served the creature more than the creator."
1. They say, "I think it's foolish to worship something up
there you can't see", then in a sophisticated voice
declare, "I worship the flowers and the bees."
c. We see people worshipping their cars - houses.
B. Outward spiritual awakening.
II. THE MAN TO WHOM THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME.
A. Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah the priest.
1. His father Hilkiah is probably the priest Hilkiah who found the book of
the law in temple renovation.
B. Jeremiah just a young man at the time.
1. "I cannot speak, for I am a child."
a. Some scholars estimate his age at 17.
C. He was a chosen vessel - vs. 5.
1. "Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee."
2. "Before you came forth from the womb I sanctified thee." (set apart)
3. "I ordained thee a prophet to the nations."
a. True ordination is from God.
b. He no doubt at this young age be able to get any ordination from
a recognized body.
c. If God has ordained you, you need not worry concerning ordination
by man.
4. "Be not afraid, I Am With Thee." vs.8.
D. His ministry (vs. 10. - set over nations and kingdoms.
1. To root out - to pull down - to destroy - to throw down (crush to powder).
2. To build, and to plant.
3. There comes a time in a nations history or a church's history when
reformation is of no avail.
a. We keep trying to revive dead horse.
b. Struggle to stand it on it's feet, but as soon as you let go it
falls.
c. We might see an occasional muscle spasm and get excited, thinking
that there may be hope for life.
4. Before God can build and plant, He must destroy the old system.
a. New wine in old skins.
E. The strength of his ministry - vs.19.
1. The presence of Jehovah.
Sermon Outline
- The National Condition at the Time When 'The Word...'
- The Man to Whom the Word of the Lord Came
- Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah the priest
- Jeremiah just a young man at the time
- He was a chosen vessel
- His Ministry
- The Strength of His Ministry
Key Quotes
“They hew out cisterns that can't hold water.” — Chuck Smith
“Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee.” — Chuck Smith
“Before you came forth from the womb I sanctified thee.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize that God can use anyone, regardless of age or experience, to accomplish His purposes.
- Seek true ordination from God, rather than relying on human recognition or approval.
- Be willing to let go of the old system and trust God to build and plant something new.