Jeremiah 2:5
The sermon highlights the superficial nature of King Josiah's reformation and the challenge of God's call to holiness and purity.
Chuck Smith explores the theme of 'False-Hearted Lovers' in Jeremiah 2:5, emphasizing God's lament over His people's unfaithfulness. He highlights the superficiality of reformation during King Josiah's reign, where external changes did not reflect true repentance. Smith challenges the congregation to remember their first love for God and to recognize the emptiness of pursuing false gods. He underscores the importance of returning to a genuine relationship with God, as turning away from Him leads to spiritual decline. The sermon calls for a deep reflection on personal faithfulness and the need for holiness in a world filled with distractions.
Text
"FALSE-HEARTED LOVERS"
Intro: Jeremiah called in 13th year of Josiah's reign. For next 18 years comparable peace.
Josiah King when 8 years. 16 he began to seek after God - 4 years later began reforms. Next
year, Jeremiah started to prophesy. 5 years later book of law discovered - Josiah leading new
campaign, cleansing of temple. First Chap. 2-12 of Jeremiah.
Chapter 2 - 6 prophesies during first 5 years before law rediscovered.
Chapter 7 - 9 cleansing of temple.
I. IN CHAPTER 3:10 REFORMATION SUPERFICIAL.
A. King was sincere - zealous - popular.
B. Evil suppressed by legislation.
II. CHAPTER 2, VS. 5 - COUPLES WITH 2, 3.
A. Must go back to high estate from which they fell.
"I remember the kindness of thy youth." - God's view of His people.
B. (went after me in the wilderness)
walked after vanity)
C. The whole a picture of lost love.
Ill. THE CHALLENGE OF GOD.
A. "Why have you left Me?"
B. "What have I done?" "What deceit have I practiced?" The challenge of wounded love.
C. Challenge has deeper note. vs. 10, 11.
1. This faithfulness to false gods and unfaithfulness to the true God quite
modern.
a. Glance at other religions today. Followers of Mohammed.
D. Reason supremacy of Divine religion.
1. The gods' men are faithful to the gods that they had made.
2. Man makes gods like himself. An enlargement of their own imperfections.
E. The call of God is to holiness and purity.
1. When men turn from God it is not that they don't understand His holiness
but because they do.
F. The turning from God is the secret of national declivity.
Sermon Outline
- Reformation Superficial points: - King Josiah's sincerity and zeal - Evil suppressed by legislation
- Lost Love points: - God's view of His people - Following vanity instead of God - A picture of lost love
- The Challenge of God points: - Why have you left Me? - Challenge of wounded love - Faithfulness to false gods and unfaithfulness to God
- Supremacy of Divine Religion points: - Faithfulness to created gods - Man makes gods like himself - Call to holiness and purity
- National Declivity points: - Turning from God is the secret - Understanding God's holiness
Key Quotes
“I remember the kindness of thy youth.” — Chuck Smith
“Why have you left Me?” — Chuck Smith
“What have I done? What deceit have I practiced?” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We must understand God's holiness and respond to His call to holiness and purity.
- Turning away from God leads to national declivity and spiritual decay.
- We must be faithful to God and not follow vanity or created gods.