Lip Service

O. T. #1741  "Lip Service"
July 24, 2020
Jeremiah 7

LET IT GLOW

We can all use some hope every now and then. Especially while we read through this book and live in this day of pandemic. so, here are a few that I found encouraging.

God never casts away the genuinely saved from spiritual salvation. (MacArthur)

Jesus is speaking in John 6:37: All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in nor wise cast out.

And in John 10:27-29: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand.

Whom does the Father give to the Son? All those who believer in Jesus. So, when we trust in Jesus as our Savior, we are eternally secure. We can't be lost again. What security we have-no one can snatch us out of Jesus' hand nor the Father's hand, plus, we will never perish, but live forever.

LET IT GROW

The Third Message (7:1-10:25)

Jeremiah was almost put to death for this sermon that he delivered in the Temple (chapter 26), but was rescued by some of Judah's leaders. It took courage to say this content, for he was opposed by kings, prophets, priests, and people. He remained faithful to God and his calling.

The themes of this section are false religion, idolatry, and hypocrisy. Worship had become a ritual while the people maintained a sinful lifestyle. We can do a lot of activities, but unless they are done for the glory of God and with a sincere heart-attending services, taking communion, teaching the Bible, singing in the choir.

Judah's false religion is mentioned in the first 12 verses:

• Trusting in lying words. (v.4)
• Oppressing strangers, the fatherless, and widow.
• Shedding innocent blood in the Temple.
• Walking after other gods.
• Steal, murder, commit adultery, and swear falsely, as well as burn incense unto Baal.
• They made the Temple a den of robbers.

Jeremiah complained that God's people were treating His covenant as license for immoral living. How could they repudiate the commandments and rejoice in the power of God at the same time?
Are we giving lip service to God and not our heart service?

[Resources: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary, Life Application Study Bible]

LET IT GO
Be very careful to...serve Him with all your heart and all your soul. (Joshua 22:5)