STRANGE WORSHIPERS
(Jeremiah 7:8-11)
Introduction: In verses 1-7, Jeremiah made plain that the message is from God (1,2,3). They are told to trust not in lying words but to amend or change their ways and God would cause them to dwell in that place (4,5). Many people then and today search for those who will commend their sinful ways rather than change their lives to conform to God’s will.
I. Notice How God Viewed Their Lives.
Thieves, cruel oppressors, murderers, adulterers, idolaters, etc. (vv. 6, 9).A.
B. What if an angel of the Lord were to be at the door of our building to mark on our foreheads what our true character is in the sight of God? What name would he put on me? What name would be put on you? Would we want it to remain there?
II. Why Did They Bother With Going To The Temple?
A. Possible motives:
1. Cover up their real character.
2. To conform to fashion, custom or society.
3. To salve the conscience.
4. To show others who were sinful also that they could "go through the motions" without full dedication.
5. As a means of trying to appease God in order not to be eternally lost.
III. What Was God’s Attitude?
A. They would receive no benefit from such worship (v. 3).
B. They were deceiving themselves completely (v. 4).
C. They were neglecting to amend their ways which would be necessary for their salvation physically and eternally.
D. They were very insulting to God (Vv. 10, 11).
E. They were blind to what God had done to Shiloh & Ephraim (verses 12-15).
IV. What Is The Lesson In This Account For Us?
A. We must be honest and sincere in our service to God.
B. Christianity is a way of life and not just a way of worship! (Matt. 15:7-11; I Cor. 10:1-13).
C. Coming to the building does not guarantee or may not indicate that we have come to worship or that we do worship Him when the opportunity is available.
D. We must worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
Conclusion:
A. We must evaluate our lives and make sure we are right in the sight of God and not merely going through the motions! This is done by the obedience to the Gospel and walking in the light with Him.
B. We must come to the house of worship with pure hearts which are set upon loving God and living for Him and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Robert L. Brown
Great Oaks Church of Christ