There is a well defined path for a people to forget God

There is a well defined path for a people There is a well defined path for a people to forget God.to forget God.

There is an age old battle about the nature There is an age old battle about the nature of worship. Will it be God-centered or man- of worship. Will it be God-centered or man- centered? centered? (Jer 25:6-7)(Jer 25:6-7)


Jeremiah 25:6-7 (NKJV) Jeremiah 25:6-7 (NKJV) - Do not go after - Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship them, other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not and do not provoke Me to angerprovoke Me to anger with the with the works of your hands; and works of your hands; and I will not harm I will not harm youyou.’ 7 Yet you have not listened to Me,” .’ 7 Yet you have not listened to Me,” says the Lord, “that you might provoke Me says the Lord, “that you might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to anger with the works of your hands to to your own hurtyour own hurt..


The essence of the battle can be defined by The essence of the battle can be defined by the battle between flesh and spirit. the battle between flesh and spirit. (Rom 8:5-8)(Rom 8:5-8)


Romans 8:5-8 (NKJV) Romans 8:5-8 (NKJV) - For those who live - For those who live according to the flesh according to the flesh set their mindsset their minds on on the the things of the fleshthings of the flesh, but those , but those who livewho live according according to the Spirit, to the Spirit, the things of the Spiritthe things of the Spirit. 6 For to be . 6 For to be carnally minded carnally minded isis death death, but to be , but to be spiritually spiritually minded minded isis life and peace life and peace. 7 Because . 7 Because the carnal the carnal mind mind isis enmity against God enmity against God; for it is not subject ; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.those who are in the flesh cannot please God.


Worldly people will have certain tastes and Worldly people will have certain tastes and spiritual people will be different!spiritual people will be different!


Worldly people will have certain tastes and Worldly people will have certain tastes and spiritual people will be different!spiritual people will be different!

Worldly people like worldly ways and Worldly people like worldly ways and worldly wisdom. worldly wisdom. (1 Jn 4:5-6)(1 Jn 4:5-6)


1 John 4:5-6 (NKJV) 1 John 4:5-6 (NKJV) - They are of the - They are of the world. Therefore world. Therefore they speak they speak asas of the of the worldworld, and , and the world hears themthe world hears them. 6 We are . 6 We are of God. of God. He who knows God hears usHe who knows God hears us; he ; he who is not of God who is not of God does not hear usdoes not hear us. By this . By this we know we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of the spirit of truth and the spirit of errorerror..


A sure sign of a falling away from God is A sure sign of a falling away from God is when worship becomes centered upon when worship becomes centered upon man’s flesh (desires). man’s flesh (desires).


The idol worship of Jeremiah’s day was The idol worship of Jeremiah’s day was popular, considered modern and intelligent popular, considered modern and intelligent and would easily keeps one’s attention. and would easily keeps one’s attention.


The idol worship of Jeremiah’s day was The idol worship of Jeremiah’s day was popular, considered modern and intelligent popular, considered modern and intelligent and would easily keeps one’s attention. and would easily keeps one’s attention.

What it spectacularly failed to do was What it spectacularly failed to do was impact the heart for the true God. impact the heart for the true God.

Worship must come from a reverence for Worship must come from a reverence for God and His wordGod and His word

What is worship? What is worship? (Jn 4:23-24)(Jn 4:23-24)


John 4:23-24 (NKJV) John 4:23-24 (NKJV) - But the hour is - But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worshipers will worship the Father in spirit worship the Father in spirit and truthand truth; for the Father is seeking such to ; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God worship Him. 24 God isis Spirit, and those Spirit, and those who worship Him who worship Him must worship in spirit must worship in spirit and truthand truth.”.”


1. proskuneo (Verb) - from a basic sense 1. proskuneo (Verb) - from a basic sense bow down to kiss bow down to kiss someone's feet, garment someone's feet, garment hem, or the ground in front of him; (2) in hem, or the ground in front of him; (2) in the NT of worship or veneration of a divine the NT of worship or veneration of a divine or supposedly divine object, expressed or supposedly divine object, expressed concretely with falling face down in front of concretely with falling face down in front of someone someone worship, venerate, do obeisance worship, venerate, do obeisance toto; - ; - Friberg DictionaryFriberg Dictionary


God is the audience and to Him worship God is the audience and to Him worship must be found to be acceptable.must be found to be acceptable.(Lev 2:2; Mal 1:9)(Lev 2:2; Mal 1:9)


Leviticus 2:2 (NKJV) Leviticus 2:2 (NKJV) - He shall bring it to - He shall bring it to Aaron’s sons, the priests, one of whom shall Aaron’s sons, the priests, one of whom shall take from it his handful of fine flour and oil take from it his handful of fine flour and oil with all the frankincense. And the priest with all the frankincense. And the priest shall burn shall burn it asit as a memorial on the altar, an a memorial on the altar, an offering made by fire, offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the a sweet aroma to the LordLord. .


Malachi 1:9 (NKJV) Malachi 1:9 (NKJV) - “But now entreat - “But now entreat God’s favor, That He may be gracious to God’s favor, That He may be gracious to us. us. WhileWhile this is being this is being donedone by your hands, by your hands, Will He accept you favorablyWill He accept you favorably?” Says the ?” Says the Lord of hosts.Lord of hosts.


God’s desire is to have a people that God’s desire is to have a people that cling” cling” to Himto Him for “renown, praise and glory.” for “renown, praise and glory.” (Jer 13:10-11)(Jer 13:10-11)


Jeremiah 13:10-11 (NKJV) Jeremiah 13:10-11 (NKJV) - This evil - This evil people, who refuse to hear My words, who people, who refuse to hear My words, who follow the dictates of their heartsfollow the dictates of their hearts, and walk , and walk after other gods to serve them and worship after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be just like this sash which is them, shall be just like this sash which is profitable for nothing. profitable for nothing.


11 For as the sash clings to the waist of a 11 For as the sash clings to the waist of a man, so I have caused the whole house of man, so I have caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to cling to Meto Me,’ says the Lord, ‘that they may ,’ says the Lord, ‘that they may become My people, for renown, for praise, become My people, for renown, for praise, and for gloryand for glory; but they would not hear.’; but they would not hear.’


Worship must be based on an acceptable Worship must be based on an acceptable relationship with Him.relationship with Him.


Worship must be based on an acceptable Worship must be based on an acceptable relationship with Him.relationship with Him.

It is the people that ultimately God finds It is the people that ultimately God finds acceptable. acceptable. (Ezk 20:40-41)(Ezk 20:40-41)


Ezekiel 20:40-41 (NKJV) Ezekiel 20:40-41 (NKJV) - For on My - For on My holy mountain, on the mountain height of holy mountain, on the mountain height of Israel,” says the Lord GOD, “there all the Israel,” says the Lord GOD, “there all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, shall house of Israel, all of them in the land, shall serve Me; serve Me; there I will accept themthere I will accept them, and , and there I will require your offerings and the there I will require your offerings and the firstfruits of your sacrifices, together with firstfruits of your sacrifices, together with all your holy things. all your holy things.


41 41 I will accept you as a sweet aromaI will accept you as a sweet aroma when when I bring you out from the peoples and gather I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have you out of the countries where you have been scattered; and been scattered; and I will be hallowed in I will be hallowed in you before the Gentilesyou before the Gentiles..


If the heart is untouched then the worship is If the heart is untouched then the worship is vain. vain. (Mt 15:8-9)(Mt 15:8-9)


Matthew 15:8-9 (NKJV) Matthew 15:8-9 (NKJV) - ‘These people - ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, honor Me with their lips, But their heart But their heart is far from Meis far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship . 9 And in vain they worship Me, Me, Teaching as doctrines the Teaching as doctrines the commandments of mencommandments of men.’”.’”


Do worldly men desire a worship that Do worldly men desire a worship that challenges them to change?challenges them to change?


Without reverence for God worship Without reverence for God worship becomes boring and “traditional” and must becomes boring and “traditional” and must be changed. be changed. (Mal 1:13)(Mal 1:13)


Malachi 1:13 (NKJV) Malachi 1:13 (NKJV) - - You also say, You also say, ‘‘Oh, what a wearinessOh, what a weariness!’ And you sneer at !’ And you sneer at it,” Says the Lord of hosts. “And you bring it,” Says the Lord of hosts. “And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; Thus you the stolen, the lame, and the sick; Thus you bring an offering! bring an offering! Should I accept this from Should I accept this from your handyour hand?” Says the Lord.?” Says the Lord.


Israel changed worship by making their Israel changed worship by making their nationality and the place of the temple the nationality and the place of the temple the

key for acceptable worship. key for acceptable worship. (Jer (Jer 7:2-7)7:2-7)


Jeremiah 7:2-7 (NKJV) Jeremiah 7:2-7 (NKJV) - “Stand in the - “Stand in the gate of the Lord’S house, and proclaim gate of the Lord’S house, and proclaim there this word, and say, ‘Hear the word of there this word, and say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all the Lord, all you ofyou of Judah who enter in at Judah who enter in at these gates to worship the Lord!’” 3Thus these gates to worship the Lord!’” 3Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ““Amend your ways and your doingsAmend your ways and your doings, and I , and I will cause you to dwell in this place. will cause you to dwell in this place.


4 Do not trust in these lying words, saying, 4 Do not trust in these lying words, saying, ‘‘The temple of the Lord, the temple of the The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord Lord, the temple of the Lord areare these these.’ 5 “For .’ 5 “For if you thoroughly amend your ways and your if you thoroughly amend your ways and your doings, if you thoroughly execute judgment doings, if you thoroughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbor, 6 between a man and his neighbor, 6 ifif you do you do not oppress the stranger, the fatherless, and the not oppress the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, or walk after other gods to your hurt, place, or walk after other gods to your hurt,


7 then I will cause you to dwell in this 7 then I will cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever.forever and ever.


That was a lot easier than “amending your That was a lot easier than “amending your ways.”ways.”

Worship must pierce and challenge Worship must pierce and challenge man’s rebellious heartman’s rebellious heart

Since the purpose of worship is to place Since the purpose of worship is to place ourselves before God, then that act will ourselves before God, then that act will cause our hearts to be exposed. cause our hearts to be exposed. (1 Cor 14:24-25)(1 Cor 14:24-25)


1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (NKJV) - But if - But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus And thus the secrets of his heart are the secrets of his heart are revealedrevealed; and so, falling down on ; and so, falling down on hishis face, face, he will worship God and report that God is he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.truly among you.


True worship is both painful and joyful.True worship is both painful and joyful.


Worship helps us see the unseen and put Worship helps us see the unseen and put life in its proper place. life in its proper place. (Ps 73:16-17)(Ps 73:16-17)


Psalm 73:16-17 (NKJV) Psalm 73:16-17 (NKJV) - When I thought - When I thought howhow to understand this, It to understand this, It waswas too painful too painful for me— 17 for me— 17 Until I went into the sanctuary Until I went into the sanctuary of Godof God; ; ThenThen I understood their end I understood their end. .


Worship cannot take place unless the ear is Worship cannot take place unless the ear is open to God’s word. open to God’s word. (Jer 26:1-6)(Jer 26:1-6)


Jeremiah 26:1-6 (NKJV) Jeremiah 26:1-6 (NKJV) - In the beginning - In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord, saying, 2 “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand in the saying, 2 “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand in the court of the Lord’S house, and speak to all the court of the Lord’S house, and speak to all the cities of Judah, which come to worship cities of Judah, which come to worship inin the the Lord’s house, Lord’s house, all the words that I command all the words that I command you to speakyou to speak to them. to them. Do not diminish a wordDo not diminish a word. .


3 3 Perhaps everyone will listen and turn from his Perhaps everyone will listen and turn from his evil wayevil way, that I may relent concerning the calamity , that I may relent concerning the calamity which I purpose to bring on them because of the which I purpose to bring on them because of the evil of their doings.’ 4 And you shall say to them, evil of their doings.’ 4 And you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord: “‘Thus says the Lord: “If you will not listen to MeIf you will not listen to Me, , to walk in My law which I have set before you, 5 to walk in My law which I have set before you, 5 to to heed the words of My servants the prophetsheed the words of My servants the prophets whom I whom I sent to you, both sent to you, both rising up early and sending rising up early and sending themthem ((but you have not heededbut you have not heeded),),


6 then I will make this house like Shiloh, 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.”nations of the earth.”


““Do not diminish a word.” Respect for the Do not diminish a word.” Respect for the word of God is key.word of God is key.


““Do not diminish a word.” Respect for the Do not diminish a word.” Respect for the word of God is key.word of God is key.

Basic reverence for God causes us to stand Basic reverence for God causes us to stand onlyonly in what He teaches. in what He teaches.


Consider what Jesus taught about handling Consider what Jesus taught about handling God’s word. God’s word. (Mt 4:4; Jn 5:19; 8:28)(Mt 4:4; Jn 5:19; 8:28)


Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) - But He answered - But He answered and said, “It is written, and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by bread alone, but by every word that by every word that proceeds from the mouth of Godproceeds from the mouth of God.’.’””


John 5:19 (NKJV) John 5:19 (NKJV) - Then Jesus answered - Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son you, the Son can do nothing of Himselfcan do nothing of Himself, but , but what He sees the Father dowhat He sees the Father do; for ; for whatever whatever He doesHe does, the Son also does in like manner., the Son also does in like manner.


John 8:28 (NKJV) John 8:28 (NKJV) - Then Jesus said to - Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am then you will know that I am He,He, and and thatthat I I do nothing of Myselfdo nothing of Myself; but ; but as My Father as My Father taught Metaught Me, , I speak these thingsI speak these things..


It is basic reverence to God that It is basic reverence to God that we do we do nothingnothing when God’s word is silent! when God’s word is silent!


It is basic reverence to God that It is basic reverence to God that we do we do nothingnothing when God’s word is silent! when God’s word is silent!

In both Old and New Testament worship In both Old and New Testament worship had to be chosen (authorized) by God.had to be chosen (authorized) by God.


How did Jehoiakim, king of Judah, react? How did Jehoiakim, king of Judah, react? (Jer 26:20-24)(Jer 26:20-24)


Jeremiah 26:20-24 (NKJV) Jeremiah 26:20-24 (NKJV) - Now there was also - Now there was also a man who prophesied in the name of the Lord, a man who prophesied in the name of the Lord, UrijahUrijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjath Jearim, who the son of Shemaiah of Kirjath Jearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiahaccording to all the words of Jeremiah. 21And when . 21And when Jehoiakim the king, with all his mighty men and all Jehoiakim the king, with all his mighty men and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death; but when Urijah heard him to death; but when Urijah heard it,it, he was he was afraid and fled, and went to Egypt.afraid and fled, and went to Egypt.


22 Then Jehoiakim the king sent men to 22 Then Jehoiakim the king sent men to Egypt: Elnathan the son of Achbor, and Egypt: Elnathan the son of Achbor, and otherother men men who wentwho went with him to Egypt. 23 with him to Egypt. 23 And they brought Urijah from Egypt and And they brought Urijah from Egypt and brought him to Jehoiakim the king, who brought him to Jehoiakim the king, who killed him with the sword and cast his dead killed him with the sword and cast his dead body into the graves of the common peoplebody into the graves of the common people..


24 Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son 24 Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with of Shaphan was with JeremiahJeremiah, so that they , so that they should not should not give him into the hand of the give him into the hand of the people to put him to deathpeople to put him to death..


He hated anyone who showed him his heart.He hated anyone who showed him his heart.


He hated anyone who showed him his heart.He hated anyone who showed him his heart. With great zeal he hunted down and killed With great zeal he hunted down and killed

one faithful prophet. He especially wanted one faithful prophet. He especially wanted to kill Jeremiah.to kill Jeremiah.


God gave Jehoiakim His word in a scroll. God gave Jehoiakim His word in a scroll. (Jer 36:1-3, 20-25)(Jer 36:1-3, 20-25)


Jeremiah 36:1-3 (NKJV) Jeremiah 36:1-3 (NKJV) - Now it came to - Now it came to pass in the fourth year of pass in the fourth year of JehoiakimJehoiakim the son of the son of Josiah, king of Judah, Josiah, king of Judah, thatthat this word came to this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: 2 “Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: 2 “Take a Take a scroll of a book and write on it all the words scroll of a book and write on it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israelthat I have spoken to you against Israel, against , against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah even to I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah even to this day. this day.


3 3 It may be that the house of Judah will It may be that the house of Judah will hearhear all the adversities which I purpose to all the adversities which I purpose to bring upon them, that bring upon them, that everyone may turn everyone may turn from his evil wayfrom his evil way, , that I may forgive their that I may forgive their iniquity and their sininiquity and their sin.”.”


Jeremiah 36:20-25 (NKJV) Jeremiah 36:20-25 (NKJV) - And they went - And they went to the king, into the court; but they stored the to the king, into the court; but they stored the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and told all the words in the hearing of the and told all the words in the hearing of the king. 21 So the king sent Jehudi to bring the king. 21 So the king sent Jehudi to bring the scroll, and he took it from Elishama the scroll, and he took it from Elishama the scribe’s chamber. And scribe’s chamber. And Jehudi read it in the Jehudi read it in the hearing of the kinghearing of the king and in the hearing of all the and in the hearing of all the princes who stood beside the king. princes who stood beside the king.


22 Now the king was sitting in the winter 22 Now the king was sitting in the winter house in the ninth month, with house in the ninth month, with a firea fire burning on the hearth before him. 23 And it burning on the hearth before him. 23 And it happened, happened, when Jehudi had read three or when Jehudi had read three or four columns, four columns, that the kingthat the king cut it with the cut it with the scribe’s knife and cast scribe’s knife and cast itit into the fire into the fire that that waswas on the hearth, until all the scroll was on the hearth, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that consumed in the fire that waswas on the hearth. on the hearth.


24 24 Yet they were not afraid, nor did they Yet they were not afraid, nor did they tear their garmentstear their garments, , the king nor any of his the king nor any of his servants who heard all these wordsservants who heard all these words. 25 . 25 Nevertheless Elnathan, Delaiah, and Nevertheless Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah implored the king not to burn the Gemariah implored the king not to burn the scroll; but he would not listen to them.scroll; but he would not listen to them.


The people reacted like their leaders. The people reacted like their leaders. (Jer 11:19-21)(Jer 11:19-21)


Jeremiah 11:19-21 (NKJV) Jeremiah 11:19-21 (NKJV) - But I - But I waswas like a docile lamb brought to the slaughter; like a docile lamb brought to the slaughter; and I did not know that and I did not know that they had devised they had devised schemes against me, schemes against me, sayingsaying,, “Let us destroy “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, and let us cut him off the tree with its fruit, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.”may be remembered no more.”


20 But, O Lord of hosts, 20 But, O Lord of hosts, You who judge You who judge righteously, Testing the mind and the heart, righteously, Testing the mind and the heart, Let me see Your vengeance on them, For to Let me see Your vengeance on them, For to You I have revealed my cause. 21 You I have revealed my cause. 21 “Therefore thus says the Lord “Therefore thus says the Lord concerning concerning the men of Anathoth who seek your lifethe men of Anathoth who seek your life, , saying, ‘saying, ‘Do not prophesy in the name of the Do not prophesy in the name of the Lord, lest you die by our handLord, lest you die by our hand’—’—

Israel’s substitutes for worshipIsrael’s substitutes for worship

Loving and emotional experience. Loving and emotional experience. (Ezk 8:13-16)(Ezk 8:13-16)


Ezekiel 8:13-16 (NKJV) Ezekiel 8:13-16 (NKJV) - And He said to me, - And He said to me, “Turn again, “Turn again, andand you will see greater you will see greater abominations that they are doing.” 14 So He abominations that they are doing.” 14 So He brought me to the door of the north gate of the brought me to the door of the north gate of the Lord’S house; and to my dismay, women were Lord’S house; and to my dismay, women were sitting there sitting there weeping for Tammuzweeping for Tammuz. 15 Then He . 15 Then He said to me, “Have you seen said to me, “Have you seen this,this, O son of man? O son of man? Turn again, you will see greater abominations Turn again, you will see greater abominations than these.”than these.”


16 So He brought me into the inner court of 16 So He brought me into the inner court of the Lord’S house; and there, at the door of the Lord’S house; and there, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, and the altar, werewere about twenty-five men about twenty-five men with their backs toward the temple of the with their backs toward the temple of the Lord and their faces toward the east, and Lord and their faces toward the east, and they were worshiping the sun toward the they were worshiping the sun toward the east.east.


Emotional religion that blocks out the Emotional religion that blocks out the rebuke of God’s word and appeals to the rebuke of God’s word and appeals to the emotions is what Israel loved. emotions is what Israel loved.


Emotional religion that blocks out the Emotional religion that blocks out the rebuke of God’s word and appeals to the rebuke of God’s word and appeals to the emotions is what Israel loved. emotions is what Israel loved.

Emotions often are produced apart from Emotions often are produced apart from reason.reason.


Loving an able speaker. Loving an able speaker. (Ezk 33:30-33)(Ezk 33:30-33)


Ezekiel 33:30-33 (NKJV) Ezekiel 33:30-33 (NKJV) - “As for you, - “As for you, son of man, the children of your people are son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, one another, everyone saying to his brother, ‘‘Please come and hear what the word is that Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the Lordcomes from the Lord.’ .’


31 So they come to you as people do, they sit 31 So they come to you as people do, they sit before you before you asas My people, and My people, and they hear your they hear your words, but they do not do themwords, but they do not do them; ; for with their for with their mouth they show much love, mouth they show much love, butbut their hearts their hearts pursue their pursue their ownown gain gain. 32 Indeed you . 32 Indeed you areare to to them as a very lovely song of one who has a them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an pleasant voice and can play well on an instrumentinstrument; for ; for they hear your words, but they they hear your words, but they do not do themdo not do them..


33 And when this comes to pass—surely it 33 And when this comes to pass—surely it will come—then they will know that a will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.”prophet has been among them.”


There is nothing wrong with eloquence. There is nothing wrong with eloquence.


There is nothing wrong with eloquence. There is nothing wrong with eloquence. How many today love men who speak but How many today love men who speak but

their hearts are unchanged from the their hearts are unchanged from the message?message?


Loving false prophets that spoke “their Loving false prophets that spoke “their language.” language.” (Jer 8:8-9)(Jer 8:8-9)


Jeremiah 8:8-9 (NKJV) Jeremiah 8:8-9 (NKJV) - “How can you - “How can you say, ‘say, ‘We We areare wise wise, And the law of the Lord , And the law of the Lord isis with us’? Look, the false pen of the scribe with us’? Look, the false pen of the scribe certainly certainly works falsehoodworks falsehood. 9 The wise men . 9 The wise men are ashamed, They are dismayed and taken. are ashamed, They are dismayed and taken. Behold, they have rejected the word of the Behold, they have rejected the word of the Lord; So Lord; So what wisdom do they havewhat wisdom do they have??


Assuming they already knew what God Assuming they already knew what God wanted. wanted. (Jer 42:1-6)(Jer 42:1-6)


Jeremiah 42:1-6 (NKJV) Jeremiah 42:1-6 (NKJV) - Now all the - Now all the captains of the forces, Johanan the son of captains of the forces, Johanan the son of Kareah, Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all Kareah, Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people, from the least to the greatest, came the people, from the least to the greatest, came near 2 and said to Jeremiah the prophet, near 2 and said to Jeremiah the prophet, “Please, let our petition be acceptable to you, “Please, let our petition be acceptable to you, and and pray for us to the Lord your Godpray for us to the Lord your God, for all , for all this remnant (since we are left this remnant (since we are left butbut a few of a few of many, as you can see),many, as you can see),


3 that 3 that the Lord your God may show us the the Lord your God may show us the way in which we should walkway in which we should walk and and the thing the thing we should dowe should do.” 4 Then Jeremiah the prophet .” 4 Then Jeremiah the prophet said to them, “I have heard. Indeed, I will said to them, “I have heard. Indeed, I will pray to the Lord your God according to pray to the Lord your God according to your words, and it shall be, your words, and it shall be, thatthat whatever whatever the Lord answers youthe Lord answers you, , I will declare I will declare itit to to youyou. . I will keep nothing back from youI will keep nothing back from you.”.”


5 So they said to Jeremiah, “5 So they said to Jeremiah, “Let the Lord be Let the Lord be a true and faithful witnessa true and faithful witness between us, if we between us, if we do not do according do not do according to everything which the to everything which the Lord your God sends us by youLord your God sends us by you. 6 . 6 Whether Whether it isit is pleasing or displeasing pleasing or displeasing, , we will obey we will obey the voice of the Lord our Godthe voice of the Lord our God to whom we to whom we send you, that it may be well with us when send you, that it may be well with us when we obey the voice of the Lord our God.”we obey the voice of the Lord our God.”


Men in their pride commonly assume they Men in their pride commonly assume they already know what God wants.already know what God wants.


What was the reaction of these flattering What was the reaction of these flattering men when they heard a message that they men when they heard a message that they did not want to hear? did not want to hear? (Jer 43:1-2)(Jer 43:1-2)


Jeremiah 43:1-2 (NKJV) Jeremiah 43:1-2 (NKJV) - Now it happened, - Now it happened, when Jeremiah had stopped speaking to all the when Jeremiah had stopped speaking to all the people people all the words of the Lord their Godall the words of the Lord their God, for , for which the Lord their God had sent him to them, which the Lord their God had sent him to them, all these words, 2 that Azariah the son of all these words, 2 that Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, Johanan the son of Kareah, and all Hoshaiah, Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men spoke, saying to Jeremiah, “the proud men spoke, saying to Jeremiah, “You You speak falselyspeak falsely! ! The Lord our God has not sent The Lord our God has not sent youyou to say, ‘Do not go to Egypt to dwell there.’ to say, ‘Do not go to Egypt to dwell there.’

God’s appeal to Israel for acceptable God’s appeal to Israel for acceptable worshipworship

The message is simple and powerful. The message is simple and powerful. (Jer 5:19-31)(Jer 5:19-31)


Jeremiah 5:19-31 (NKJV) Jeremiah 5:19-31 (NKJV) - And it will be - And it will be when you say, ‘Why does the Lord our God when you say, ‘Why does the Lord our God do all these do all these thingsthings to us?’ then you shall to us?’ then you shall answer them, ‘Just as answer them, ‘Just as you have forsaken Meyou have forsaken Me and served foreign gods in your land, so and served foreign gods in your land, so you shall serve aliens in a land you shall serve aliens in a land that isthat is not not yours.’ 20 “Declare this in the house of yours.’ 20 “Declare this in the house of Jacob And proclaim it in Judah, saying,Jacob And proclaim it in Judah, saying,


2121 ‘Hear this now, O foolish people, ‘Hear this now, O foolish people, Without Without understandingunderstanding, Who have eyes and see not, And , Who have eyes and see not, And who have ears and hear not: 22 Do you not fear who have ears and hear not: 22 Do you not fear Me?’ says the Lord. ‘Me?’ says the Lord. ‘Will you not tremble at Will you not tremble at My presenceMy presence, Who have placed the sand as the , Who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea, By a perpetual decree, that it bound of the sea, By a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass beyond it? And though its waves cannot pass beyond it? And though its waves toss to and fro, Yet toss to and fro, Yet they cannot prevailthey cannot prevail; Though ; Though they roar, yet they cannot pass over it.they roar, yet they cannot pass over it.


2323 But But this people has a defiant and this people has a defiant and rebellious heartrebellious heart; They have ; They have revolted and revolted and departeddeparted. 24 . 24 They do not say in their heart, They do not say in their heart, “Let us now fear the Lord our God“Let us now fear the Lord our God, Who gives , Who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its rain, both the former and the latter, in its season. He reserves for us the appointed weeks season. He reserves for us the appointed weeks of the harvest.” 25of the harvest.” 25 Your iniquities have Your iniquities have turned these turned these thingsthings away, And your sins have away, And your sins have withheld good from you.withheld good from you.


2626 ‘For among My people are found ‘For among My people are found wicked wicked men; men; They lie in wait as one who They lie in wait as one who sets snares; They set a trap; They catch sets snares; They set a trap; They catch men. 27 As a cage is full of birds, So men. 27 As a cage is full of birds, So their their houses houses areare full of deceit full of deceit. Therefore they . Therefore they have become great and grown rich. have become great and grown rich.


28 They have grown fat, they are sleek; 28 They have grown fat, they are sleek; Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked; Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked; They do not plead the cause, The cause of They do not plead the cause, The cause of the fatherless; Yet they prosper, And the the fatherless; Yet they prosper, And the right of the needy they do not defend. 29 right of the needy they do not defend. 29 Shall I not punish Shall I not punish themthem for these for these things?things?’ ’ says the Lord. says the Lord. ‘‘Shall I not avenge Myself Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as thison such a nation as this?’?’


3030 “An astonishing and horrible thing “An astonishing and horrible thing Has been committed in the land: 31Has been committed in the land: 31 The The prophets prophesy falselyprophets prophesy falsely, And , And the priests the priests rule by their rule by their ownown power power; And ; And My people My people love love to have itto have it so so. But . But what will you do in what will you do in the endthe end??


Fear God and listen to Him.Fear God and listen to Him.


Fear God and listen to Him.Fear God and listen to Him. Repent of your sin and become right with Repent of your sin and become right with

God.God.


Treat your fellow man with love and Treat your fellow man with love and service.service.


Treat your fellow man with love and Treat your fellow man with love and service.service.

What’s in your heart? Is your worship What’s in your heart? Is your worship acceptable?acceptable?


They did not listen to their “own hurt.” They did not listen to their “own hurt.” (Jer 25:3-8)(Jer 25:3-8)


Jeremiah 25:3-8 (NKJV) Jeremiah 25:3-8 (NKJV) - “From the - “From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even to this day, this of Judah, even to this day, this isis the twenty- the twenty-third year in which the word of the Lord has third year in which the word of the Lord has come to me; and I have spoken to you, rising come to me; and I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, but you have not listened. 4 early and speaking, but you have not listened. 4 And the Lord has sent to you all His servants the And the Lord has sent to you all His servants the prophets, rising early and sending prophets, rising early and sending them,them, but but you you have not listened nor inclined your ear to hearhave not listened nor inclined your ear to hear. .


5 They said, ‘Repent now everyone of his 5 They said, ‘Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that the Lord has given to you and the land that the Lord has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. 6 Do not go your fathers forever and ever. 6 Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not the works of your hands; and I will not harm you.’ harm you.’


7 7 Yet you have not listened to MeYet you have not listened to Me,” says the ,” says the Lord, “that you might provoke Me to anger Lord, “that you might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to your own with the works of your hands to your own hurt. 8 “Therefore thus says the Lord of hurt. 8 “Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Because you have not heard My hosts: ‘Because you have not heard My words,words,


Worship is the path to seeing God and Worship is the path to seeing God and being molded into His image.being molded into His image.


Questions to Consider:Questions to Consider:


1. Upon what basis will a man seek to 1. Upon what basis will a man seek to worship God acceptably?worship God acceptably?



2. What is worship? How does reverence 2. What is worship? How does reverence for God direct our worship?for God direct our worship?



2. What is worship? How does reverence 2. What is worship? How does reverence for God direct our worship?for God direct our worship?

3. What are the keys to identifying 3. What are the keys to identifying acceptable worship? acceptable worship?


4. What substitutes did Israel make for 4. What substitutes did Israel make for worship? How do men today make worship? How do men today make substitutes?substitutes?


4. What substitutes did Israel make for 4. What substitutes did Israel make for worship? How do men today make worship? How do men today make substitutes?substitutes?

5. What happens to a people who cease 5. What happens to a people who cease worshipping God acceptably?worshipping God acceptably?

Documents

There is a well defined path for a people to forget God