Greatness of God over Idols
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction
Introduction
Prophetic book by Jeremiah between 627-586 BC in Judah
Purpose: to expose the spiritual decline of Judah, idolatry, political corruptness, social injustice, broken covenant with God, this chapter focuses on the folly of idolatry and the true power of God. This particular chapter seems to be situated in or about 609-598 during reign of King Jehoiakim when Judah was increasingly influenced by the pagan cultures surrounding them.
Back in Chapter 9, God pointed out that His people were like the uncircumcised nations in their lack of knowing God and their wicked conduct. Here is a plea to separate themselves from the foolish customs of the nations that do not know God.
This chapter can be broken down into three main section which we will get more into after we read the chapter but here they are
The folly of idolatry (Jer10:1-5)
The greatness of the true God (Jer10:6-16)
Coming judgment and lament (Jer10:17-25)
1 Hear the word which the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. 2 Thus says the Lord, “Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens Although the nations are terrified by them;
3 For the customs of the peoples are delusion; Because it is wood cut from the forest, The work of the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. 4 “They decorate it with silver and with gold; They fasten it with nails and with hammers So that it will not totter.
5 “Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field are they, And they cannot speak; They must be carried, Because they cannot walk! Do not fear them, For they can do no harm, Nor can they do any good.” 6 There is none like You, O Lord; You are great, and great is Your name in might.
7 Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? Indeed it is Your due! For among all the wise men of the nations And in all their kingdoms, There is none like You. 8 But they are altogether stupid and foolish In their discipline of delusion—their idol is wood!
9 Beaten silver is brought from Tarshish, And gold from Uphaz, The work of a craftsman and of the hands of a goldsmith; Violet and purple are their clothing; They are all the work of skilled men. 10 But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth quakes, And the nations cannot endure His indignation.
11 Thus you shall say to them, “The gods that did not make the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.” 12 It is He who made the earth by His power, Who established the world by His wisdom; And by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens.
13 When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, And He causes the clouds to ascend from the end of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain, And brings out the wind from His storehouses. 14 Every man is stupid, devoid of knowledge; Every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols; For his molten images are deceitful, And there is no breath in them.
15 They are worthless, a work of mockery; In the time of their punishment they will perish. 16 The portion of Jacob is not like these; For the Maker of all is He, And Israel is the tribe of His inheritance; The Lord of hosts is His name.
17 Pick up your bundle from the ground, You who dwell under siege! 18 For thus says the Lord, “Behold, I am slinging out the inhabitants of the land At this time, And will cause them distress, That they may be found.”
19 Woe is me, because of my injury! My wound is incurable. But I said, “Truly this is a sickness, And I must bear it.” 20 My tent is destroyed, And all my ropes are broken; My sons have gone from me and are no more. There is no one to stretch out my tent again Or to set up my curtains.
21 For the shepherds have become stupid And have not sought the Lord; Therefore they have not prospered, And all their flock is scattered. 22 The sound of a report! Behold, it comes— A great commotion out of the land of the north— To make the cities of Judah A desolation, a haunt of jackals.
23 I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. 24 Correct me, O Lord, but with justice; Not with Your anger, or You will bring me to nothing.
25 Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not know You And on the families that do not call Your name; For they have devoured Jacob; They have devoured him and consumed him And have laid waste his habitation.
Is there anything in particular that sticks out to you in this chapter?
Outline of chapter
Outline of chapter
As we have each week, I want to give a general outline of the chapter so that when we finish the book you have a general outline of the book for future studies.
Warnings against idolatry (Jer10:1-5)
Do not learn the ways of the nations
Idols are crafted by hands, they are powerless
The greatness of God (Jer10:6-10)
None like God in power, wisdom, and justice
God formed all things and Israel is His inheritance
Key verse of chapter (Jer10:10)
Impending judgment (Jer10:17-22)
The people will suffer exile
The land is devastated; shepherds (leaders) have failed
Prayer/lament of Jeremiah (Jer10:23-25)
A humble confession of human limitation
Plea for correction with mercy
Pray for God’s justice on the nation
Life Question and application
Life Question and application
What reasons did Jeremiah give for why idols are foolish and powerless?
What lessons can we learn about leadership and responsibility from verses 21-22?
How does Jeremiah model prayer and humility in verses 23-25?
In what ways might modern believers be tempted by “idols,” even if they are not carved images?
Application Points:
Reject any form of idolatry, anything that elevates itself above God, examine yourself regularly for any hidden idols
Remember the sovereignty and supremacy of God
Pray with all humility before a mighty and majestic God. The prayer of Jeremiah in (vv.23-24) reflect humility and a desire for God’s correction. We can apply this by seeking God’s guidance through prayer and being open to His discipline in our own lives.
Discern and be cautious not to adopt the ungodly values or practices of the world around you. Be distinct and set apart for God
Call for Righteous leadership. Church leaders need to be leaders who follow God and care for His people.
I know this is shorter tonight, but it is what it is.
