Jeremiah 20.7-18 The Prophet’s Fainting Fit”

The Prophet’s Fainting Fit”

The book of Jeremiah alternates between Jeremiah’s public ministry and his private prayers. His prayers are shocking. He argues with God in ; worships God in ; and then complains in a way that the reader may think no believer ought to complain in . Yet God allows Jeremiah to express his grief and fear.

I. Quit! –

A. The Word of God had become a reproach to Jeremiah

1. He dares to tell God, “I will not make mention of God anymore.” Although he speaks of God in the 3rd person – Him –

2. Why? Everyone mocks me. They want to take revenge on Jeremiah for his message –

message –

3. The time of repentance had passed – doom was coming for Jerusalem and Israel –

Israel –

4. As a result, Jeremiah was put in the stocks –

B. The Word of the Lord is a reproach and derision to me –

***1.Preaching is not only to convert unbelievers but also to harden their hearts so that God would justly judge those in rebellion to Him –

2. Preach in season and out of season –

3. Jeremiah wants to quit but can’t because God’s calling and gift to minister the Word of God is irrevocable!! –

4. Jeremiah preaches and writes even against his own will -

5. God’s Word is a fire in his bones; he can’t stop the fire of God’s truth in himself

II. Worship in the Midst of Pain –

A. In God’s presence we see the end of the secular godless faith of those who trust in their own strength and wisdom –

1. Envying the wicked is a great sin –

2. We only repent in the Lord’s presence –

3. The Lord is with me – – who can stand against me?

B. It is acceptable to God to pray for vengeance on the wicked (evil doer)– ;

1. Salvation separates the godless from the godly –

2. A wall is fixed between those who submit to the Lord and those who do not –

The Great Divorce is coming!!

III. Inspired Complaints –

A. Jeremiah swings wildly from praise to despair

1. He curses his birthday –

2. He wishes he had never been born –

B. Prayer may be illogical but is our heart

1. Pour out your heart at all times –

2. Jeremiah only traced his life back to the womb

3. But God traced his mission back to His eternal purposes – ;,

4. Suffering is only temporary –

God calls His children to suffer, but nothing can separate us from His love!!