Broad Street Baptist Church
Jeremiah 23:9-40 NIV
Jeremiah 23:9-40
We Need God’s Word! Part 1
In our text there are three actions of God we see concerning His Word given to His people.
I. First, God cares when His Word is distorted.
A. The reaction of Jeremiah
B. The reaction of God
C. The reasons God cares about His Word
1. God’s words reveal relationship
Romans 10:14-15- How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
2. God’s words reveal truth
John 17:17- Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
3. God’s words reveal life
Philippians 2:14-16- Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life — in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
John 6:63- The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
D. Application
- This is a call for us to make sure we rightly understand and interpret God’s Word.
- Make sure you do not distort God’s Word.
- There are eternal consequences if we don’t proclaim God’s Word!
II. Second, God judges those who distort the Word of God.
A. Worse than Israel
B. Filling with false hopes
C. The bursting storm of wrath
James 3:1- Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
D. Application
- This is why the study of God’s Word is so important. We need to teach God’s Word in the right way so that people can hear its truth and turn from their evil ways.
- If we don’t, then God’s anger will fall on us. This is not just an OT thing, but a NT one.
2 Timothy 2:16-18- Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
- Read God’s Word, study God’s Word, know God’s Word, and teach it with power.
III. Third, God demands that His Word be spoken instead of worldly wisdom.
A. God’s Word is always right
Psalm 19:7-11- The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
B. Your word is only right when it agrees with God’s
C. It is not our job to give our opinion
D. The most important job
John 15:7-8- If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
E. Application
- Do you have a desire for God’s Word? Do you crave it? Do you want it more than anything? You should. In God’s words are life.