As a Mighty Awesome One
Text: Jeremiah 20
29 May 2016
STARTING WITH THEORETICAL FAITH
1. The calling of the servant of the Lord (Jeremiah 1:4)
2. The promise of the Lord’s presence in life (Jeremiah 1:8, 19)
3. The warning of opposition that will come
a. “Do not be dismayed before their faces.” (Jeremiah 1:17)
b. “They will fight against you…” (Jeremiah 1:19)
FINDING NEEDED CORRECT FAITH IN THE MIDST OF GREAT DIFFICULTIES
1. As a docile lamb being brought to the slaughter (Jeremiah 11:19)
2. Being physically abused in jail (Jeremiah 20:2)
a. Being struck on the face
b. Being put into stocks
3. Being mocked (Jeremiah 20:10)
a. By many
b. By mocking the word that he spoke “Fear on every side”
c. By familiar friends
STRUGGLING WHILE FAITH WAS BEING TESTED
1. Struggling with daily reproach and derision (Jeremiah 20:8)
2. Struggling with the word of the Lord (Jeremiah 20:9)
3. Feeling deeply overwhelmed again (Jeremiah 20:14-18)
a. Earlier – Regret that his mother had borne him (Jeremiah 15:10)
b. Cursing the day of his birth
HAVING A FAITH THAT IS BEING REFINED
1. Learning more about God in suffering
a. Initial perspective of God
i. The Lord of Hosts (Jeremiah 11:20)
ii. God as one who tests the mind and heart (Jeremiah 11:20)
b. Greater perspective of God
i. The Lord of Hosts (Jeremiah 20:12)
ii. God as one who sees the mind and heart (Jeremiah 20:12)
2. Going through the process of being corrected / refined
a. Interaction with the Lord in prayer
b. God asking Jeremiah to return to Him (Jeremiah 15:19)
3. Consciousness of God as a mighty and awesome One
a. God as our strength (Jeremiah 16:19)
b. God as Creator (Jeremiah 10:12-13)
c. God as Judge (Jeremiah 20:4-6)
4. Praising God in the midst of challenges (Jeremiah 20:13)
a. Seeking to sing
b. Choosing to praise