“Do You Not Fear Me?” Says the LORD

Text: Jeremiah 5
15 May 2016

A WORKING DEFINITION OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD

1. Reverence of God in the heart

2. Regard for the Lord’s Name

3. Respect evidenced in life

A DIVINE OBSERVATION THAT THERE WAS NO FEAR OF THE LORD

1. No one executes judgment   (Jeremiah 5:1)

2. No one seeks truth   (Jeremiah 5:1)

3. Swearing falsely   (Jeremiah 5:2)

A DESPERATE PLEA (Jeremiah’s thoughts)

1. Why the poor do not fear God

a) Because of foolishness   (Jeremiah 5:4)
b) Because of ignorance   (Jeremiah 5:4)

2. But what about the “great men?”

a) They have knowledge of God   (Jeremiah 5:5)
b) But they have abused the law   (Jeremiah 5:5)
c) They are worse than the poor

A SOLEMN WORD

1. Rebuke of the people

a) O foolish people   (Jeremiah 5:21)
b) Without understanding   (Jeremiah 5:21)
c) They have eyes but see not   (Jeremiah 5:21)
d) A defiant and rebellious heart   (Jeremiah 5:23)
e) Revolted and departed   (Jeremiah 5:23)
f) They reject “the fear of the Lord”   (Jeremiah 5:24)
g) Full of iniquities and sins   (Jeremiah 5:25)
h) Full of wickedness   (Jeremiah 5:26)
i) Full of deceit   (Jeremiah 5:27)

2. Remonstrating with the people

a) Do you not fear Me?   (Jeremiah 5:22)
b) Will you not tremble at My presence?   (Jeremiah 5:22)

3. Reasons why we should fear God

a) He has sovereign power over seas   (Jeremiah 5:22)
b) He has power over the seasonal rain   (Jeremiah 5:24)

APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

1. Seek wisdom

2. With wisdom comes the fear of the Lord

3. Cultivate and maintain the fear of the Lord