“I am Merciful,” Says the LORD

Text: Jeremiah 3-4
8 May 2016

APPALLING SINS OF ANCIENT ISRAEL

1. Harlotries   (Jeremiah 3:2)

2. Wickedness   (Jeremiah 3:2)

3. Refused to be ashamed   (Jeremiah 3:3)

4.Backsliding   (Jeremiah 3:6, 11, 14, 22)

5. Dictates of their own hearts   (Jeremiah 3:17)

6. Dealt treacherously   (Jeremiah 3:20)

7. Perverted their ways   (Jeremiah 3:21)

8. Forgotten the LORD their God   (Jeremiah 3:21)

APPRECIATING THE MERCY OF GOD

1. Invitation to return to God   (Jeremiah 3:1, 7, 12, 14, 22)

2. Receiving the mercy of God contingent on:-

a) Acknowledgement of iniquities   (Jeremiah 3:13)
b) Admission of transgressions   (Jeremiah 3:13)
c) Confession of Idolatry   (Jeremiah 3:13)
d) Confession of Disobedience   (Jeremiah 3:13)

3. Wonderful promises

a) Anger of God removed   (Jeremiah 3:12)
b) Close Relationship restored   (Jeremiah 3:14)
c) Good shepherds to be given   (Jeremiah 3:15)
d) A new beginning   (Jeremiah 3:16-17)
i) No more reference to the Ark
ii) New focus- Jerusalem as the throne of God
e) Full restoration (Israel and Judah)   (Jeremiah 3:18)
f) A deep relationship with God as Father   (Jeremiah 3:19)
g) Promise of healing of backsliding   (Jeremiah 3:22)

APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

1. Putting away abominations   (Jeremiah 4:1)

2. Glorying in the Lord   (Jeremiah 4:2)

3. Break up fallow ground   (Jeremiah 4:3)

4. Circumcision of the heart   (Jeremiah 4:4)