Nowata Methodists Podcast

Thus says Yahweh of hosts,

“They will thoroughly glean as the vine the remnant of Israel;Pass your hand again like a grape gathererOver the branches.”To whom shall I speak and give warningThat they may hear?Behold, their ears are uncircumcised,And they cannot give heed.Behold, the word of Yahweh has become a reproach to them;They have no delight in it.But I am full of the wrath of Yahweh;I am weary of holding it in.“Pour it out on the infants in the streetAnd on the gathering of choice men together;For both husband and wife shall be captured,The aged with the one full of days.Their houses shall be turned over to others,Their fields and their wives together,For I will stretch out My handAgainst the inhabitants of the land,” declares Yahweh. “For from the least of them even to the greatest of them,Everyone is greedy for gain,And from the prophet even to the priestEveryone practices lying.They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially,Saying, ‘Peace, peace,’But there is no peace. Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done?They were not even ashamed at all;They did not even know how to feel dishonor.Therefore they shall fall among those who fall;At the time that I punish them,They shall be cast down,” says Yahweh. - (Jeremiah 6:9-15 LSB)

Welcome to week 4 of our series on the doctrine of repentance. As in the previous weeks we are consulting the puritan writer Thomas Watson and his book “The Doctrine of Repentance”. This week the primary focus is on the shame of sin and how in our current cultural context shame is considered a bad thing, when in reality it can be a good motivator to prevent sin.

In the English language, a ‘jeremiad’ is an righteously indignant diatribe. The namesake of the word if the very Jeremiah we have been reading. He has railed against the authority structure of his day. This week, he extensively goes after the false prophets who are proclaiming peace for people who rightly under God’s wrath and condemnation. This prophecy is retained within the Christian bible because we, too, need the warnings of what flows from covenantal disobedience. And this week we need to be warned against those false prophets who pronounce peace over rebellious people.

Jeremiah 23

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD.

Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD.

Then I Myself will gather the remnant of My flock from all the lands to which I have banished them, and I will return them to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and multiply.

I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or dismayed, nor will any go missing, declares the LORD.

Behold, the days are coming,

declares the LORD,

when I will raise up for David

a righteous Branch,

and He will reign wisely as King

and will administer justice and righteousness in the land.

In His days Judah will be saved,

and Israel will dwell securely.

And this is His name by which He will be called:

The LORD Our Righteousness.

So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when they will no longer say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of Egypt.’

Instead they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought and led the descendants of the house of Israel up out of the land of the north and all the other lands to which He had banished them.’ Then they will dwell once more in their own land.”

As for the prophets:

My heart is broken within me,

and all my bones tremble.

I have become like a drunkard,

like a man overcome by wine,

because of the LORD,

because of His holy words.

For the land is full of adulterers—

because of the curse, the land mourns

and the pastures of the wilderness have dried up—

their course is evil

and their power is misused.

“For both prophet and priest are ungodly;

even in My house I have found their wickedness,”

declares the LORD.

“Therefore their path will become slick;

they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it.

For I will bring disaster upon them

in the year of their punishment,”

declares the LORD.

“Among the prophets of Samaria

I saw an offensive thing:

They prophesied by Baal

and led My people Israel astray.

And among the prophets of Jerusalem

I have seen a horrible thing:

They commit adultery

and walk in lies.

They strengthen the hands of evildoers,

so that no one turns his back on wickedness.

They are all like Sodom to Me;

the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.”

Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets:

“I will feed them wormwood

and give them poisoned water to drink,

for from the prophets of Jerusalem

ungodliness has spread throughout the land.”

This is what the LORD of Hosts says:

“Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you.

They are filling you with false hopes.

They speak visions from their own minds,

not from the mouth of the LORD.

They keep saying to those who despise Me,

‘The LORD says that you will have peace,’

and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart,

‘No harm will come to you.’

But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD

to see and hear His word?

Who has given heed to His word

and obeyed it?

Behold, the storm of the LORD

has gone out with fury,

a whirlwind swirling down

upon the heads of the wicked.

The anger of the LORD will not turn back

until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart.

In the days to come

you will understand this clearly.

I did not send these prophets,

yet they have run with their message;

I did not speak to them,

yet they have prophesied.

But if they had stood in My council,

they would have proclaimed My words to My people

and turned them back

from their evil ways and deeds.”

“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?”

“Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD.

“Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.

“I have heard the sayings of the prophets who prophesy lies in My name: ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’

How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds?

They suppose the dreams that they tell one another will make My people forget My name, just as their fathers forgot My name through the worship of Baal.

Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD.

“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”

“Therefore behold,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words they attribute to Me.”

“Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’ ”

“Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD.

“Now when this people or a prophet or priest asks you, ‘What is the burden of the LORD?’ you are to say to them, ‘What burden? I will forsake you, declares the LORD.’

As for the prophet or priest or anyone who claims, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ I will punish that man and his household.

This is what each man is to say to his friend and to his brother: ‘What has the LORD answered?’ or ‘What has the LORD spoken?’

But refer no more to the burden of the LORD, for each man’s word becomes the burden, so that you pervert the words of the living God, the LORD of Hosts, our God.

Thus you are to say to the prophet: ‘What has the LORD answered you?’ and ‘What has the LORD spoken?’

But if you claim, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ then this is what the LORD says: Because you have said, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ and I specifically told you not to make this claim,

therefore I will surely forget you and will cast you out of My presence, both you and the city that I gave to you and your fathers.

And I will bring upon you everlasting shame and perpetual humiliation that will never be forgotten.”

Jeremiah 24

After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, as well as the officials of Judah and the craftsmen and metalsmiths from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon, the LORD showed me two baskets of figs placed in front of the temple of the LORD.

One basket had very good figs, like those that ripen early, but the other basket contained very poor figs, so bad they could not be eaten.

“Jeremiah,” the LORD asked, “what do you see?”

“Figs!” I replied. “The good figs are very good, but the bad figs are very bad, so bad they cannot be eaten.”

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Like these good figs, so I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans.

I will keep My eyes on them for good and will return them to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them.

I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart.

But like the bad figs, so bad they cannot be eaten,’ says the LORD, ‘so will I deal with Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem—those remaining in this land and those living in the land of Egypt.

I will make them a horror and an offense to all the kingdoms of the earth, a disgrace and an object of scorn, ridicule, and cursing wherever I have banished them.

And I will send against them sword and famine and plague, until they have perished from the land that I gave to them and their fathers.’ ”

Jeremiah 25

This is the word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.

So the prophet Jeremiah spoke to all the people of Judah and all the residents of Jerusalem as follows:

“From the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day—twenty-three years—the word of the LORD has come to me, and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened.

And the LORD has sent all His servants the prophets to you again and again, but you have not listened or inclined your ear to hear.

The prophets told you, ‘Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and deeds, and you can dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever.

Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands. Then I will do you no harm.’

‘But to your own harm, you have not listened to Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘so you have provoked Me to anger with the works of your hands.’

Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Because you have not obeyed My words,

behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation.

Moreover, I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp.

And this whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years.

But when seventy years are complete, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their guilt, declares the LORD, and I will make it an everlasting desolation.

I will bring upon that land all the words I have pronounced against it, all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah has prophesied against all the nations.

For many nations and great kings will enslave them, and I will repay them according to their deeds and according to the work of their hands.’ ”

This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, said to me: “Take from My hand this cup of the wine of wrath, and make all the nations to whom I send you drink from it.

And they will drink and stagger and go out of their minds, because of the sword that I will send among them.”

So I took the cup from the LORD’s hand and made all the nations drink from it, each one to whom the LORD had sent me,

to make them a ruin, an object of horror and contempt and cursing, as they are to this day—Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, its kings and officials;

Pharaoh king of Egypt, his officials, his leaders, and all his people;

all the mixed tribes; all the kings of Uz; all the kings of the Philistines: Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod; Edom, Moab, and the Ammonites;

all the kings of Tyre and Sidon; the kings of the coastlands across the sea; Dedan, Tema, Buz, and all who cut the corners of their hair;

all the kings of Arabia, and all the kings of the mixed tribes who dwell in the desert; all the kings of Zimri, Elam, and Media;

all the kings of the north, both near and far, one after another—all the kingdoms on the face of the earth. And after all of them, the king of Sheshach will drink it too.

“Then you are to tell them that this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Drink, get drunk, and vomit. Fall down and never get up again, because of the sword I will send among you.’

If they refuse to take the cup from your hand and drink it, you are to tell them that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘You most certainly must drink it!

For behold, I am beginning to bring disaster on the city that bears My Name, so how could you possibly go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for I am calling down a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, declares the LORD of Hosts.’

So you are to prophesy all these words against them and say to them:

‘The LORD will roar from on high;

He will raise His voice from His holy habitation.

He will roar loudly over His pasture;

like those who tread the grapes,

He will call out with a shout

against all the inhabitants of the earth.

The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth

because the LORD brings a charge against the nations.

He brings judgment on all mankind

and puts the wicked to the sword,’ ”

declares the LORD.

This is what the LORD of Hosts says:

“Behold! Disaster is spreading

from nation to nation;

a mighty storm is rising

from the ends of the earth.”

Those slain by the LORD on that day will be spread from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned, gathered, or buried. They will be like dung lying on the ground.

Wail, you shepherds, and cry out;

roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock.

For the days of your slaughter have come;

you will fall and be shattered like fine pottery.

Flight will evade the shepherds,

and escape will elude the leaders of the flock.

Hear the cry of the shepherds,

the wailing of the leaders of the flock,

for the LORD is destroying their pasture.

The peaceful meadows have been silenced

because of the LORD’s burning anger.

He has left His den like a lion,

for their land has been made a desolation

by the sword of the oppressor,

and because of the fierce anger of the LORD.

Jeremiah 26

At the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the LORD:

“This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there. Do not omit a word.

Perhaps they will listen and turn—each from his evil way of life—so that I may relent of the disaster I am planning to bring upon them because of the evil of their deeds.

And you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘If you do not listen to Me and walk in My law, which I have set before you,

and if you do not listen to the words of My servants the prophets, whom I have sent you again and again even though you did not listen,

then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city an object of cursing among all the nations of the earth.’ ”

Now the priests and prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD,

and as soon as he had finished telling all the people everything the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests and prophets and all the people seized him, shouting, “You must surely die!

How dare you prophesy in the name of the LORD that this house will become like Shiloh and this city will be desolate and deserted!”

And all the people assembled against Jeremiah in the house of the LORD.

When the officials of Judah heard these things, they went up from the king’s palace to the house of the LORD and sat there at the entrance of the New Gate.

Then the priests and prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man is worthy of death, for he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears!”

But Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard.

So now, correct your ways and deeds, and obey the voice of the LORD your God, so that He might relent of the disaster He has pronounced against you.

As for me, here I am in your hands; do to me what you think is good and right.

But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves, upon this city, and upon its residents; for truly the LORD has sent me to speak all these words in your hearing.”

Then the officials and all the people told the priests and prophets, “This man is not worthy of death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God!”

Some of the elders of the land stood up and said to the whole assembly of the people,

“Micah the Moreshite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah and told all the people of Judah that this is what the LORD of Hosts says:

‘Zion will be plowed like a field,

Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble,

and the temple mount a wooded ridge.’

Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did Hezekiah not fear the LORD and seek His favor, and did not the LORD relent of the disaster He had pronounced against them? But we are about to bring great harm on ourselves!”

Now there was another man prophesying in the name of the LORD, Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim. He prophesied against this city and against this land the same things that Jeremiah did.

King Jehoiakim and all his mighty men and officials heard his words, and the king sought to put him to death. But when Uriah found out about it, he fled in fear and went to Egypt.

Then King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt: Elnathan son of Achbor along with some other men.

They brought Uriah out of Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim, who had him put to the sword and his body thrown into the burial place of the common people.

Nevertheless, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.

Jeremiah 27

At the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD. This is what the LORD said to me:

“Make for yourself a yoke out of leather straps and put it on your neck.

Send word to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon through the envoys who have come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah.

Give them a message from the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, to relay to their masters:

By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please.

So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him.

All nations will serve him and his son and grandson, until the time of his own land comes; then many nations and great kings will enslave him.

As for the nation or kingdom that does not serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and does not place its neck under his yoke, I will punish that nation by sword and famine and plague, declares the LORD, until I have destroyed it by his hand.

But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’

For they prophesy to you a lie that will serve to remove you from your land; I will banish you and you will perish.

But the nation that will put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will leave in its own land, to cultivate it and reside in it, declares the LORD.”

And to Zedekiah king of Judah I spoke the same message: “Put your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon; serve him and his people, and live!

Why should you and your people die by sword and famine and plague, as the LORD has decreed against any nation that does not serve the king of Babylon?

Do not listen to the words of the prophets who say, ‘You must not serve the king of Babylon,’ for they are prophesying to you a lie.

For I have not sent them, declares the LORD, and yet they are prophesying falsely in My name; therefore I will banish you, and you will perish—you and the prophets who prophesy to you.”

Then I said to the priests and to all this people, “This is what the LORD says: Do not listen to the words of your prophets who prophesy to you, saying, ‘Look, very soon now the articles from the house of the LORD will be brought back from Babylon.’ They are prophesying to you a lie.

Do not listen to them. Serve the king of Babylon and live! Why should this city become a ruin?

If they are indeed prophets and the word of the LORD is with them, let them now plead with the LORD of Hosts that the articles remaining in the house of the LORD, in the palace of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem, not be taken to Babylon.

For this is what the LORD of Hosts says about the pillars, the sea, the bases, and the rest of the articles that remain in this city,

which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon did not take when he carried Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, along with all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem.

Yes, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says about the articles that remain in the house of the LORD, in the palace of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem:

‘They will be carried to Babylon and will remain there until the day I attend to them again,’ declares the LORD. ‘Then I will bring them back and restore them to this place.’ ”

Proverbs 23

When you sit down to dine with a ruler,

consider carefully what is set before you,

and put a knife to your throat

if you possess a great appetite.

Do not crave his delicacies,

for that food is deceptive.

Do not wear yourself out to get rich;

be wise enough to restrain yourself.

When you glance at wealth, it disappears,

for it makes wings for itself

and flies like an eagle to the sky.

Do not eat the bread of a stingy man,

and do not crave his delicacies;

for he is keeping track,

inwardly counting the cost.

“Eat and drink,” he says to you,

but his heart is not with you.

You will vomit up what little you have eaten

and waste your pleasant words.

Do not speak to a fool,

for he will despise the wisdom of your words.

Do not move an ancient boundary stone

or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

for their Redeemer is strong;

He will take up their case against you.

Apply your heart to instruction

and your ears to words of knowledge.

Do not withhold discipline from a child;

although you strike him with a rod, he will not die.

Strike him with a rod,

and you will deliver his soul from Sheol.

My son, if your heart is wise,

my own heart will indeed rejoice.

My inmost being will rejoice

when your lips speak what is right.

Do not let your heart envy sinners,

but always continue in the fear of the LORD.

For surely there is a future,

and your hope will not be cut off.

Listen, my son, and be wise,

and guide your heart on the right course.

Do not join those who drink too much wine

or gorge themselves on meat.

For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,

and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.

Listen to your father who gave you life,

and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Invest in truth and never sell it—

in wisdom and instruction and understanding.

The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice,

and he who fathers a wise son will delight in him.

May your father and mother be glad,

and may she who gave you birth rejoice!

My son, give me your heart,

and let your eyes delight in my ways.

For a prostitute is a deep pit,

and an adulteress is a narrow well.

Like a robber she lies in wait

and multiplies the faithless among men.

Who has woe? Who has sorrow?

Who has contentions? Who has complaints?

Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes?

Those who linger over wine,

who go to taste mixed drinks.

Do not gaze at wine while it is red,

when it sparkles in the cup

and goes down smoothly.

In the end it bites like a snake

and stings like a viper.

Your eyes will see strange things,

and your mind will utter perversities.

You will be like one sleeping on the high seas

or lying on the top of a mast:

“They struck me, but I feel no pain!

They beat me, but I did not know it!

When can I wake up

to search for another drink?”

Blessed be God forever! He doesn’t need us, but he chose us. He can do anything he chooses, yet he chooses to love us. He is faithful when we are faithless. He has limited himself so as to work with us. He has taken on flesh so as to pay the price that we could not pay. We stand in a position more privileged than the angels! We answer such privilege by electing to feast on God’s word. Here we go!

Jeremiah 18

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: “Go down at once to the potter’s house, and there I will reveal My message to you.”

So I went down to the potter’s house and saw him working at the wheel.

But the vessel that he was shaping from the clay became flawed in his hand; so he formed it into another vessel, as it seemed best for him to do.

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

“O house of Israel, declares the LORD, can I not treat you as this potter treats his clay? Just like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.

At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed.

But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to bring.

And if at another time I announce that I will build up and establish a nation or kingdom,

and if it does evil in My sight and does not listen to My voice, then I will relent of the good I had intended for it.

Now therefore, tell the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I am planning a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways, and correct your ways and deeds.’

But they will reply, ‘It is hopeless. We will follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’ ”

Therefore this is what the LORD says:

“Inquire among the nations:

Who has ever heard things like these?

Virgin Israel has done a most terrible thing.

Does the snow of Lebanon

ever leave its rocky slopes?

Or do its cool waters flowing from a distance

ever run dry?

Yet My people have forgotten Me.

They burn incense to worthless idols

that make them stumble in their ways,

leaving the ancient roads

to walk on rutted bypaths

instead of on the highway.

They have made their land a desolation,

a perpetual object of scorn;

all who pass by will be appalled

and shake their heads.

I will scatter them before the enemy

like the east wind.

I will show them My back and not My face

in the day of their calamity.”

Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”

Attend to me, O LORD.

Hear what my accusers are saying!

Should good be repaid with evil?

Yet they have dug a pit for me.

Remember how I stood before You

to speak good on their behalf,

to turn Your wrath from them.

Therefore, hand their children over to famine;

pour out the power of the sword upon them.

Let their wives become childless and widowed;

let their husbands be slain by disease,

their young men struck down by the sword in battle.

Let a cry be heard from their houses

when You suddenly bring raiders against them,

for they have dug a pit to capture me

and have hidden snares for my feet.

But You, O LORD, know all their deadly plots against me.

Do not wipe out their guilt

or blot out their sin from Your sight.

Let them be overthrown before You;

deal with them in the time of Your anger.

Jeremiah 19

This is what the LORD says: “Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take some of the elders of the people and leaders of the priests, and go out to the Valley of Ben-hinnom near the entrance of the Potsherd Gate.

Proclaim there the words I speak to you,

saying, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and residents of Jerusalem. This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on this place that the ears of all who hear of it will ring,

because they have abandoned Me and made this a foreign place. They have burned incense in this place to other gods that neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have ever known. They have filled this place with the blood of the innocent.

They have built high places to Baal on which to burn their children in the fire as offerings to Baal—something I never commanded or mentioned, nor did it even enter My mind.

So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when this place will no longer be called Topheth or the Valley of Ben-hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter.

And in this place I will ruin the plans of Judah and Jerusalem. I will make them fall by the sword before their enemies, by the hands of those who seek their lives, and I will give their carcasses as food to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth.

I will make this city a desolation and an object of scorn. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff at all her wounds.

I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters, and they will eat one another’s flesh in the siege and distress inflicted on them by their enemies who seek their lives.’

Then you are to shatter the jar in the presence of the men who accompany you,

and you are to proclaim to them that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I will shatter this nation and this city, like one shatters a potter’s jar that can never again be repaired. They will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room to bury them.

This is what I will do to this place and to its residents, declares the LORD. I will make this city like Topheth.

The houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah will be defiled like that place, Topheth—all the houses on whose rooftops they burned incense to all the host of heaven and poured out drink offerings to other gods.”

Then Jeremiah returned from Topheth, where the LORD had sent him to prophesy, and he stood in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and proclaimed to all the people,

“This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I am about to bring on this city and on all the villages around it every disaster I have pronounced against them, because they have stiffened their necks so as not to heed My words.’ ”

Jeremiah 20

When Pashhur the priest, the son of Immer and the chief official in the house of the LORD, heard Jeremiah prophesying these things,

he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin, which was by the house of the LORD.

The next day, when Pashhur released Jeremiah from the stocks, Jeremiah said to him, “The LORD does not call you Pashhur, but Magor-missabib.

For this is what the LORD says: ‘I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends. They will fall by the sword of their enemies before your very eyes. And I will hand Judah over to the king of Babylon, and he will carry them away to Babylon and put them to the sword.

I will give away all the wealth of this city—all its products and valuables, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah—to their enemies. They will plunder them, seize them, and carry them off to Babylon.

And you, Pashhur, and all who live in your house, will go into captivity. You will go to Babylon, and there you will die and be buried—you and all your friends to whom you have prophesied these lies.’ ”

You have deceived me, O LORD, and I was deceived.

You have overcome me and prevailed.

I am a laughingstock all day long;

everyone mocks me.

For whenever I speak, I cry out;

I proclaim violence and destruction.

For the word of the LORD has become to me

a reproach and derision all day long.

If I say, “I will not mention Him

or speak any more in His name,”

His message becomes a fire burning in my heart,

shut up in my bones,

and I become weary of holding it in,

and I cannot prevail.

For I have heard the whispering of many:

“Terror is on every side!

Report him; let us report him!”

All my trusted friends

watch for my fall:

“Perhaps he will be deceived

so that we may prevail against him

and take our vengeance upon him.”

But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior.

Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail.

Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame,

with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten.

O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous,

who sees the heart and mind,

let me see Your vengeance upon them,

for to You I have committed my cause.

Sing to the LORD!

Praise the LORD!

For He rescues the life of the needy

from the hands of evildoers.

Cursed be the day I was born!

May the day my mother bore me never be blessed.

Cursed be the man who brought my father the news,

saying, “A son is born to you,”

bringing him great joy.

May that man be like the cities

that the LORD overthrew without compassion.

May he hear an outcry in the morning

and a battle cry at noon,

because he did not kill me in the womb

so that my mother might have been my grave,

and her womb forever enlarged.

Why did I come out of the womb

to see only trouble and sorrow,

and to end my days in shame?

Jeremiah 21

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur son of Malchijah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah. They said,

“Please inquire of the LORD on our behalf, since Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us. Perhaps the LORD will perform for us something like all His past wonders, so that Nebuchadnezzar will withdraw from us.”

But Jeremiah answered, “You are to tell Zedekiah that

this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will turn against you the weapons of war in your hands, with which you are fighting the king of Babylon and the Chaldeans who besiege you outside the wall, and I will assemble their forces in the center of this city.

And I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, with anger, fury, and great wrath.

I will strike down the residents of this city, both man and beast. They will die in a terrible plague.’

‘After that,’ declares the LORD, ‘I will hand over Zedekiah king of Judah, his officers, and the people in this city who survive the plague and sword and famine, to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to their enemies who seek their lives. He will put them to the sword; he will not spare them or show pity or compassion.’

Furthermore, you are to tell this people that this is what the LORD says: ‘Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.

Whoever stays in this city will die by sword and famine and plague, but whoever goes out and surrenders to the Chaldeans who besiege you will live; he will retain his life like a spoil of war.

For I have set My face against this city to bring disaster and not good, declares the LORD. It will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, who will destroy it with fire.’

Moreover, tell the house of the king of Judah to hear the word of the LORD. O house of David, this is what the LORD says:

‘Administer justice every morning,

and rescue the victim of robbery

from the hand of his oppressor,

or My wrath will go forth like fire

and burn with no one to extinguish it

because of their evil deeds.

Behold, I am against you who dwell above the valley,

atop the rocky plateau—

declares the LORD—

you who say, “Who can come against us?

Who can enter our dwellings?”

I will punish you as your deeds deserve,

declares the LORD.

I will kindle a fire in your forest

that will consume everything around you.’ ”

Jeremiah 22

This is what the LORD says: “Go down to the palace of the king of Judah and proclaim this message there,

saying, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David—you and your officials and your people who enter these gates.

This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place.

For if you will indeed carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will enter through the gates of this palace riding on chariots and horses—they and their officials and their people.

But if you do not obey these words, then I swear by Myself, declares the LORD, that this house will become a pile of rubble.’ ”

For this is what the LORD says concerning the house of the king of Judah:

“You are like Gilead to Me,

like the summit of Lebanon;

but I will surely turn you into a desert,

like cities that are uninhabited.

I will appoint destroyers against you,

each man with his weapons,

and they will cut down the choicest of your cedars

and throw them into the fire.

And many nations will pass by this city and ask one another, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this great city?’

Then people will reply, ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God and have worshiped and served other gods.’ ”

Do not weep for the dead king;

do not mourn his loss.

Weep bitterly for the one who is exiled,

for he will never return

to see his native land.

For this is what the LORD says concerning Shallum son of Josiah, king of Judah, who succeeded his father Josiah but has gone forth from this place: “He will never return,

but he will die in the place to which he was exiled; he will never see this land again.”

“Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness,

and his upper rooms without justice,

who makes his countrymen serve without pay,

and fails to pay their wages,

who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace,

with spacious upper rooms.’

So he cuts windows in it,

panels it with cedar,

and paints it with vermilion.

Does it make you a king to excel in cedar?

Did not your father have food and drink?

He administered justice and righteousness,

and so it went well with him.

He took up the cause of the poor and needy,

and so it went well with him.

Is this not what it means to know Me?”

declares the LORD.

“But your eyes and heart are set on nothing

except your own dishonest gain,

on shedding innocent blood,

on practicing extortion and oppression.”

Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah:

“They will not mourn for him:

‘Alas, my brother! Alas, my sister!’

They will not mourn for him:

‘Alas, my master! Alas, his splendor!’

He will be buried like a donkey,

dragged away and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem.

Go up to Lebanon and cry out;

raise your voice in Bashan;

cry out from Abarim,

for all your lovers have been crushed.

I warned you when you were secure.

You said, ‘I will not listen.’

This has been your way from youth,

that you have not obeyed My voice.

The wind will drive away all your shepherds,

and your lovers will go into captivity.

Then you will be ashamed and humiliated

because of all your wickedness.

O inhabitant of Lebanon,

nestled in the cedars,

how you will groan when pangs of anguish come upon you,

agony like a woman in labor.”

“As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “even if you, Coniah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, were a signet ring on My right hand, I would pull you off.

In fact, I will hand you over to those you dread, who want to take your life—to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and to the Chaldeans.

I will hurl you and the mother who gave you birth into another land, where neither of you were born—and there you both will die. You will never return to the land for which you long.”

Is this man Coniah a despised and shattered pot,

a jar that no one wants?

Why are he and his descendants hurled out

and cast into a land they do not know?

O land, land, land,

hear the word of the LORD!

This is what the LORD says:

“Enroll this man as childless,

a man who will not prosper in his lifetime.

None of his descendants will prosper

to sit on the throne of David

or to rule again in Judah.”

Psalm 52

Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man?

The loving devotion of God endures all day long.

Your tongue devises destruction

like a sharpened razor,

O worker of deceit.

You love evil more than good,

falsehood more than speaking truth.

Selah

You love every word that devours,

O deceitful tongue.

Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin;

He will snatch you up and tear you away from your tent;

He will uproot you from the land of the living.

Selah

The righteous will see and fear;

they will mock the evildoer, saying,

“Look at the man

who did not make God his refuge,

but trusted in the abundance of his wealth

and strengthened himself by destruction.”

But I am like an olive tree

flourishing in the house of God;

I trust in the loving devotion of God

forever and ever.

I will praise You forever,

because You have done it.

I will wait on Your name—

for it is good—

in the presence of Your saints.

We continue forward with the prophet, Jeremiah, as well as consulting a psalm today. Both are concerned with a right heart with God by renouncing other idols. Both are concerned with being faithful to God in this life, knowing that things will not go the way we want in this life, but trusting God to justly administer our souls when we die. I am thankful all the time that I was born on this side of Christ coming in the flesh. The faithfulness of the Hebrews is most admirable when considering how much less they had to work with than Christians do. We are most blessed!

Jeremiah 13

This is what the LORD said to me: “Go and buy yourself a linen loincloth and put it around your waist, but do not let it touch water.”

So I bought a loincloth as the LORD had instructed me, and I put it around my waist.

Then the word of the LORD came to me a second time: “Take the loincloth that you bought and are wearing, and go at once to Perath and hide it there in a crevice of the rocks.”

So I went and hid it at Perath, as the LORD had commanded me.

Many days later the LORD said to me, “Arise, go to Perath, and get the loincloth that I commanded you to hide there.”

So I went to Perath and dug up the loincloth, and I took it from the place where I had hidden it. But now it was ruined—of no use at all.

Then the word of the LORD came to me: “This is what the LORD says: In the same way I will ruin the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem.

These evil people, who refuse to listen to My words, who follow the stubbornness of their own hearts, and who go after other gods to serve and worship them, they will be like this loincloth—of no use at all.

For just as a loincloth clings to a man’s waist, so I have made the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah cling to Me, declares the LORD, so that they might be My people for My renown and praise and glory. But they did not listen.

Therefore you are to tell them that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Every wineskin shall be filled with wine.’

And when they reply, ‘Don’t we surely know that every wineskin should be filled with wine?’

then you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘I am going to fill with drunkenness all who live in this land—the kings who sit on David’s throne, the priests, the prophets, and all the people of Jerusalem.

I will smash them against one another, fathers and sons alike, declares the LORD. I will allow no mercy or pity or compassion to keep Me from destroying them.’ ”

Listen and give heed. Do not be arrogant,

for the LORD has spoken.

Give glory to the LORD your God

before He brings darkness,

before your feet stumble

on the dusky mountains.

You wait for light,

but He turns it into deep gloom and thick darkness.

But if you do not listen,

I will weep in secret because of your pride.

My eyes will overflow with tears,

because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.

Say to the king

and to the queen mother:

“Take a lowly seat,

for your glorious crowns have fallen from your heads.”

The cities of the Negev have been shut tight,

and no one can open them.

All Judah has been carried into exile,

wholly taken captive.

Lift up your eyes and see

those coming from the north.

Where is the flock entrusted to you,

the sheep that were your pride?

What will you say when He sets over you

close allies whom you yourself trained?

Will not pangs of anguish grip you,

as they do a woman in labor?

And if you ask yourself,

“Why has this happened to me?”

It is because of the magnitude of your iniquity

that your skirts have been stripped off

and your body has been exposed.

Can the Ethiopian change his skin,

or the leopard his spots?

Neither are you able to do good—

you who are accustomed to doing evil.

“I will scatter you like chaff

driven by the desert wind.

This is your lot,

the portion I have measured to you,”

declares the LORD,

“because you have forgotten Me

and trusted in falsehood.

So I will pull your skirts up over your face,

that your shame may be seen.

Your adulteries and lustful neighings,

your shameless prostitution

on the hills and in the fields—

I have seen your detestable acts.

Woe to you, O Jerusalem!

How long will you remain unclean?”

Jeremiah 14

This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought:

“Judah mourns

and her gates languish.

Her people wail for the land,

and a cry goes up from Jerusalem.

The nobles send their servants for water;

they go to the cisterns, but find no water;

their jars return empty.

They are ashamed and humiliated;

they cover their heads.

The ground is cracked

because no rain has fallen on the land.

The farmers are ashamed;

they cover their heads.

Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn

because there is no grass.

Wild donkeys stand on barren heights;

they pant for air like jackals;

their eyes fail for lack of pasture.”

Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD,

act for the sake of Your name.

Indeed, our rebellions are many;

we have sinned against You.

O Hope of Israel,

its Savior in times of distress,

why are You like a stranger in the land,

like a traveler who stays but a night?

Why are You like a man taken by surprise,

like a warrior powerless to save?

Yet You are among us, O LORD,

and we are called by Your name.

Do not forsake us!

This is what the LORD says about this people:

“Truly they love to wander;

they have not restrained their feet.

So the LORD does not accept them;

He will now remember their guilt

and call their sins to account.”

Then the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people.

Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague.”

“Ah, Lord GOD!” I replied, “Look, the prophets are telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or suffer famine, but I will give you lasting peace in this place.’ ”

“The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.

Therefore this is what the LORD says about the prophets who prophesy in My name: I did not send them, yet they say, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’

By sword and famine these very prophets will meet their end!

And the people to whom they prophesy will be thrown into the streets of Jerusalem because of famine and sword. There will be no one to bury them or their wives, their sons or their daughters. I will pour out their own evil upon them.

You are to speak this word to them:

‘My eyes overflow with tears;

day and night they do not cease,

for the virgin daughter of my people

has been shattered by a crushing blow,

a severely grievous wound.

If I go out to the country,

I see those slain by the sword;

if I enter the city,

I see those ravaged by famine!

For both prophet and priest

travel to a land they do not know.’ ”

Have You rejected Judah completely?

Do You despise Zion?

Why have You stricken us

so that we are beyond healing?

We hoped for peace,

but no good has come,

and for the time of healing,

but there was only terror.

We acknowledge our wickedness, O LORD,

the guilt of our fathers;

indeed, we have sinned against You.

For the sake of Your name do not despise us;

do not disgrace Your glorious throne.

Remember Your covenant with us;

do not break it.

Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain?

Do the skies alone send showers?

Is this not by You, O LORD our God?

So we put our hope in You,

for You have done all these things.

Jeremiah 15

Then the LORD said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go.

If they ask you, ‘Where shall we go?’ you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says:

‘Those destined for death, to death;

those destined for the sword, to the sword;

those destined for famine, to famine;

and those destined for captivity, to captivity.’

I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the air and beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.

I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah did in Jerusalem.

Who will have pity on you, O Jerusalem?

Who will mourn for you?

Who will turn aside

to ask about your welfare?

You have forsaken Me, declares the LORD.

You have turned your back.

So I will stretch out My hand against you

and I will destroy you;

I am weary of showing compassion.

I will scatter them with a winnowing fork

at the gates of the land.

I will bereave and destroy My people

who have not turned from their ways.

I will make their widows more numerous

than the sand of the sea.

I will bring a destroyer at noon

against the mothers of young men.

I will suddenly bring upon them

anguish and dismay.

The mother of seven will grow faint;

she will breathe her last breath.

Her sun will set while it is still day;

she will be disgraced and humiliated.

And the rest I will put to the sword

in the presence of their enemies,”

declares the LORD.

Woe to me, my mother,

that you have borne me,

a man of strife and conflict

in all the land.

I have neither lent nor borrowed,

yet everyone curses me.

The LORD said:

“Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose;

surely I will intercede with your enemy

in your time of trouble,

in your time of distress.

Can anyone smash iron—

iron from the north—or bronze?

Your wealth and your treasures

I will give up as plunder,

without charge for all your sins

within all your borders.

Then I will enslave you to your enemies

in a land you do not know,

for My anger will kindle a fire

that will burn against you.”

You understand, O LORD;

remember me and attend to me.

Avenge me against my persecutors.

In Your patience, do not take me away.

Know that I endure reproach for Your honor.

Your words were found, and I ate them.

Your words became my joy

and my heart’s delight.

For I bear Your name,

O LORD God of Hosts.

I never sat with the band of revelers,

nor did I celebrate with them.

Because Your hand was on me, I sat alone,

for You have filled me with indignation.

Why is my pain unending,

and my wound incurable,

refusing to be healed?

You have indeed become like a mirage to me—

water that is not there.

Therefore this is what the LORD says:

“If you return, I will restore you;

you will stand in My presence.

And if you speak words that are noble instead of worthless,

you will be My spokesman.

It is they who must turn to you,

but you must not turn to them.

Then I will make you a wall to this people,

a fortified wall of bronze;

they will fight against you

but will not overcome you,

for I am with you to save and deliver you,

declares the LORD.

I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked

and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.”

Jeremiah 16

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “You must not marry or have sons or daughters in this place.”

For this is what the LORD says concerning the sons and daughters born in this place, and the mothers who bore them, and the fathers who fathered them in this land:

“They will die from deadly diseases. They will not be mourned or buried, but will lie like dung on the ground. They will be finished off by sword and famine, and their corpses will become food for the birds of the air and beasts of the earth.”

Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Do not enter a house where there is a funeral meal. Do not go to mourn or show sympathy, for I have removed from this people My peace, My loving devotion, and My compassion,” declares the LORD.

“Both great and small will die in this land. They will not be buried or mourned, nor will anyone cut himself or shave his head for them.

No food will be offered to comfort those who mourn the dead; not even a cup of consolation will be given for the loss of a father or mother.

You must not enter a house where there is feasting and sit down with them to eat and drink.

For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I am going to remove from this place, before your very eyes and in your days, the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom.

When you tell these people all these things, they will ask you, ‘Why has the LORD pronounced all this great disaster against us? What is our guilt? What is the sin that we have committed against the LORD our God?’

Then you are to answer them: ‘It is because your fathers have forsaken Me, declares the LORD, and followed other gods, and served and worshiped them. They abandoned Me and did not keep My instruction.

And you have done more evil than your fathers. See how each of you follows the stubbornness of his evil heart instead of obeying Me.

So I will cast you out of this land into a land that neither you nor your fathers have known. There you will serve other gods day and night, for I will show you no favor.’

Yet behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when they will no longer say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of Egypt.’

Instead they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of the north and all the other lands to which He had banished them.’ For I will return them to their land that I gave to their forefathers.

But for now I will send for many fishermen, declares the LORD, and they will catch them. After that I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill, even from the clefts of the rocks.

For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from My face, and their guilt is not concealed from My eyes.

And I will first repay them double their iniquity and their sin, because they have defiled My land with the carcasses of their detestable idols, and they have filled My inheritance with their abominations.”

O LORD, my strength and my fortress,

my refuge in the day of distress,

the nations will come to You

from the ends of the earth, and they will say,

“Our fathers inherited nothing but lies,

worthless idols of no benefit at all.

Can man make gods for himself?

Such are not gods!”

“Therefore behold, I will inform them,

and this time I will make them know

My power and My might;

then they will know

that My name is the LORD.

Jeremiah 17

“The sin of Judah is written with an iron stylus,

engraved with a diamond point

on the tablets of their hearts

and on the horns of their altars.

Even their children remember their altars and Asherah poles

by the green trees and on the high hills.

O My mountain in the countryside,

I will give over your wealth

and all your treasures as plunder,

because of the sin of your high places,

within all your borders.

And you yourself will relinquish

the inheritance that I gave you.

I will enslave you to your enemies

in a land that you do not know,

for you have kindled My anger;

it will burn forever.”

This is what the LORD says:

“Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind,

who makes the flesh his strength

and turns his heart from the LORD.

He will be like a shrub in the desert;

he will not see when prosperity comes.

He will dwell in the parched places of the desert,

in a salt land where no one lives.

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,

whose confidence is in Him.

He is like a tree planted by the waters

that sends out its roots toward the stream.

It does not fear when the heat comes,

and its leaves are always green.

It does not worry in a year of drought,

nor does it cease to produce fruit.

The heart is deceitful above all things

and beyond cure.

Who can understand it?

I, the LORD, search the heart;

I examine the mind

to reward a man according to his way,

by what his deeds deserve.

Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay

is the man who makes a fortune unjustly.

In the middle of his days his riches will desert him,

and in the end he will be the fool.”

A glorious throne, exalted from the beginning,

is the place of our sanctuary.

O LORD, the hope of Israel,

all who abandon You will be put to shame.

All who turn away will be written in the dust,

for they have abandoned the LORD,

the fountain of living water.

Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed;

save me, and I will be saved,

for You are my praise.

Behold, they keep saying to me,

“Where is the word of the LORD?

Let it come now!”

But I have not run away from being Your shepherd;

I have not desired the day of despair.

You know that the utterance of my lips

was spoken in Your presence.

Do not become a terror to me;

You are my refuge in the day of disaster.

Let my persecutors be put to shame,

but do not let me be put to shame.

Let them be terrified,

but do not let me be terrified.

Bring upon them the day of disaster

and shatter them with double destruction.

This is what the LORD said to me: “Go and stand at the gate of the people, through which the kings of Judah go in and out; and stand at all the other gates of Jerusalem.

Say to them, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, all people of Judah and Jerusalem who enter through these gates.

This is what the LORD says: Take heed for yourselves; do not carry a load or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day.

You must not carry a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath day, but you must keep the Sabbath day holy, just as I commanded your forefathers.

Yet they would not listen or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and would not listen or receive My discipline.

If, however, you listen carefully to Me, says the LORD, and bring no load through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, and keep the Sabbath day holy, and do no work on it,

then kings and princes will enter through the gates of this city. They will sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses with their officials, along with the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem, and this city will be inhabited forever.

And people will come from the cities of Judah and the places around Jerusalem, from the land of Benjamin, and from the foothills, the hill country, and the Negev, bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices, grain offerings and frankincense, and thank offerings to the house of the LORD.

But if you do not listen to Me to keep the Sabbath day holy by not carrying a load while entering the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle an unquenchable fire in its gates to consume the citadels of Jerusalem.’ ”

Psalm 49

Hear this, all you peoples;

listen, all inhabitants of the world,

both low and high,

rich and poor alike.

My mouth will impart wisdom,

and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding.

I will incline my ear to a proverb;

I will express my riddle with the harp:

Why should I fear in times of trouble,

when wicked usurpers surround me?

They trust in their wealth

and boast in their great riches.

No man can possibly redeem his brother

or pay his ransom to God.

For the redemption of his soul is costly,

and never can payment suffice,

that he should live on forever

and not see decay.

For it is clear that wise men die,

and the foolish and the senseless both perish

and leave their wealth to others.

Their graves are their eternal homes—

their dwellings for endless generations—

even though their lands were their namesakes.

But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure;

he is like the beasts that perish.

This is the fate of the self-confident

and their followers who endorse their sayings.

Selah

Like sheep they are destined for Sheol.

Death will be their shepherd.

The upright will rule them in the morning,

and their form will decay in Sheol,

far from their lofty abode.

But God will redeem my life from Sheol,

for He will surely take me to Himself.

Selah

Do not be amazed when a man grows rich,

when the splendor of his house increases.

For when he dies, he will carry nothing away;

his abundance will not follow him down.

Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul—

and men praise you when you prosper—

he will join the generation of his fathers,

who will never see the light of day.

A man who has riches without understanding

is like the beasts that perish.

What is to be done with a faithless people? Think of it: A people who have been saved time and again, but who then turn from their Savior and instead offer their gratitude to those who have done nothing for them. What is to be done with a people who committed to obey, to be faithful, but who then chose to abandon their commitments? The Lord is revealed here to be a jealous God in the best sense. He will not be refused without consequence. His covenant will not be abandoned without an answer. There was recompense for his faithless people. And there will likewise be an answer to this generation if they do not likewise turn and repent, go back to the place we started at Pentecost…

Jeremiah 7

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

“Stand in the gate of the house of the LORD and proclaim this message: Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah who enter through these gates to worship the LORD.

Thus says the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel: Correct your ways and deeds, and I will let you live in this place. Do not trust in deceptive words, chanting:

‘This is the temple of the LORD,

the temple of the LORD,

the temple of the LORD.’

For if you really correct your ways and deeds, if you act justly toward one another,

if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm,

then I will let you live in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever.

But look, you keep trusting in deceptive words to no avail.

Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known,

and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’?

Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD.

But go now to the place in Shiloh where I first made a dwelling for My Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel.

And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and because I have spoken to you again and again but you would not listen, and I have called to you but you would not answer,

therefore what I did to Shiloh I will now do to the house that bears My Name, the house in which you trust, the place that I gave to you and your fathers.

And I will cast you out of My presence, just as I have cast out all your brothers, all the descendants of Ephraim.

As for you, do not pray for these people, do not offer a plea or petition on their behalf, and do not beg Me, for I will not listen to you.

Do you not see what they are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?

The sons gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough to make cakes for the Queen of Heaven; they pour out drink offerings to other gods to provoke Me to anger.

But am I the One they are provoking? declares the LORD. Is it not themselves they spite, to their own shame?

Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, My anger and My fury will be poured out on this place, on man and beast, on the trees of the field and the produce of the land, and it will burn and not be extinguished.

This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Add your burnt offerings to your other sacrifices and eat the meat yourselves!

For when I brought your fathers out of the land of Egypt, I did not merely command them about burnt offerings and sacrifices,

but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you.

Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.

From the day your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have sent you all My servants the prophets again and again.

Yet they would not listen to Me or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers.

When you tell them all these things, they will not listen to you. When you call to them, they will not answer.

Therefore you must say to them, ‘This is the nation that would not listen to the voice of the LORD their God and would not receive correction. Truth has perished; it has disappeared from their lips.

Cut off your hair and throw it away. Raise up a lamentation on the barren heights, for the LORD has rejected and forsaken the generation of His wrath.’

For the people of Judah have done evil in My sight, declares the LORD. They have set up their abominations in the house that bears My Name, and so have defiled it.

They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom so they could burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I never commanded, nor did it even enter My mind.

So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when this place will no longer be called Topheth and the Valley of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter. For they will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room.

The corpses of this people will become food for the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and there will be no one to scare them away.

I will remove from the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sounds of joy and gladness and the voices of the bride and bridegroom, for the land will become a wasteland.”

Jeremiah 8

“At that time,” declares the LORD, “the bones of the kings of Judah, the bones of the officials, the bones of the priests, the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the people of Jerusalem will be removed from their graves.

They will be exposed to the sun and moon, and to all the host of heaven which they have loved, served, followed, consulted, and worshiped. Their bones will not be gathered up or buried, but will become like dung lying on the ground.

And wherever I have banished them, the remnant of this evil family will choose death over life,” declares the LORD of Hosts.

So you are to tell them this is what the LORD says:

“Do men fall and not get up again?

Does one turn away and not return?

Why then have these people turned away?

Why does Jerusalem always turn away?

They cling to deceit;

they refuse to return.

I have listened and heard;

they do not speak what is right.

No one repents of his wickedness,

asking, ‘What have I done?’

Everyone has pursued his own course

like a horse charging into battle.

Even the stork in the sky

knows her appointed seasons.

The turtledove, the swift, and the thrush

keep their time of migration,

but My people do not know

the requirements of the LORD.

How can you say, ‘We are wise,

and the Law of the LORD is with us,’

when in fact the lying pen of the scribes

has produced a deception?

The wise will be put to shame;

they will be dismayed and trapped.

Since they have rejected the word of the LORD,

what wisdom do they really have?

Therefore I will give their wives to other men

and their fields to new owners.

For from the least of them to the greatest,

all are greedy for gain;

from prophet to priest,

all practice deceit.

They dress the wound of the daughter of My people

with very little care,

saying, ‘Peace, peace,’

when there is no peace at all.

Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed?

No, they have no shame at all;

they do not even know how to blush.

So they will fall among the fallen;

when I punish them, they will collapse,

says the LORD.

I will take away their harvest,

declares the LORD.

There will be no grapes on the vine,

nor figs on the tree,

and even the leaf will wither.

Whatever I have given them will be lost to them.”

Why are we just sitting here?

Gather together,

let us flee to the fortified cities and perish there,

for the LORD our God has doomed us.

He has given us poisoned water to drink,

because we have sinned against the LORD.

We hoped for peace,

but no good has come,

for a time of healing,

but there was only terror.

The snorting of enemy horses

is heard from Dan.

At the sound of the neighing of mighty steeds,

the whole land quakes.

They come to devour the land and everything in it,

the city and all who dwell in it.

“For behold, I will send snakes among you,

vipers that cannot be charmed,

and they will bite you,”

declares the LORD.

My sorrow is beyond healing;

my heart is faint within me.

Listen to the cry of the daughter of my people

from a land far away:

“Is the LORD no longer in Zion?

Is her King no longer there?”

“Why have they provoked Me to anger

with their carved images,

with their worthless foreign idols?”

“The harvest has passed, the summer has ended,

but we have not been saved.”

For the brokenness of the daughter of my people I am crushed.

I mourn; horror has gripped me.

Is there no balm in Gilead?

Is no physician there?

Why then has the health of the daughter of my people

not been restored?

Jeremiah 9

Oh, that my head were a spring of water,

and my eyes a fountain of tears!

I would weep day and night

over the slain daughter of my people.

If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness,

I would abandon my people and depart from them,

for they are all adulterers,

a crowd of faithless people.

“They bend their tongues like bows;

lies prevail over truth in the land.

For they proceed from evil to evil,

and they do not take Me into account,”

declares the LORD.

“Let everyone guard against his neighbor;

do not trust any brother,

for every brother deals craftily,

and every friend spreads slander.

Each one betrays his friend;

no one tells the truth.

They have taught their tongues to lie;

they wear themselves out committing iniquity.

You dwell in the midst of deception;

in their deceit they refuse to know Me,”

declares the LORD.

Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says:

“Behold, I will refine them and test them,

for what else can I do

because of the daughter of My people?

Their tongues are deadly arrows;

they speak deception.

With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor,

but in his heart he sets a trap for him.

Should I not punish them for these things?

declares the LORD.

Should I not avenge Myself

on such a nation as this?”

I will take up a weeping and wailing for the mountains,

a dirge over the wilderness pasture,

for they have been scorched so no one passes through,

and the lowing of cattle is not heard.

Both the birds of the air and the beasts have fled;

they have gone away.

“And I will make Jerusalem a heap of rubble,

a haunt for jackals;

and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation,

without inhabitant.”

Who is the man wise enough to understand this? To whom has the mouth of the LORD spoken, that he may explain it? Why is the land destroyed and scorched like a desert, so no one can pass through it?

And the LORD answered, “It is because they have forsaken My law, which I set before them; they have not walked in it or obeyed My voice.

Instead, they have followed the stubbornness of their hearts and gone after the Baals, as their fathers taught them.”

Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will feed this people wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink.

I will scatter them among the nations that neither they nor their fathers have known, and I will send a sword after them until I have finished them off.”

This is what the LORD of Hosts says:

“Take note, and summon the wailing women;

send for the most skillful among them.

Let them come quickly

and take up a lament over us,

that our eyes may overflow with tears,

and our eyelids may gush with water.

For the sound of wailing

is heard from Zion:

‘How devastated we are!

How great is our shame!

For we have abandoned the land

because our dwellings have been torn down.’ ”

Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD.

Open your ears to the word of His mouth.

Teach your daughters to wail,

and one another to lament.

For death has climbed in through our windows;

it has entered our fortresses

to cut off the children from the streets,

the young men from the town squares.

Declare that this is what the LORD says:

“The corpses of men will fall like dung

upon the open field,

like newly cut grain behind the reaper,

with no one to gather it.”

This is what the LORD says:

“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom,

nor the strong man in his strength,

nor the wealthy man in his riches.

But let him who boasts boast in this,

that he understands and knows Me,

that I am the LORD,

who exercises loving devotion,

justice and righteousness on the earth—

for I delight in these things,”

declares the LORD.

“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will punish all who are circumcised yet uncircumcised:

Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and all the inhabitants of the desert who clip the hair of their temples. For all these nations are uncircumcised, and the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.”

Jeremiah 10

Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. This is what the LORD says:

“Do not learn the ways of the nations

or be terrified by the signs in the heavens,

though the nations themselves are terrified by them.

For the customs of the peoples are worthless;

they cut down a tree from the forest;

it is shaped with a chisel

by the hands of a craftsman.

They adorn it with silver and gold

and fasten it with hammer and nails,

so that it will not totter.

Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch,

their idols cannot speak.

They must be carried

because they cannot walk.

Do not fear them, for they can do no harm,

and neither can they do any good.”

There is none like You, O LORD.

You are great, and Your name is mighty in power.

Who would not fear You, O King of nations?

This is Your due.

For among all the wise men of the nations,

and in all their kingdoms,

there is none like You.

But they are altogether senseless and foolish,

instructed by worthless idols made of wood!

Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish,

and gold from Uphaz—

the work of a craftsman

from the hands of a goldsmith.

Their clothes are blue and purple,

all fashioned by skilled workers.

But the LORD is the true God;

He is the living God and eternal King.

The earth quakes at His wrath,

and the nations cannot endure His indignation.

Thus you are to tell them: “These gods, who have made neither the heavens nor the earth, will perish from this earth and from under these heavens.”

The LORD made the earth by His power;

He established the world by His wisdom

and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.

When He thunders,

the waters in the heavens roar;

He causes the clouds to rise

from the ends of the earth.

He generates the lightning with the rain

and brings forth the wind from His storehouses.

Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge;

every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols.

For his molten images are a fraud,

and there is no breath in them.

They are worthless, a work to be mocked.

In the time of their punishment they will perish.

The Portion of Jacob is not like these,

for He is the Maker of all things,

and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance—

the LORD of Hosts is His name.

Gather up your belongings from this land, you who live under siege. For this is what the LORD says:

“Behold, at this time I will sling out

the inhabitants of the land

and bring distress upon them

so that they may be captured.”

Woe to me because of my brokenness;

my wound is grievous!

But I said, “This is truly my sickness,

and I must bear it.”

My tent is destroyed,

and all its ropes are snapped.

My sons have departed from me

and are no more.

I have no one left to pitch my tent

or set up my curtains.

For the shepherds have become senseless;

they do not seek the LORD.

Therefore they have not prospered,

and all their flock is scattered.

Listen! The sound of a report is coming—

a great commotion from the land to the north.

The cities of Judah will be made a desolation,

a haunt for jackals.

I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not his own;

no one who walks directs his own steps.

Correct me, O LORD,

but only with justice—

not in Your anger,

or You will bring me to nothing.

Pour out Your wrath on the nations

that do not acknowledge You,

and on the families

that do not call on Your name.

For they have devoured Jacob;

they have consumed him and finished him off;

they have devastated his homeland.

Jeremiah 11

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: “Listen to the words of this covenant and tell them to the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem.

You must tell them that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Cursed is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant,

which I commanded your forefathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, ‘Obey Me, and do everything I command you, and you will be My people, and I will be your God.’

This was in order to establish the oath I swore to your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is to this day.”

“Amen, LORD,” I answered.

Then the LORD said to me, “Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying: Hear the words of this covenant and carry them out.

For from the time I brought your fathers out of the land of Egypt until today, I strongly warned them again and again, saying, ‘Obey My voice.’

Yet they would not obey or incline their ears, but each one followed the stubbornness of his evil heart. So I brought on them all the curses of this covenant I had commanded them to follow but they did not keep.”

And the LORD told me, “There is a conspiracy among the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem.

They have returned to the sins of their forefathers who refused to obey My words. They have followed other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their fathers.

Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to bring upon them a disaster that they cannot escape. They will cry out to Me, but I will not listen to them.

Then the cities of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to which they have been burning incense, but these gods certainly will not save them in their time of disaster.

Your gods are indeed as numerous as your cities, O Judah; the altars of shame you have set up—the altars to burn incense to Baal—are as many as the streets of Jerusalem.’

As for you, do not pray for these people. Do not raise up a cry or a prayer on their behalf, for I will not be listening when they call out to Me in their time of disaster.

What right has My beloved in My house,

having carried out so many evil schemes?

Can consecrated meat avert your doom,

so that you can rejoice?

The LORD once called you a flourishing olive tree,

beautiful with well-formed fruit.

But with a mighty roar He will set it on fire,

and its branches will be consumed.

The LORD of Hosts, who planted you, has decreed disaster against you on account of the evil that the house of Israel and the house of Judah have brought upon themselves, provoking Me to anger by burning incense to Baal.”

And the LORD informed me, so I knew.

Then You showed me their deeds.

For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter;

I did not know that they had plotted against me:

“Let us destroy the tree with its fruit;

let us cut him off from the land of the living,

that his name may be remembered no more.”

O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously,

who examines the heart and mind,

let me see Your vengeance upon them,

for to You I have committed my cause.

Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the people of Anathoth who are seeking your life and saying, “You must not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand.”

So this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “I will punish them. Their young men will die by the sword, their sons and daughters by famine.

There will be no remnant, for I will bring disaster on the people of Anathoth in the year of their punishment.”

Jeremiah 12

Righteous are You, O LORD,

when I plead before You.

Yet about Your judgments

I wish to contend with You:

Why does the way of the wicked prosper?

Why do all the faithless live at ease?

You planted them, and they have taken root.

They have grown and produced fruit.

You are ever on their lips,

but far from their hearts.

But You know me, O LORD;

You see me and test my heart toward You.

Drag away the wicked like sheep to the slaughter

and set them apart for the day of carnage.

How long will the land mourn

and the grass of every field be withered?

Because of the evil of its residents,

the animals and birds have been swept away,

for the people have said,

“He cannot see what our end will be.”

“If you have raced with men on foot

and they have worn you out,

how can you compete with horses?

If you stumble in a peaceful land,

how will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?

Even your brothers—

your own father’s household—

even they have betrayed you;

even they have cried aloud against you.

Do not trust them,

though they speak well of you.

I have forsaken My house;

I have abandoned My inheritance.

I have given the love of My life

into the hands of her enemies.

My inheritance has become to Me

like a lion in the forest.

She has roared against Me;

therefore I hate her.

Is not My inheritance to Me

like a speckled bird of prey

with other birds of prey circling against her?

Go, gather all the beasts of the field;

bring them to devour her.

Many shepherds have destroyed My vineyard;

they have trampled My plot of ground.

They have turned My pleasant field

into a desolate wasteland.

They have made it a desolation;

desolate before Me, it mourns.

All the land is laid waste,

but no man takes it to heart.

Over all the barren heights in the wilderness

the destroyers have come,

for the sword of the LORD devours

from one end of the earth to the other.

No flesh has peace.

They have sown wheat but harvested thorns.

They have exhausted themselves to no avail.

Bear the shame of your harvest

because of the fierce anger of the LORD.”

This is what the LORD says: “As for all My evil neighbors who attack the inheritance that I bequeathed to My people Israel, I am about to uproot them from their land, and I will uproot the house of Judah from among them.

But after I have uprooted them, I will once again have compassion on them and return each one to his inheritance and to his land.

And if they will diligently learn the ways of My people and swear by My name, saying, ‘As surely as the LORD lives’—just as they once taught My people to swear by Baal—then they will be established among My people.

But if they will not obey, then I will uproot that nation; I will uproot it and destroy it, declares the LORD.”

Today we begin with the prophet, Jeremiah. The Lord spoke clearly through this man. He tried to keep it inside him, but the Word of the Lord burned too badly to stay contained. He pronounced destruction on a rebellious and stiff-necked people. The Lord he speaks of is the same God we have today. We would do well to heed his counsel:

Jeremiah 1

These are the words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests in Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin.

The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah,

and through the days of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, until the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.

The word of the LORD came to me, saying:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

and before you were born I set you apart

and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!”

But the LORD told me:

“Do not say,

‘I am only a child.’

For to everyone I send you,

you must go,

and all that I command you,

you must speak.

Do not be afraid of them,

for I am with you to deliver you,”

declares the LORD.

Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me:

“Behold, I have put My words

in your mouth.

See, I have appointed you today

over nations and kingdoms

to uproot and tear down,

to destroy and overthrow,

to build and plant.”

And the word of the LORD came to me, asking, “Jeremiah, what do you see?”

“I see a branch of an almond tree,” I replied.

“You have observed correctly,” said the LORD, “for I am watching over My word to accomplish it.”

Again the word of the LORD came to me, asking, “What do you see?”

“I see a boiling pot,” I replied, “and it is tilting toward us from the north.”

Then the LORD said to me, “Disaster from the north will be poured out on all who live in the land.

For I am about to summon all the clans and kingdoms of the north,” declares the LORD.

“Their kings will come and set up their thrones

at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem.

They will attack all her surrounding walls

and all the other cities of Judah.

I will pronounce My judgments against them

for all their wickedness,

because they have forsaken Me

to burn incense to other gods

and to worship the works of their own hands.

Get yourself ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them, or I will terrify you before them.

Now behold, this day I have made you like a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land.

They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 2

Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says:

‘I remember the devotion of your youth,

your love as a bride,

how you followed Me in the wilderness,

in a land not sown.

Israel was holy to the LORD,

the firstfruits of His harvest.

All who devoured her

found themselves guilty;

disaster came upon them,’ ”

declares the LORD.

Hear the word of the LORD, O house of Jacob, and all you families of the house of Israel. This is what the LORD says:

“What fault did your fathers find in Me

that they strayed so far from Me,

and followed worthless idols,

and became worthless themselves?

They did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD

who brought us up from the land of Egypt,

who led us through the wilderness,

through a land of deserts and pits,

a land of drought and darkness,

a land where no one travels and no one lives?’

I brought you into a fertile land

to eat its fruit and bounty,

but you came and defiled My land,

and made My inheritance detestable.

The priests did not ask,

‘Where is the LORD?’

The experts in the law no longer knew Me,

and the leaders rebelled against Me.

The prophets prophesied by Baal

and followed useless idols.

Therefore, I will contend with you again,

declares the LORD,

and I will bring a case

against your children’s children.

Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus

and take a look;

send to Kedar and consider carefully;

see if there has ever been anything like this:

Has a nation ever changed its gods,

though they are no gods at all?

Yet My people have exchanged their Glory

for useless idols.

Be stunned by this, O heavens;

be shocked and utterly appalled,”

declares the LORD.

“For My people have committed two evils:

They have forsaken Me,

the fountain of living water,

and they have dug their own cisterns—

broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

Is Israel a slave?

Was he born into slavery?

Why then has he become prey?

The young lions have roared at him;

they have growled with a loud voice.

They have laid waste his land;

his cities lie in ruins, without inhabitant.

The men of Memphis and Tahpanhes

have shaved the crown of your head.

Have you not brought this on yourself

by forsaking the LORD your God

when He led you in the way?

Now what will you gain on your way to Egypt

to drink the waters of the Nile ?

What will you gain on your way to Assyria

to drink the waters of the Euphrates ?

Your own evil will discipline you;

your own apostasies will reprimand you.

Consider and realize

how evil and bitter it is

for you to forsake the LORD your God

and to have no fear of Me,”

declares the Lord GOD of Hosts.

“For long ago you broke your yoke

and tore off your chains,

saying, ‘I will not serve!’

Indeed, on every high hill

and under every green tree

you lay down as a prostitute.

I had planted you like a choice vine

from the very best seed.

How could you turn yourself before Me

into a rotten, wild vine?

Although you wash with lye

and use an abundance of soap,

the stain of your guilt

is still before Me,”

declares the Lord GOD.

“How can you say, ‘I am not defiled;

I have not run after the Baals’?

Look at your behavior in the valley;

acknowledge what you have done.

You are a swift young she-camel

galloping here and there,

a wild donkey at home in the wilderness,

sniffing the wind in the heat of her desire.

Who can restrain her passion?

All who seek her need not weary themselves;

in mating season they will find her.

You should have kept your feet from going bare

and your throat from being thirsty.

But you said, ‘It is hopeless!

For I love foreign gods,

and I must go after them.’

As the thief is ashamed when he is caught,

so the house of Israel is disgraced.

They, their kings, their officials,

their priests, and their prophets

say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’

and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’

For they have turned their backs to Me

and not their faces,

yet in the time of trouble they beg,

‘Rise up and save us!’

But where are the gods you made for yourselves?

Let them rise up in your time of trouble

and save you if they can;

for your gods are as numerous

as your cities, O Judah.

Why do you bring a case against Me?

You have all rebelled against Me,”

declares the LORD.

“I have struck your sons in vain;

they accepted no discipline.

Your own sword has devoured your prophets

like a voracious lion.”

You people of this generation, consider the word of the LORD:

“Have I been a wilderness to Israel

or a land of dense darkness?

Why do My people say,

‘We are free to roam;

we will come to You no more’?

Does a maiden forget her jewelry

or a bride her wedding sash?

Yet My people have forgotten Me

for days without number.

How skillfully you pursue love!

Even the most immoral of women

could learn from your ways.

Moreover, your skirts are stained

with the blood of the innocent poor,

though you did not find them breaking in.

But in spite of all these things

you say, ‘I am innocent.

Surely His anger will turn from me.’

Behold, I will judge you,

because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’

How unstable you are,

constantly changing your ways!

You will be disappointed by Egypt

just as you were by Assyria.

Moreover, you will leave that place

with your hands on your head,

for the LORD has rejected those you trust;

you will not prosper by their help.”

Jeremiah 3

“If a man divorces his wife

and she leaves him to marry another,

can he ever return to her?

Would not such a land be completely defiled?

But you have played the harlot with many lovers—

and you would return to Me?”

declares the LORD.

“Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see.

Is there any place where you have not been violated?

You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers,

like a nomad in the desert.

You have defiled the land

with your prostitution and wickedness.

Therefore the showers have been withheld,

and no spring rains have fallen.

Yet you have the brazen look of a prostitute;

you refuse to be ashamed.

Have you not just called to Me,

‘My Father, You are my friend from youth.

Will He be angry forever?

Will He be indignant to the end?’

This you have spoken,

but you keep doing all the evil you can.”

Now in the days of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every green tree to prostitute herself there.

I thought that after she had done all these things, she would return to Me. But she did not return, and her unfaithful sister Judah saw it.

She saw that because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet that unfaithful sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well.

Indifferent to her own infidelity, Israel had defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees.

Yet in spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but only in pretense,” declares the LORD.

And the LORD said to me, “Faithless Israel has shown herself more righteous than unfaithful Judah. Go, proclaim this message toward the north:

‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD.

‘I will no longer look on you with anger,

for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD.

‘I will not be angry forever.

Only acknowledge your guilt,

that you have rebelled against the LORD your God.

You have scattered your favors to foreign gods

under every green tree

and have not obeyed My voice,’ ”

declares the LORD.

“Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion.

Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

“In those days, when you multiply and increase in the land,” declares the LORD, “they will no longer discuss the ark of the covenant of the LORD. It will never come to mind, and no one will remember it or miss it, nor will another one be made.

At that time Jerusalem will be called The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations will be gathered in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. They will no longer follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.

In those days the house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel, and they will come together from the land of the north to the land that I gave to your fathers as an inheritance.

Then I said, ‘How I long to make you My sons

and give you a desirable land,

the most beautiful inheritance

of all the nations!’

I thought you would call Me ‘Father’

and never turn away from following Me.

But as a woman may betray her husband,

so you have betrayed Me, O house of Israel,”

declares the LORD.

A voice is heard on the barren heights,

the children of Israel weeping and begging for mercy,

because they have perverted their ways

and forgotten the LORD their God.

“Return, O faithless children,

and I will heal your faithlessness.”

“Here we are. We come to You,

for You are the LORD our God.

Surely deception comes from the hills,

and commotion from the mountains.

Surely the salvation of Israel

is in the LORD our God.

From our youth, that shameful god

has consumed what our fathers have worked for—

their flocks and herds,

their sons and daughters.

Let us lie down in our shame;

let our disgrace cover us.

We have sinned against the LORD our God,

both we and our fathers;

from our youth even to this day

we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.”

Jeremiah 4

“If you will return, O Israel,

return to Me,” declares the LORD.

“If you will remove your detestable idols from My sight

and no longer waver,

and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’

in truth, in justice, and in righteousness,

then the nations will be blessed by Him,

and in Him they will glory.”

For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem:

“Break up your unplowed ground,

and do not sow among the thorns.

Circumcise yourselves to the LORD,

and remove the foreskins of your hearts,

O men of Judah and people of Jerusalem.

Otherwise, My wrath will break out like fire

and burn with no one to extinguish it,

because of your evil deeds.”

Announce in Judah, proclaim in Jerusalem, and say:

“Blow the ram’s horn throughout the land.

Cry aloud and say,

‘Assemble yourselves

and let us flee to the fortified cities.’

Raise a signal flag toward Zion.

Seek refuge! Do not delay!

For I am bringing disaster from the north,

and terrible destruction.

A lion has gone up from his thicket,

and a destroyer of nations has set out.

He has left his lair

to lay waste your land.

Your cities will be reduced to ruins

and lie uninhabited.

So put on sackcloth,

mourn and wail,

for the fierce anger of the LORD

has not turned away from us.”

“In that day,” declares the LORD,

“the king and officials will lose their courage.

The priests will tremble in fear,

and the prophets will be astounded.”

Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD, how completely You have deceived this people and Jerusalem by saying, ‘You will have peace,’ while a sword is at our throats.”

At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem, “A searing wind from the barren heights in the desert blows toward the daughter of My people, but not to winnow or to sift;

a wind too strong for that comes from Me. Now I also pronounce judgments against them.”

Behold, he advances like the clouds,

his chariots like the whirlwind.

His horses are swifter than eagles.

Woe to us, for we are ruined!

Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem,

so that you may be saved.

How long will you harbor

wicked thoughts within you?

For a voice resounds from Dan,

proclaiming disaster from the hills of Ephraim.

Warn the nations now!

Proclaim to Jerusalem:

“A besieging army comes from a distant land;

they raise their voices against the cities of Judah.

They surround her like men guarding a field,

because she has rebelled against Me,” declares the LORD.

“Your ways and deeds

have brought this upon you.

This is your punishment; how bitter it is,

because it pierces to the heart!”

My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain!

Oh, the pain in my chest!

My heart pounds within me;

I cannot be silent.

For I have heard the sound of the horn,

the alarm of battle.

Disaster after disaster is proclaimed,

for the whole land is laid waste.

My tents are destroyed in an instant,

my curtains in a moment.

How long must I see the signal flag

and hear the sound of the horn?

“For My people are fools;

they have not known Me.

They are foolish children,

without understanding.

They are skilled in doing evil,

but they know not how to do good.”

I looked at the earth,

and it was formless and void;

I looked to the heavens,

and they had no light.

I looked at the mountains,

and behold, they were quaking;

all the hills were swaying.

I looked, and no man was left;

all the birds of the air had fled.

I looked, and the fruitful land was a desert.

All its cities were torn down

before the LORD,

before His fierce anger.

For this is what the LORD says:

“The whole land will be desolate,

but I will not finish its destruction.

Therefore the earth will mourn

and the heavens above will grow dark.

I have spoken, I have planned,

and I will not relent or turn back.”

Every city flees

at the sound of the horseman and archer.

They enter the thickets

and climb among the rocks.

Every city is abandoned;

no inhabitant is left.

And you, O devastated one, what will you do,

though you dress yourself in scarlet,

though you adorn yourself with gold jewelry,

though you enlarge your eyes with paint?

You adorn yourself in vain; your lovers despise you;

they want to take your life.

For I hear a cry like a woman in labor,

a cry of anguish like one bearing her first child—

the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath,

stretching out her hands to say,

“Woe is me,

for my soul faints before the murderers!”

Jeremiah 5

“Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem.

Look now and take note; search her squares.

If you can find a single person,

anyone who acts justly,

anyone who seeks the truth,

then I will forgive the city.

Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’

they are swearing falsely.”

O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth?

You struck them, but they felt no pain.

You finished them off,

but they refused to accept discipline.

They have made their faces harder than stone

and refused to repent.

Then I said, “They are only the poor;

they have played the fool,

for they do not know the way of the LORD,

the justice of their God.

I will go to the powerful

and speak to them.

Surely they know the way of the LORD,

the justice of their God.”

But they too, with one accord, had broken the yoke

and torn off the chains.

Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down,

a wolf from the desert will ravage them.

A leopard will lie in wait near their cities,

and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces.

For their rebellious acts are many,

and their unfaithful deeds are numerous.

“Why should I forgive you?

Your children have forsaken Me

and sworn by gods that are not gods.

I satisfied their needs, yet they committed adultery

and assembled at the houses of prostitutes.

They are well-fed, lusty stallions,

each neighing after his neighbor’s wife.

Should I not punish them for these things?”

declares the LORD.

“Should I not avenge Myself

on such a nation as this?

Go up through her vineyards and ravage them,

but do not finish them off.

Strip off her branches,

for they do not belong to the LORD.

For the house of Israel and the house of Judah

have been utterly unfaithful to Me,”

declares the LORD.

They have lied about the LORD and said:

“He will not do anything; harm will not come to us;

we will not see sword or famine.

The prophets are but wind,

for the word is not in them.

So let their own predictions befall them.”

Therefore this is what the LORD God of Hosts says:

“Because you have spoken this word,

I will make My words a fire in your mouth

and this people the wood it consumes.

Behold, I am bringing a distant nation against you,

O house of Israel,” declares the LORD.

“It is an established nation,

an ancient nation,

a nation whose language you do not know

and whose speech you do not understand.

Their quivers are like open graves;

they are all mighty men.

They will devour your harvest and food;

they will consume your sons and daughters;

they will eat up your flocks and herds;

they will feed on your vines and fig trees.

With the sword they will destroy

the fortified cities in which you trust.”

“Yet even in those days,” declares the LORD, “I will not make a full end of you.

And when the people ask, ‘For what offense has the LORD our God done all these things to us?’ You are to tell them, ‘Just as you have forsaken Me and served foreign gods in your land, so will you serve foreigners in a land that is not your own.’ ”

Declare this in the house of Jacob and proclaim it in Judah:

“Hear this,

O foolish and senseless people,

who have eyes but do not see,

who have ears but do not hear.

Do you not fear Me?”

declares the LORD.

“Do you not tremble before Me,

the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea,

an enduring barrier it cannot cross?

The waves surge, but they cannot prevail.

They roar but cannot cross it.

But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts.

They have turned aside and gone away.

They have not said in their hearts,

‘Let us fear the LORD our God,

who gives the rains, both autumn and spring, in season,

who keeps for us the appointed weeks of harvest.’

Your iniquities have diverted these from you;

your sins have deprived you of My bounty.

For among My people are wicked men;

they watch like fowlers lying in wait;

they set a trap to catch men.

Like cages full of birds,

so their houses are full of deceit.

Therefore they have become powerful and rich.

They have grown fat and sleek,

and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked.

They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless,

that they might prosper;

nor have they defended

the rights of the needy.

Should I not punish them for these things?”

declares the LORD.

“Should I not avenge Myself

on such a nation as this?

A horrible and shocking thing

has happened in the land.

The prophets prophesy falsely,

and the priests rule by their own authority.

My people love it so,

but what will you do in the end?

Jeremiah 6

“Run for cover, O sons of Benjamin;

flee from Jerusalem!

Sound the ram’s horn in Tekoa;

send up a signal over Beth-haccherem,

for disaster looms from the north,

even great destruction.

Though she is beautiful and delicate,

I will destroy the Daughter of Zion.

Shepherds and their flocks

will come against her;

they will pitch their tents all around her,

each tending his own portion:

‘Prepare for battle against her;

rise up, let us attack at noon.

Woe to us, for the daylight is fading;

the evening shadows grow long.

Rise up, let us attack by night

and destroy her fortresses!’ ”

For this is what the LORD of Hosts says:

“Cut down the trees

and raise a siege ramp against Jerusalem.

This city must be punished;

there is nothing but oppression in her midst.

As a well gushes its water,

so she pours out her evil.

Violence and destruction resound in her;

sickness and wounds are ever before Me.

Be forewarned, O Jerusalem,

or I will turn away from you;

I will make you a desolation,

a land without inhabitant.”

This is what the LORD of Hosts says:

“Glean the remnant of Israel

as thoroughly as a vine.

Pass your hand once more like a grape gatherer

over the branches.”

To whom can I give this warning?

Who will listen to me?

Look, their ears are closed,

so they cannot hear.

See, the word of the LORD has become offensive to them;

they find no pleasure in it.

But I am full of the LORD’s wrath;

I am tired of holding it back.

“Pour it out on the children in the street,

and on the young men gathered together.

For both husband and wife will be captured,

the old and the very old alike.

Their houses will be turned over to others,

their fields and wives as well,

for I will stretch out My hand

against the inhabitants of the land,”

declares the LORD.

“For from the least of them to the greatest,

all are greedy for gain;

from prophet to priest,

all practice deceit.

They dress the wound of My people

with very little care,

saying, ‘Peace, peace,’

when there is no peace at all.

Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed?

No, they have no shame at all;

they do not even know how to blush.

So they will fall among the fallen;

when I punish them, they will collapse,”

says the LORD.

This is what the LORD says:

“Stand at the crossroads and look.

Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’

Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’

I appointed watchmen over you and said,

‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’

But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’

Therefore hear, O nations,

and learn, O congregations,

what will happen to them.

Hear, O earth! I am bringing disaster on this people,

the fruit of their own schemes,

because they have paid no attention to My word

and have rejected My instruction.

What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba

or sweet cane from a distant land?

Your burnt offerings are not acceptable;

your sacrifices do not please Me.”

Therefore this is what the LORD says:

“I will lay stumbling blocks before this people;

fathers and sons alike will be staggered;

friends and neighbors will perish.”

This is what the LORD says:

“Behold, an army is coming

from the land of the north;

a great nation is stirred up

from the ends of the earth.

They grasp the bow and spear;

they are cruel and merciless.

Their voice roars like the sea,

and they ride upon horses,

lined up like men in formation

against you, O Daughter of Zion.”

We have heard the report;

our hands hang limp.

Anguish has gripped us,

pain like that of a woman in labor.

Do not go out to the fields;

do not walk the road.

For the enemy has a sword;

terror is on every side.

O daughter of my people,

dress yourselves in sackcloth and roll in ashes.

Mourn with bitter wailing,

as you would for an only son,

for suddenly the destroyer

will come upon us.

“I have appointed you to examine My people like ore,

so you may know and try their ways.

All are hardened rebels,

walking around as slanderers.

They are bronze and iron;

all of them are corrupt.

The bellows blow fiercely,

blasting away the lead with fire.

The refining proceeds in vain,

for the wicked are not purged.

They are called rejected silver,

because the LORD has rejected them.”

18 For, in the first place, when you come together [a]as a church, I hear that [b]divisions exist among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become [c]evident among you. 20 Therefore when you meet together in the same place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper, 21 for in your eating each one takes his own supper first, and one is hungry and another is drunk.22 For do you not have houses in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? In this I will not praise you.

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was being betrayed took bread, 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.”25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until He comes.

27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a man must test himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly.30 For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number [d]sleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you will not come together for judgment. The remaining matters I will direct when I come. - (1st Corinthians 11:18-34 LSB)

Part 3 of our series on the doctrine of repentance. Again we are borrowing from the Puritan Thomas Watson’s book The Doctrine of Repentance. This week we are going over the topic of confession of sin.

If you would like to read the source material you can find a free copy of the book here:

https://www.onthewing.org/user/Watson%20-%20Repentance%20-%20Modern.pdf

Today we get to read all of 2 Timothy, as well as a bit more Hebrew wisdom. Lots of good things here to integrate and reinforce in what we already know:

2 Timothy 1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,

To Timothy, my beloved child:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did my forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers.

Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.

He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.

And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel,

to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.

For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.

Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

You know that everyone in the Province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains.

Indeed, when he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently until he found me.

May the Lord grant Onesiphorus His mercy on that day. You know very well how much he ministered to me in Ephesus.

2 Timothy 2

You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.

Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.

Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops.

Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel,

for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!

For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

This is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with Him,

we will also live with Him;

if we endure,

we will also reign with Him;

if we deny Him,

He will also deny us;

if we are faithless,

He remains faithful,

for He cannot deny Himself.

Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.

Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.

But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some.

Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”

A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use.

So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.

Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.

And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.

He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.

Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.

2 Timothy 3

But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,

unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!

They are the kind who worm their way into households and captivate vulnerable women who are weighed down with sins and led astray by various passions,

who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith.

But they will not advance much further. For just like Jannes and Jambres, their folly will be plain to everyone.

You, however, have observed my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my perseverance,

my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.

Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them.

From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 4

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom:

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.

So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

Make every effort to come to me quickly, because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry. Tychicus, however, I have sent to Ephesus.

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.

At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.

And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, as well as the household of Onesiphorus.

Erastus has remained at Corinth, and Trophimus I left sick in Miletus.

Make every effort to come to me before winter.

Eubulus sends you greetings, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.

Psalm 48

Great is the LORD,

and greatly to be praised

in the city of our God,

His holy mountain.

Beautiful in loftiness,

the joy of all the earth,

like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion,

the city of the great King.

God is in her citadels;

He has shown Himself to be a fortress.

For behold, the kings assembled;

they all advanced together.

They saw and were astounded;

they fled in terror.

Trembling seized them there,

anguish like a woman in labor.

With a wind from the east

You wrecked the ships of Tarshish.

As we have heard, so we have seen

in the city of the LORD of Hosts,

in the city of our God:

God will establish her forever.

Selah

Within Your temple, O God,

we contemplate Your loving devotion.

Your name, O God, like Your praise,

reaches to the ends of the earth;

Your right hand is full of righteousness.

Mount Zion is glad,

the daughters of Judah rejoice,

on account of Your judgments.

March around Zion, encircle her,

count her towers,

consider her ramparts, tour her citadels,

that you may tell the next generation.

For this God is our God forever and ever;

He will be our guide even till death.

Proverbs 22

A good name is more desirable than great riches;

favor is better than silver and gold.

The rich and the poor have this in common:

The LORD is Maker of them all.

The prudent see danger and take cover,

but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.

The rewards of humility and the fear of the LORD

are wealth and honor and life.

Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse;

he who guards his soul stays far from them.

Train up a child in the way he should go,

and when he is old he will not depart from it.

The rich rule over the poor,

and the borrower is slave to the lender.

He who sows injustice will reap disaster,

and the rod of his fury will be destroyed.

A generous man will be blessed,

for he shares his bread with the poor.

Drive out the mocker, and conflict will depart;

even quarreling and insults will cease.

He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips

will have the king for a friend.

The LORD’s eyes keep watch over knowledge,

but He frustrates the words of the faithless.

The slacker says, “There is a lion outside!

I will be slain in the streets!”

The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit;

he who is under the wrath of the LORD will fall into it.

Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child,

but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich

will surely lead to poverty.

Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise—

apply your mind to my knowledge—

for it is pleasing when you keep them within you

and they are constantly on your lips.

So that your trust may be in the LORD,

I instruct you today—yes, you.

Have I not written for you thirty sayings

about counsel and knowledge,

to show you true and reliable words,

that you may soundly answer those who sent you?

Do not rob a poor man because he is poor,

and do not crush the afflicted at the gate,

for the LORD will take up their case

and will plunder those who rob them.

Do not make friends with an angry man,

and do not associate with a hot-tempered man,

or you may learn his ways

and entangle yourself in a snare.

Do not be one who gives pledges,

who puts up security for debts.

If you have nothing with which to pay,

why should your bed be taken from under you?

Do not move an ancient boundary stone

which your fathers have placed.

Do you see a man skilled in his work?

He will be stationed in the presence of kings;

he will not stand before obscure men.

Today we consult scriptures from books we have already consulted. Romans and Ephesians speak to the enmity between our flesh and our spirits. The Psalter touches on many themes needed for walking rightly with God.

Psalm 64

Hear, O God, my voice of complaint;

preserve my life from dread of the enemy.

Hide me from the scheming of the wicked,

from the mob of workers of iniquity,

who sharpen their tongues like swords

and aim their bitter words like arrows,

ambushing the innocent in seclusion,

shooting suddenly, without fear.

They hold fast to their evil purpose;

they speak of hiding their snares.

“Who will see them?” they say.

They devise injustice and say,

“We have perfected a secret plan.”

For the inner man and the heart are mysterious.

But God will shoot them with arrows;

suddenly they will be wounded.

They will be made to stumble,

their own tongues turned against them.

All who see will shake their heads.

Then all mankind will fear

and proclaim the work of God;

so they will ponder what He has done.

Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD

and take refuge in Him;

let all the upright in heart exult.

Psalm 88

O LORD, the God of my salvation,

day and night I cry out before You.

May my prayer come before You;

incline Your ear to my cry.

For my soul is full of troubles,

and my life draws near to Sheol.

I am counted among those descending to the Pit.

I am like a man without strength.

I am forsaken among the dead,

like the slain who lie in the grave,

whom You remember no more,

who are cut off from Your care.

You have laid me in the lowest Pit,

in the darkest of the depths.

Your wrath weighs heavily upon me;

all Your waves have submerged me.

Selah

You have removed my friends from me;

You have made me repulsive to them;

I am confined and cannot escape.

My eyes grow dim with grief.

I call to You daily, O LORD;

I spread out my hands to You.

Do You work wonders for the dead?

Do departed spirits rise up to praise You?

Selah

Can Your loving devotion be proclaimed in the grave,

Your faithfulness in Abaddon ?

Will Your wonders be known in the darkness,

or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion?

But to You, O LORD, I cry for help;

in the morning my prayer comes before You.

Why, O LORD, do You reject me?

Why do You hide Your face from me?

From my youth I was afflicted and near death.

I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair.

Your wrath has swept over me;

Your terrors have destroyed me.

All day long they engulf me like water;

they enclose me on every side.

You have removed my beloved and my friend;

darkness is my closest companion.

Psalm 105

Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;

make known His deeds among the nations.

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;

tell of all His wonders.

Glory in His holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

Seek out the LORD and His strength;

seek His face always.

Remember the wonders He has done,

His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced,

O offspring of His servant Abraham,

O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones.

He is the LORD our God;

His judgments carry throughout the earth.

He remembers His covenant forever,

the word He ordained for a thousand generations—

the covenant He made with Abraham,

and the oath He swore to Isaac.

He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree,

to Israel as an everlasting covenant:

“I will give you the land of Canaan

as the portion of your inheritance.”

When they were few in number,

few indeed, and strangers in the land,

they wandered from nation to nation,

from one kingdom to another.

He let no man oppress them;

He rebuked kings on their behalf:

“Do not touch My anointed ones!

Do no harm to My prophets!”

He called down famine on the land

and cut off all their supplies of food.

He sent a man before them—

Joseph, sold as a slave.

They bruised his feet with shackles

and placed his neck in irons,

until his prediction came true

and the word of the LORD proved him right.

The king sent and released him;

the ruler of peoples set him free.

He made him master of his household,

ruler over all his substance,

to instruct his princes as he pleased

and teach his elders wisdom.

Then Israel entered Egypt;

Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham.

And the LORD made His people very fruitful,

more numerous than their foes,

whose hearts He turned to hate His people,

to conspire against His servants.

He sent Moses His servant,

and Aaron, whom He had chosen.

They performed His miraculous signs among them,

and wonders in the land of Ham.

He sent darkness, and it became dark—

yet they defied His words.

He turned their waters to blood

and caused their fish to die.

Their land teemed with frogs,

even in their royal chambers.

He spoke, and insects swarmed—

gnats throughout their country.

He gave them hail for rain,

with lightning throughout their land.

He struck their vines and fig trees

and shattered the trees of their country.

He spoke, and the locusts came—

young locusts without number.

They devoured every plant in their land

and consumed the produce of their soil.

Then He struck all the firstborn in their land,

the firstfruits of all their vigor.

He brought Israel out with silver and gold,

and none among His tribes stumbled.

Egypt was glad when they departed,

for the dread of Israel had fallen on them.

He spread a cloud as a covering

and a fire to light up the night.

They asked, and He brought quail

and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

He opened a rock, and water gushed out;

it flowed like a river in the desert.

For He remembered His holy promise

to Abraham His servant.

He brought forth His people with rejoicing,

His chosen with shouts of joy.

He gave them the lands of the nations,

that they might inherit the fruit of others’ labor,

that they might keep His statutes

and obey His laws.

Hallelujah!

Psalm 130

Out of the depths

I cry to You, O LORD!

O Lord, hear my voice;

let Your ears be attentive to my plea for mercy.

If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities,

then who, O Lord, could stand?

But with You there is forgiveness,

so that You may be feared.

I wait for the LORD; my soul does wait,

and in His word I put my hope.

My soul waits for the Lord

more than watchmen wait for the morning—

more than watchmen wait for the morning.

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD,

for with the LORD is loving devotion,

and with Him is redemption in abundance.

And He will redeem Israel

from all iniquity.

Romans 8

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death.

For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,

so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God.

You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.

And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.

Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God.

For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope

that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.

Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.

And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?

Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For Your sake we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,

neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 2

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience.

All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath.

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.

Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)—

remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility

by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace

and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility.

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household,

built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.

Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, a spiritual son, with instructions as to how to properly order to church in Ephesus. Of course, there were many letters written by early Christians about proper relations in the Christian household and in the household of God (the church). The reason this is considered scripture is that, despite the fact that it is nested in a context that is almost 2,000 years old, it is still pertinent to us today.

In this era in which generations are largely separated from one another, how can and should the church model mutual honor and respect between people of different generations? In an era in which there is genuine confusion about differences and similarities between women and men, how do the scriptures speak about our mutual flourishing alongside one another? In an age in which we are seeing mass moral failure on the part of our clergy, what is the model to which we should all aspire when considering Christian leadership? All these things, and many other, gain clarity upon a mindful reading of this text…

1 Timothy 1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

To Timothy, my true child in the faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines

or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.

The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk.

They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.

Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately.

We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers,

for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching

that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service.

I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.

And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,

holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith.

Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 2

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time.

For this reason I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a faithful and true teacher of the Gentiles. I am telling the truth; I am not lying about anything.

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension.

Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,

but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.

A woman must learn in quietness and full submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet.

For Adam was formed first, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman who was deceived and fell into transgression.

Women, however, will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

1 Timothy 3

This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.

An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.

For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.

Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons.

In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things.

A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household.

For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things

in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great:

He appeared in the flesh,

was vindicated by the Spirit,

was seen by angels,

was proclaimed among the nations,

was believed in throughout the world,

was taken up in glory.

1 Timothy 4

Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,

influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.

They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith and sound instruction that you have followed.

But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.

For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.

This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.

To this end we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe.

Command and teach these things.

Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.

Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.

Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

1 Timothy 5

Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father.

Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

Honor the widows who are truly widows.

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers.

But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive.

Give these instructions to the believers, so that they will be above reproach.

If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, the wife of one man,

and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.

But refuse to enroll younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry,

and thus will incur judgment because they are setting aside their first faith.

At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.

So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander.

For some have already turned aside to follow Satan.

If any believing woman has dependent widows, she must assist them and not allow the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows who are truly in need.

Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.

I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.

Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

The sins of some men are obvious, going ahead of them to judgment; but the sins of others do not surface until later.

In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.

1 Timothy 6

All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited.

Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.

If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching,

he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,

and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.

Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it.

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.

Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate:

Keep this commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ,

which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time.

He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.

Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”

which some have professed and thus swerved away from the faith.

Grace be with you all.