Recap GOAC Sunday School 10.12.24

Jeremiah’s “Temple Sermon” – A Call to Heart-Level Reform

Scripture Reference(s)

– Jeremiah 7:1–11; 21–23

– Jeremiah 1:4–10; 3:15; 5:31

– Psalm 100:4

– Isaiah 1:17

– Joel 2:28; Acts 2

– Luke 6:41–46

– Matthew 23:27

– 1 Timothy 5:16

– 1 John 4:1–2; 4:13

Introduction

• Jeremiah, one of the five “Major Prophets” (longer books, not more important), ministers in the final decades of Judah.

• Book structure: chs. 1–29 = sermons; chs. 30–52 = experiences.

• “Temple Sermon” (Jer 7) is delivered at the gate of the Lord’s house during a season of flagrant idolatry cloaked in correct ritual.

• Theme of the lesson: God confronts empty worship but always offers a promise of hope to the repentant.

Key Points

1.Divine Initiative

– “The word that came…from the LORD” (7:1). God directs both messenger and message; Jeremiah merely carries what was put in his mouth (1:9).

2.Strategic Location

– Jeremiah stands “in the gate” (7:2) – the threshold where worshippers enter. Message meets people before ritual begins, stressing inner preparation.

3.Conditional Covenant (If / Then)

– “If you thoroughly amend your ways and your doings…then will I cause you to dwell in this place” (7:5–7).

– Required changes: execute just judgment, stop oppressing strangers, orphans, widows; cease shedding innocent blood; renounce idols.

4.Outward vs. Inward Religion

– Judah shouts “The temple of the LORD” (7:4) while stealing, murdering, and committing adultery (7:9).

– Jesus later exposes identical hypocrisy (Luke 6:41-46; Matt 23:27).

5.“Ways” & “Doings”

– Ways = intentions / lifestyle principles.

– Doings = concrete behaviours. God demands reform of both.

6.False Security & False Prophets

– People trust “lying words” (7:4, 8).

– Jeremiah 5:31: prophets prophesy falsely, priests rule by their own means, “and My people love to have it so.”

– Test every spirit (1 John 4:1–2); genuine prophecy produces holiness and confesses Christ.

7.Hope Still Offered

– Promise to “dwell in the land” (7:7) recalls Abrahamic covenant; God desires restoration, not destruction.

Theological / Exegetical Points

• Major / Minor prophet pattern (5–12) and 52 chapters of Jeremiah likened to 52 weeks – God “cuts up” revelation into digestible parts.

• Dual vocation (1:10): to uproot & tear down (judgment) and to build & plant (hope).

• Gate imagery: worshippers were expected to enter with thanksgiving (Ps 100:4); Judah instead drags in idolatry, turning the house into a “den of robbers” (7:11; echoed by Jesus in Matt 21:13).

Interaction & Group Responses

• Participants affirmed that messengers are gifts from God (Jer 3:15); therefore receive them with openness, joy, and discernment.

• Discussion on modern idolatry (social media, self-centred living) and its effect on Sunday worship.

• Analogy: an orchid that appears green on top yet its roots are dead – outward religiosity without inner life.

• Reminder: parents discipline for children’s good; likewise God disciplines to steer His people back to promise.

Practical Applications

• Examine heart before entering corporate worship; cultivate thanksgiving all week.

• Maintain daily prayer & Word intake to keep idolatry from taking root.

• Practise justice: actively support widows, orphans, immigrants (Isa 1:17; 1 Tim 5:16).

• Test teachings by Scripture and the Holy Spirit; reject anything that diminishes Christ or holiness.

• Share the “promise of hope” with seekers in 2025 and beyond – repentance opens the door to renewal.

Prayer / Intercession Items

– That our hearts remain tender, free of hypocrisy, quick to repent.

– For discernment to recognise and resist false teaching.

– Empowerment to serve the vulnerable with Christ-like compassion.

– Revival of genuine anointing in every gathering; worship that is a “sweet savour” to God.