Spiritual Maturity #16

Last lesson we saw the sin and rebellion of God’s people Israel. Digression from spiritual maturity to spiritual rebellion so deep that God disfellowshipped them and sent them into captivity.
1. Despite their spiritual infidelity God still loves and seeks their return and restoration. God had covered them up with love and blessings beyond comprehension. And they acted as if God did not exist. As if they have no feelings for God what-so-ever.
a. Now, how does something like that happen? Doesn’t Seem Possible. Yet we know it does happen. The question is: How does it happen? It does not happen overnight. Process that occurs so subtly and gradually you don’t know it is happening until it’s to late.
(A) The process is seen in Jer. 2: 5, 7, “Thus says the LORD: "What injustice have your
fathers found in Me, (Speaking to children about their fathers) that they (They being the
fathers) Should turn away from Me and followed idols,and become idolaters?” (Now He
speaks to the children and says in Vs. 7, ) “I brought you into a bountiful country, to eat its
fruit and its goodness. But when you entered, you defiled My land and made My heritage an
abomination.” (They had no reason to forsake me and neither do you).
(1) The Fathers were not allowed to enter the land because of their sin. God brought them
into the land and now they are no different than their fathers. The fathers lived sinful
lives and the children followed in their footsteps. Where did they learn to be sinful like
that? From their parents.
(a) It began in one generation and continued to grow worse in each subsequent
generation. Attitudes were learned, practiced and passed on from generation to
generation. Seeds were sown years before the harvest was reaped. And what
was the harvest they reaped?
(2) Jer. 2:11?13, “Does a nation change its gods, for that which are not gods? (A rhetorical question. Answer is no, not even the heathen nations do that!) But My people have changed their glory for what can not prosper them.......Vs.12, Be astonished, O heavens at this (Isn’t it an astonishing thing that people could be so stupid?) and be horribly afraid; be very desolate says the LORD, (Why be Horribly Afraid? Because God is coming in Judgment. Why?) Vs.13, “For My people have committed two evils: #1, they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and #2, they have made for themselves cisterns?? broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Forsook God and became their own Gods. Reward is desolation.
Paul describes the process in Rom. 1:18-23, Made Gods in their own image and things in world. Became their own. What was the harvest they reaped? Vs. 28-32. You have a generation totally Incapable of recognizing, loving and serving God. Completely lost.
Lesson is Clear. Allow weeds to go to seed, then blossom and go to seed again. And It never gets better. It can only get worse. No exceptions. God does not Lie, Gal. 5:9, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” A little bit of yeast invades and changes the entire loaf of bread. One sin, unconfronted, left to grow will soon infect, corrupt an entire congregation.
Lk. 11:23?26. You become clean by the blood of Christ and then allow sin to come back into your life. It will be stronger than ever before and you will become worse than you were before you became a Christian.
(c) 2 Thess. 2:10?12, talks about Christians who refuse to Live by God’s Word. Do you WANT to let Sin in your life. God will give you what you WANT. Give you a delusion so you will believe with all your heart that your sin is ok and you will die in your sin and when you do, you will be lost.

Remember God does not lie. He gives us fair warning. Gal. 6:7?8, clearly warns us.
Do not allow sin to get a foothold. Left unchecked it will grow like a weed and multiply. Seeds of spiritual treachery must not be allowed to be sown or they will germinate, mature. They must be plowed under.
(1) People who turn against God always begin with one small compromise. Tolerate on small sin . Fertilize that sin by excusing it and that sin will reseed itself and spread and become worse.
(a) Only one answer. Same answer given to rebellious Jews in Jer. 6:16; Isa. 1:18-20.
(1) The mouth of Jehovah God has spoken, Through His Son Jesus Who said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” For you to grow to spiritual maturity, you must believe that, obey that and you will be saved.
(2) Acts 20:32.

Spur - 01/05/03 am