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Why do we sit still?

Explore the message from Jeremiah 8:14 urging repentance and action. Discover reasons why some remain inactive and why it's essential to stay engaged in God's work.

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Why do we sit still?

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  1. Why do we sit still? Jeremiah 8:14

  2. The Context • Jeremiah was written as Judah faced destruction and captivity • Their judgment was the result of idolatry, immorality, corruption, ungodliness and apathy • Jeremiah exposes their arrogance and false hopes • He calls one last time for them to repent – which they ignore again

  3. The Context • Jeremiah 8:4-17, finds the people thinking God would deliver them again. • But they are perpetually backsliding (vs. 5) • Corruption from top to bottom • Prophets and priests lie (8-9, 11) • They were not ashamed (12) • Therefore, total consumption is coming (13)

  4. The Context • Jeremiah 8:14, “Why do we sit still? Assemble yourselves, And let us enter the fortified cities, And let us be silent there. For the Lord our God has put us to silence And given us water of gall to drink, Because we have sinned against the Lord.” • A call to repentance. Don’t sit there and do nothing!

  5. Why do we sit still? Jeremiah 8:14

  6. Why do some sit still • Because they don’t care – • Many realize there are problems, even within the church, but they are indifferent • Some are concerned, but not enough to do somethingMatthew 13:15, they close their eyes and stop their ears • WE have to care!

  7. Why do some sit still • Because they are waiting for directions – • Can be legitimate, but many are not self-starters • Matthew 20:1-16, parable of laborers, idle throughout the day • Matthew 25:24-26, the one talent servant • Leaders DO have responsibilities to give directions, but that is no excuse for idleness If you see something that needs to be done, DO IT, rather than complain and criticize

  8. Why do some sit still • Because they think they have done enough • Maybe you have done more than your share (because others are sitting still) • Galatians 6:5, we all have a personal load to carry • Many are tried and think they can stop. • Rest yes, but keep going – Hebrews 10:38-39

  9. Why do some sit still • Because they are discouraged • Failures and set backs cause many to stop. • Discouragement may be legitimate, but it is no excuse to do nothing • Philippians 3:13-14, forget what is behind and press on. • Actually, the answer to discouragement is to get up and do something productive

  10. Why do some sit still • Because they are afraid • Fear often paralyzes • Many fear failure, rejection or mistakes and thus they do nothing • 1 John 4:18, perfect love casts out fear • Matthew 10:28, what should we fear? “Nothing in life is to be feared, only understood” Marie Curie

  11. A time to sit still • To rest • Rest is good. We need rest on a daily basis – several hours of sleep, etc. • John 4:6, Jesus rested at the well • Mark 6:31, He told His disciples to rest for awhile

  12. A time to sit still • To pray to God • Mark 1:35, Jesus found a solitary place to pray • Matthew 6:6, go into your closet • Prayer is crucial to spiritual growth. Stop and pray

  13. A time to sit still • To study God’s word • Philippians 4:8, meditate (think- KJV, dwell – NASB) • Psalm 119:14-15, 97, 1:2 O how I love Your law • 1 Timothy 4:13-16 – Timothy was told to mediate • We need to find time for PERSONAL study, in addition to everything else.

  14. A time to sit still • To plan what to do next • God planned • Proverbs 21:5, The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. • Luke 14:28-30, counting the cost involves planning • Good planning involves stopping and thinking

  15. A time to sit still • To weep or mourn • Mourning often involves pausing and considering – both physical and spiritual • Matthew 5:3-4, Blessed are those who mourn… • Mark 6:31, this occurred after John was beheaded.

  16. A time to sit still • To examine yourself • 2 Corinthians 13:5, Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves… • Effective examination requires quiet and serious reflection

  17. A time to sit still • Yes, there is a time to sit still, BUT we must get back to work!

  18. Why should I NOT sit still? • Because there is work to be done • 1 Corinthians 15:58 – always abounding in the work of the Lord • John 9:4, Jesus worked while it is day. John 4:34 – His food – to do the will of the Father and to finish the work • There is always something to be done. To put off usually only builds up the list of tasks. This is NOT God’s desire!

  19. Why should I NOT sit still? • God condemns laziness • Matthew 25:26, the one talent servant • Hebrews 6:11-12, do not be sluggish • 2 Thessalonians 3:6-11, withdraw from those walking disorderly…not working, etc.

  20. Why should I NOT sit still? • Because Satan is working • He is always working. He doesn’t take a day off • 2 Corinthians 2:11, 11:3, do not let him take advantage of you • 1 Peter 5:8, be sober and watch. He walks about like a roaring lion…

  21. Why should I NOT sit still? • Because souls are lost • A reality we must always consider • 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 • When we have open doors, we need to walk through – 1 Corinthians 16:9, 2 Corinthians 2:12, Colossians 4:3, etc. • Open doors typically mean we have limited opportunity. Are we looking?

  22. Why should I NOT sit still? • Because others need our help • Brethren, neighbors, even the world. • Galatians 6:10 • James 1:27 • 1 Thessalonians 5:14, warn, comfort, uphold and be patient • We are here for others! Philippians 2:3-4

  23. Why should I NOT sit still? • When we are still, we are not moving forward • We are expected to be growing, maturing, pressing on, increasing, abounding, running to win, etc. • Philippians 3:13-14, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 9:24-27 • Let us go on to perfection – Hebrews 6:1, James 1:4 – be perfect and complete lacking nothing

  24. Are you standing still? 2 Corinthians 6:2 – NOW!

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