Deep Living: Finding True Security in God

 

Summary

In the message from Jeremiah 49:7-8, the call to "dwell deep" serves as both a warning and an invitation. The inhabitants of Dedan, likely an Arabian tribe, are urged to retreat into the wilderness to escape impending destruction. This call is both sarcastic and instructive, highlighting the futility of relying on human pride and self-righteousness. The ancient city of Edom, despite its seemingly impregnable rock-hewn dwellings, stands as a testament to the inevitable downfall of those who trust in their own strength rather than in God.

The message extends beyond historical context, serving as a stern reminder to all who believe they can escape God's judgment. No matter how deep one may hide, God will find them. This is a call to abandon self-righteousness and hypocrisy, as these are as futile as trying to build a house on sand. True security and salvation come only through faith in Jesus Christ, the Rock of Ages.

For believers, the call to "dwell deep" is an invitation to deepen their faith and relationship with God. It is a call to move beyond superficial Christianity and to root oneself deeply in the truths of the Gospel. This involves a profound understanding of sin, a genuine trust in Christ, and a commitment to live a life that reflects His teachings. It is about being deeply rooted in the Word of God and living a life of sincere devotion and prayer.

The message also emphasizes the importance of separating from worldly influences and false teachings. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of trials and persecution. By dwelling deep in their relationship with God, they can withstand the challenges and temptations of the world.

Ultimately, the call to "dwell deep" is a call to live a life that glorifies God, to seek the depths of His love and grace, and to be a light in a world that desperately needs the truth of the Gospel.

Key Takeaways:

- The Futility of Human Pride: The inhabitants of Edom believed their rock-hewn city was impregnable, yet God’s judgment found them. This serves as a reminder that human pride and self-reliance are ultimately futile. True security is found only in God. [02:41]

- The Danger of Hypocrisy: Hypocrites, who maintain a facade of righteousness while indulging in secret sins, are warned of the inevitable exposure and judgment by God. True faith requires sincerity and integrity. [11:40]

- The Call to Deep Faith: Believers are encouraged to deepen their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Superficial faith will not withstand the trials of life, but a deep, genuine relationship with God will provide strength and peace. [22:44]

- Separation from Worldly Influences: Christians are called to separate themselves from false teachings and worldly habits. True discipleship involves living a life that is distinct from the world and aligned with God’s truth. [17:43]

- The Joy of Deep Living: Those who dwell deeply in their relationship with God experience greater joy and strength. Deep living involves sincere prayer, study of the Word, and a life of devotion that glorifies God. [43:10]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Edom's Warning
- [00:29] - Historical Context of Dedan
- [01:14] - The Call to Flee and Dwell Deep
- [02:10] - Sarcastic and Instructive Interpretation
- [03:24] - The Futility of Human Pride
- [04:09] - The Inevitability of God's Judgment
- [07:37] - The Danger of Self-Righteousness
- [11:40] - The Hypocrisy of Secret Sins
- [16:02] - The Call to Separate from Worldly Influences
- [20:26] - The Importance of Deep Faith
- [24:35] - The Joy of Deep Living
- [30:03] - The Necessity of a Strong Foundation
- [34:57] - Endurance Through Trials
- [43:10] - Conclusion and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Jeremiah 49:7-8

Observation Questions:
1. What does the phrase "dwell deep" mean in the context of Jeremiah 49:7-8, and how is it used both sarcastically and instructively? [02:10]
2. How does the sermon describe the inhabitants of Edom and their reliance on their rock-hewn city? What was the outcome of their pride? [03:24]
3. What are the consequences mentioned in the sermon for those who try to hide from God's judgment? [05:54]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the futility of self-righteousness and hypocrisy? [11:40]

Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that human pride and self-reliance are ultimately futile? How does this relate to the story of Edom? [03:24]
2. How does the sermon interpret the call to "dwell deep" as an invitation for believers to deepen their faith? What does this entail? [20:26]
3. What does the sermon say about the importance of separating from worldly influences and false teachings? How can this be practically applied in a believer's life? [17:43]
4. How does the sermon describe the joy and strength that come from dwelling deeply in a relationship with God? [43:10]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own strength or pride. How did that situation turn out, and what could you have done differently to rely on God instead? [03:24]
2. Are there areas in your life where you might be maintaining a facade of righteousness while indulging in secret sins? How can you address these areas with sincerity and integrity? [11:40]
3. What steps can you take to deepen your faith and trust in Jesus Christ this week? Consider specific actions such as prayer, Bible study, or fellowship with other believers. [22:44]
4. Identify any worldly influences or false teachings that you might be exposed to. How can you separate yourself from these and align more closely with God's truth? [17:43]
5. How can you cultivate a life of sincere devotion and prayer to experience the joy and strength that come from dwelling deeply in your relationship with God? [43:10]
6. Think of a specific trial or temptation you are currently facing. How can dwelling deeply in your faith help you withstand this challenge? [34:57]
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your faith is not superficial but deeply rooted in the truths of the Gospel? [20:26]

Devotional

Day 1: The Illusion of Self-Reliance
In the ancient city of Edom, the inhabitants believed their rock-hewn dwellings were impregnable, a symbol of human pride and self-reliance. However, despite their confidence in their own strength, they could not escape God's judgment. This serves as a powerful reminder that human pride and self-reliance are ultimately futile. True security is found only in God, who sees beyond our facades and knows the depths of our hearts. The call to "dwell deep" is a call to abandon the illusion of self-sufficiency and to place our trust in the Lord, who is our true refuge and strength. [02:41]

Jeremiah 17:5-6 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than trusting in God? How can you begin to shift your trust to Him today?


Day 2: The Peril of Hidden Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy is a dangerous trap, where individuals maintain a facade of righteousness while indulging in secret sins. This duplicity is not hidden from God, who will inevitably expose and judge it. True faith requires sincerity and integrity, a life that aligns with one's professed beliefs. The call to "dwell deep" is an invitation to examine our hearts, to root out hypocrisy, and to live authentically before God and others. It is a call to be genuine in our faith, allowing God's light to shine through our lives without pretense. [11:40]

Matthew 23:27-28 (ESV): "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are presenting a false front? What steps can you take to bring your inner life into alignment with your outward actions?


Day 3: The Depth of Genuine Faith
Superficial faith cannot withstand the trials of life, but a deep, genuine relationship with God provides strength and peace. Believers are encouraged to deepen their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, moving beyond a surface-level understanding of Christianity. This involves a profound understanding of sin, a genuine trust in Christ, and a commitment to live a life that reflects His teachings. By dwelling deep in their relationship with God, believers can find the strength to endure life's challenges and experience the peace that comes from a steadfast faith. [22:44]

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God this week? What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to strengthen your faith?


Day 4: The Call to Distinct Living
Christians are called to separate themselves from false teachings and worldly habits, living a life that is distinct from the world and aligned with God's truth. This involves a conscious decision to reject the influences that lead us away from God and to embrace a life of true discipleship. By dwelling deep in their relationship with God, believers can withstand the challenges and temptations of the world, standing firm in their faith even in the face of trials and persecution. [17:43]

2 Corinthians 6:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty."

Reflection: What worldly influences are you currently allowing into your life? How can you begin to separate yourself from these influences and align more closely with God's truth?


Day 5: The Joy of Deep Living
Those who dwell deeply in their relationship with God experience greater joy and strength. Deep living involves sincere prayer, study of the Word, and a life of devotion that glorifies God. It is about being deeply rooted in the truths of the Gospel and living a life that reflects His teachings. By seeking the depths of God's love and grace, believers can be a light in a world that desperately needs the truth of the Gospel. This deep living not only brings personal joy but also glorifies God and impacts the world around us. [43:10]

Psalm 1:2-3 (ESV): "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God that brings joy and strength to your life? What specific steps can you take to ensure that your life is a reflection of His love and grace?

Quotes


You think you never can be destroyed for your city is situated in a rocky defile where a handful of men can hold the pass you suppose that the mightiest armies will fail to conquer you and therefore you are very proud but your pride is vain thy terribleness hath deceived thee and the pride of thine heart. [00:02:28]

Thou mayest dwell Depot transgressor but God shall find thee out thou says how shall he reach me The Hand of Death has only to be stretched out and thou art his captive at once and a little thing will do it the wind has but to pass over thee and thou art gone. [00:04:09]

I would turn to them and say you think that you will save yourselves by your works ah labor mightily for hard must be your toil if you think to finish your righteousness of your own in the very fire must you labor you would make a dwelling for yourself as secure as The Rock of Ages. [00:07:42]

They maintain a creditable position in the church and yet indulge privately in evil habits this class is the great trial of the ministry and in every Church there are some of them they profess to love the Lord Jesus but they are traitors in the camp they are fair apples but rotten at the core. [00:11:40]

Your business your duty is to come out from among them be separate and touch not the unclean thing I often Marvel how some who really love the Lord and believe his truth can put up with the errors of the churches with which they are connected there are churches which preach doctrine that is far other than the gospel of Christ. [00:16:02]

Wherever you are dear friend though you must be in the world take care that you be not of it Come Ye out from among them be separate saith the Lord touch not the unclean thing and I will receive you and will be a father unto you and you shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty. [00:18:40]

My Earnest desire is that every saved Soul among you may dwell deep that is to say that none of you may be superficial Christians but that you may be deep Believers well-rooted plants of Grace thorough downright out and out Christians that you may not only dwell in the Rock of Ages but dwell deep in it. [00:20:26]

Lord give me deep repentance teach me to know my sin and all the evils which lurk in it make me to shudder at it and dread it as the burnt child dreads the fire do not dear friend be like those people who jauntily confess yes we are sinners but two merely intend thereby to chime in with a general form of speech. [00:21:39]

Oh to have Solid Faith the faith which will survive the removal of all things and outlive the general fire o Brethren and sisters ask the Lord to deepen your faith to confirm establish and perfect it and you who are now coming forward to confess your faith in Jesus if you have only a grain of mustard seed of faith it will save you. [00:22:44]

Dwell deep beloved those who dwell upon the preacher do not dwell deep but those who feed upon the master himself are strong and joyous those who live only upon outward ordinances and do not practice private devotion and are not abundantly with God in secret communion those do not dwell deep get to the roots of things. [00:28:00]

The nearer you get to the Sun the brighter you will be the nearer you live to Christ the more like him you will be dwell deep beloved beware of levity and godliness beware of superficiality beware of skimming seek to enjoy the Deep the Blessed the true reality the Lord grant it to you for his name's sake. [00:44:36]

I talked to you last night and the night before and you know I bathe you come to Christ just as you were and so I do now for saving work is coming and touching even the Hem of the redeemer's Garment if you have touched the Hem of His Garment do not be satisfied with that go on to know him more. [00:45:04]

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