Stubbornness, Consequences, and God's Faithful Restoration
Summary
### Summary
In today's message, we explored the consequences of stubbornness and disobedience through the lens of biblical history, particularly focusing on the fall of Jerusalem as narrated by the prophet Jeremiah. We began with an analogy of Napoleon's ill-fated invasion of Russia, highlighting the dangers of ignoring wise counsel. Similarly, the people of Jerusalem, led by their kings, repeatedly ignored prophetic warnings and continued in their sinful ways, leading to their eventual downfall and exile.
Jeremiah's account serves as a sobering reminder that God's patience has limits. Despite numerous warnings, the people of Jerusalem persisted in their disobedience, resulting in severe consequences. The siege of Jerusalem was a time of immense suffering, marked by starvation, lawlessness, and despair. This tragic event was a fulfillment of the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 for those who turn away from God.
However, amidst the suffering, there is a message of hope. The book of Lamentations, often seen as a sequel to Jeremiah, captures the deep sorrow and realization of the people as they come to terms with their own role in their suffering. Lady Jerusalem, personifying the city, acknowledges her rebellion and the righteousness of God's judgment. This moment of realization is crucial, as it opens the door for repentance and restoration.
We also discussed the importance of recognizing our own stubbornness and the role it plays in our hardships. Biblical figures like Samson, King Saul, and even King David serve as examples of how personal choices can lead to downfall. Yet, the message is not one of despair but of hope. God is faithful to restore those who turn to Him in prayer and wait patiently for His deliverance.
In the midst of our suffering, we are reminded of God's unfailing love and compassion. The famous verses from Lamentations 3:22-23, "The Lord's loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness," serve as a beacon of hope. Even when we face the consequences of our actions, God remains our portion and our hope.
Ultimately, the message is one of encouragement to trust in God's timing and to submit to His discipline, knowing that He is a good Father who desires our ultimate good. By yoking ourselves with Jesus, we can learn and grow through our trials, emerging stronger and more aligned with God's will.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Consequences of Stubbornness: Ignoring wise counsel and persisting in disobedience can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the fall of Jerusalem. Stubbornness blinds us to the warnings and guidance that could save us from hardship. Recognizing and addressing our stubbornness is crucial for spiritual growth and avoiding unnecessary suffering. [01:19]
2. Acknowledging Our Role in Suffering: Like Lady Jerusalem, we must come to a point of realizing our own role in our suffering. This acknowledgment is the first step towards repentance and restoration. It is essential to understand that while external factors contribute to our pain, our choices often play a significant role. [14:00]
3. God's Faithfulness in Judgment and Restoration: God is faithful to His word, both in judgment and in restoration. While He allows us to face the consequences of our actions, He also promises to restore those who turn to Him in prayer and wait patiently. This duality of God's nature as both just and merciful is a cornerstone of our faith. [19:22]
4. The Importance of Waiting on God: Waiting on God is a spiritual discipline that refines our motives and deepens our trust in Him. It teaches us to be still and listen for His voice, trusting that He will act in His perfect timing. This waiting period is not passive but active, filled with prayer and expectation. [26:48]
5. God's Unfailing Love and Compassion: Even in the midst of our deepest suffering, God's love and compassion never fail. The verses from Lamentations remind us that His mercies are new every morning, and He remains our portion and hope. This assurance allows us to face our trials with confidence, knowing that God is with us and will ultimately bring good out of our pain. [23:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:19] - The Consequences of Stubbornness
[02:25] - The Siege of Jerusalem
[03:42] - The Deuteronomy 28 Promise
[04:50] - The Curses for Disobedience
[06:15] - Realizing Our Role in Suffering
[07:28] - Biblical Examples of Stubbornness
[08:39] - The Depths of Despair
[09:57] - Feeling Low and Isolated
[11:15] - The Good News in Lamentations
[12:37] - Lady Jerusalem's Realization
[14:00] - Acknowledging Our Rebellion
[15:23] - Definitions of Stubbornness
[16:39] - The Role of Friends in Suffering
[18:01] - God's Justice and Mercy
[19:22] - The Discipline of God
[20:26] - Personal Testimony of Suffering
[21:37] - The Call to Prayer
[22:41] - Praying Through the Pain
[23:59] - The Bullseye of Lamentations
[25:25] - The Lord is Our Portion
[26:48] - The Discipline of Waiting
[28:08] - Bearing the Yoke with Jesus
[29:26] - Learning from Hardship
[30:51] - Personal Responsibility
[32:06] - The Spiritual Discipline of Optimism
[33:20] - Trusting God Through Trials
[34:48] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 52:2-3: "Zedekiah did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as Jehoiakim had done. It was because of the Lord's anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end, he thrust them from his presence."
2. Lamentations 3:22-23: "The Lord's loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
3. Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 15: "If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God... However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you."
### Observation Questions
1. What were the consequences of Zedekiah's actions as described in Jeremiah 52:2-3? ([01:19])
2. According to Lamentations 3:22-23, what are the characteristics of God's love and compassion? ([23:59])
3. What are some of the blessings and curses mentioned in Deuteronomy 28 for obedience and disobedience? ([03:42])
4. How did Lady Jerusalem come to realize her role in her suffering according to the sermon? ([14:00])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Zedekiah and the fall of Jerusalem illustrate the consequences of stubbornness and disobedience? ([01:19])
2. In what ways does Lamentations 3:22-23 provide hope amidst suffering? How can this be applied to personal hardships? ([23:59])
3. What does the duality of blessings and curses in Deuteronomy 28 teach us about God's expectations and the importance of obedience? ([03:42])
4. How can recognizing our own role in our suffering, as Lady Jerusalem did, lead to repentance and restoration? ([14:00])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you ignored wise counsel. What were the consequences, and how did you eventually address the situation? ([01:19])
2. How can you actively remind yourself of God's unfailing love and compassion during times of personal suffering? ([23:59])
3. Are there areas in your life where you might be stubbornly resisting God's will? How can you begin to address this resistance? ([15:23])
4. What steps can you take to acknowledge your role in any current hardships you are facing? How can this acknowledgment lead to positive change? ([14:00])
5. How can you practice waiting on God in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to cultivate patience and trust in His timing? ([26:48])
6. Think of a recent trial you have faced. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to align more closely with God's will? ([28:08])
7. Identify one area of your life where you need to submit to God's discipline. What practical steps can you take to yoke yourself with Jesus and learn from this experience? ([29:26])
Devotional
Day 1: The Dangers of Ignoring Wise Counsel
Ignoring wise counsel and persisting in disobedience can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the fall of Jerusalem. Stubbornness blinds us to the warnings and guidance that could save us from hardship. Recognizing and addressing our stubbornness is crucial for spiritual growth and avoiding unnecessary suffering. The people of Jerusalem, led by their kings, repeatedly ignored prophetic warnings and continued in their sinful ways, leading to their eventual downfall and exile. This serves as a sobering reminder that God's patience has limits. Despite numerous warnings, the people of Jerusalem persisted in their disobedience, resulting in severe consequences. The siege of Jerusalem was a time of immense suffering, marked by starvation, lawlessness, and despair. This tragic event was a fulfillment of the curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 for those who turn away from God. [01:19]
Proverbs 1:24-26 (ESV): "Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you ignored wise counsel. How did it affect you, and what steps can you take to be more receptive to guidance in the future?
Day 2: Realizing Our Role in Our Suffering
Like Lady Jerusalem, we must come to a point of realizing our own role in our suffering. This acknowledgment is the first step towards repentance and restoration. It is essential to understand that while external factors contribute to our pain, our choices often play a significant role. The book of Lamentations captures the deep sorrow and realization of the people as they come to terms with their own role in their suffering. Lady Jerusalem, personifying the city, acknowledges her rebellion and the righteousness of God's judgment. This moment of realization is crucial, as it opens the door for repentance and restoration. [14:00]
Lamentations 1:18 (ESV): "The Lord is in the right, for I have rebelled against his word; but hear, all you peoples, and see my suffering; my young women and my young men have gone into captivity."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced hardship. How did your own choices contribute to the situation, and what can you learn from it to avoid similar mistakes in the future?
Day 3: God's Faithfulness in Judgment and Restoration
God is faithful to His word, both in judgment and in restoration. While He allows us to face the consequences of our actions, He also promises to restore those who turn to Him in prayer and wait patiently. This duality of God's nature as both just and merciful is a cornerstone of our faith. The people of Jerusalem experienced immense suffering due to their disobedience, but God’s promise of restoration remained. This serves as a reminder that even in our darkest times, God’s faithfulness endures, and He is always ready to restore us when we turn back to Him. [19:22]
Jeremiah 30:17 (ESV): "For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to seek God's restoration? How can you actively turn to Him in prayer and wait for His deliverance?
Day 4: The Discipline of Waiting on God
Waiting on God is a spiritual discipline that refines our motives and deepens our trust in Him. It teaches us to be still and listen for His voice, trusting that He will act in His perfect timing. This waiting period is not passive but active, filled with prayer and expectation. The people of Jerusalem had to endure a period of waiting and suffering, but it was during this time that they learned to trust in God’s faithfulness and timing. This discipline helps us grow spiritually and align our hearts with God’s will. [26:48]
Psalm 27:14 (ESV): "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to wait on God? How can you practice active waiting through prayer and trust in His timing?
Day 5: God's Unfailing Love and Compassion
Even in the midst of our deepest suffering, God's love and compassion never fail. The verses from Lamentations remind us that His mercies are new every morning, and He remains our portion and hope. This assurance allows us to face our trials with confidence, knowing that God is with us and will ultimately bring good out of our pain. The people of Jerusalem, despite their suffering, found hope in God’s unfailing love and compassion. This serves as a beacon of hope for us, reminding us that God’s love is constant and His mercies are renewed each day. [23:59]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's unfailing love and compassion each day? What practical steps can you take to focus on His mercies, especially during difficult times?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Amidst tremendous suffering, take heart, because the God that is faithful to judge his people will also ultimately restore those who pray and wait. Take heart, because God will ultimately restore those who pray and wait." [11:15] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Lord's loving kindnesses indeed never cease. His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says the Lord. Therefore, I will have hope. I will have hope in him." [23:59] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Lord is good, verse 25, to those who wait for him, to the person who seeks him. It is good that he waits silently for the Lord. This waiting thing, man, this waiting thing is hard, but waiting has a tremendous effect on our motives." [25:25] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We all experience loss and failure. Sometimes it's because we're stubborn and we know it. Other times it's because we're stubborn and we don't know it. But for those who will be patient and wait and pray and let their heart break and cry out like lady Jerusalem and say, God, now's the time." [32:06] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Believe that God is good. And the same God that promised that if I strayed, he would bring appropriate, loving, fatherly discipline. He's the same God. If I can trust him for the bad, I can trust him for the good. Are we hearing this today? The final word over your life has not been spoken, at least not in your head. It's up to Jesus." [33:20] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Sometimes we're a little bit blind and clueless to how we are participating in our own pain. And that's what I want to talk to you about today. I want to talk to you about how God is faithful to restore, even in the midst of our pain, even when we're blind. When we're broken, when we're at the bottom." [07:28] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's the realization that she has caused her own pain and it is blowing her mind. And she's realizing it was because I was stubborn. God kept telling us, he kept warning us, and yet I was stubborn." [14:00] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Stubbornness is proud and disobedient resistance to God's will and rejection of his commands. It's being tenaciously unwilling to yield. It's resolute adherence to your own ideas. It's the desire to disregard the overwhelming evidence against you. It's your way or no way." [15:23] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The one thing more frightening than the discipline of God is who you would be without it. See, God sees what's coming. God knows every one of our futures, every potentiality. And he says, I love them so much. I'm going to give them a little bit of pressure. You're going to feel a little bit of pressure. God's going to give you a little bit of pressure you're going to feel it, but it's going to cause you to stop and think and reconsider and reconsider that stubbornness." [19:22] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We all experience loss and failure. Sometimes it's because we're stubborn and we know it. Other times it's because we're stubborn and we don't know it. But for those who will be patient and wait and pray and let their heart break and cry out like lady Jerusalem and say, God, now's the time. Okay. I'm grieving here. My grief is real. And these circumstances are real, but they're not the final word over my life. This is not the last chapter." [32:06] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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