The Way of Man Is Not in Himself
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
12/27/2015 PM
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Text:
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Jeremiah 10:23
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Psalters: |
161, 188, 274, 100 |
- The setting.
- Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah during the reign of Jehoiachin, taking him and all the nobles to Babylon (II Kings 24:15,16)
- Nebuchadnezzar then made Zedekiah (the third son of Josiah to be king) and he reigned for 11 years (II Chron. 36:11).
- Zedekiah broke his oath of allegiance and rebelled, which occasioned Nebuchadnezzar to come against Judah again.
- The meaning.
- Jeremiah declares that the way of all men is not in himself.
- Man is active (“walketh”), but his “way is not in himself.”
- We “walk” which supposes life and strength.
- Weak and sinful man does not have the ability to direct absolutely his way, cannot foresee every circumstance.
- So Jeremiah is denying that the issue is in our own hands or at our own will.
- Implication: man’s authority and power are all under and controlled by the authority and power of the Supreme Sovereign.
- All men, good or evil, are only carrying out the will of God, and His purposes for Zedekiah and for Nebuchadnezzar.
- Nebuchadnezzar is only doing God’s will in chastising Judah for their idolatry and rebellions against Jehovah.
- Therefore in our walking we must be mindful of Him Who directs our steps.
- Applied spiritually, man’s way is always to sin, and thus the only way of salvation is not of man either.
- God declares that any salvation (of the physical city or of souls) is only of the Lord.
- Further, man can take no step correctly without Christ, for without Me ye can do no good (John 15:5).
- Learn what three things to avoid.
- Find much comfort in this truth.