TEXT: Jeremiah 17:5-10
READING: Psalm 92:1-15
SUBJ: The two extremes found among men as determined by the object of their trust, whether man or the Lord.
AIM: that we might be conscious of the condition of those without and that we might draw upon that provided as we are found trusting the Lord in all our ways.
INTR: This passage is certainly worthy of our attention in that it offers one of the strongest proof texts of human depravity. For this reason, many might avoid it.
1. The context in which it is set is quite informative and at the same time encouraging to the hearts of those found trusting in the Lord. The aforementioned matter of depravity encourages trust in the Lord.
2. It is to be feared that we often fail to realize the resource provided us in the gift of eternal life and therefore do not draw upon it as we might.
3. As is usually the case the comparative states of man are infinite extremes and we do well not to be swayed by those seeking to depict a gray area in that it is a condition of those in the cursed condition. We consider Psalm 3, the Pharisee and the Publican, and the sheep and goats at the final judgment.
THESIS: There is no such thing as a partial trust in the Lord. We are either fully committed or we exist as the heath in the desert and are unaware of the blessedness coming to those trusting in the Lord with all their hearts.
I. The cause and condition of the cursed condition (vv. 5-6)
1. One of the easiest of proverbs to remember is: Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5.
1) There is good reason for such counsel in that we dare not trust that which is proven to be faulty.
2) We would avoid other things at all costs but then look to ourselves or others rather than the Lord.
2. The reference to “arm” is that which one uses to accomplish or to defend – Often in the Old Testament it is Christ who is referenced.
1) The arm of flesh is severely limited and
2) Invariably the heart of such will depart from the Lord
3. Such a person (or people) have a mean existence and lack the capacity to know that good exists
1) The heath is a small scaly plant that exists in the direst of circumstance.
2) While it does live, its appearance and function are of dereliction and drought.
3) The rains and things that would provide a prosperous way are meaningless to it and so
4) The man who trusts the flesh.
II. The blessedness of trusting the Lord (vv. 7-8)
1. Trusting the Lord and so experiencing His provision is way of life to him
1) It is a way of hope in the worst of times and
2) A way of joy and prosperity in the best of times.
2. We are here reminded of the blessed man of the Psalm: And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1:3.
1) The water source is at hand
2) The roots reach in every direction both to provide and to anchor.
3) What the heath lives with, the Blessed one does not see, and we compare:
i. Leaves remain green receiving from the sun and endures drought with prosperity
ii. And continues to bear fruit.
III. The heart and He who tries it (vv. 9-10)
1. How often have we heard the words, “If I know my own heart” in an attempt to justify either actions or motives?
1) The rhetorical question here declares that in fact, none can know it.
2) That is, the depths of ruin and the evil that abides therein.
3) These are not the words many want to hear but,
2. It is a blessing to know that the Lord tries the hearts and that in accomplishing two things:
1) He exposes and finds all without that which is needed.
2) The true believer rejoices that He not only searches and tries, but that He also replaces that heart with a new one and
3) Therein is found “the love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given us.
