Jeremiah:6

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* Verse 1-8 - Whatever methods are used , it is vain to contend with God 's judgments . The more we indulge in the pleasures of this life , the more we unfit ourselves for the troubles of this life . The Chaldean army shall break in upon the land of Judah , and in a little time devour all . The day is coming , when those careless and secure in sinful ways will be visited . It is folly to trifle when we have eternal salvation to work out , and the enemies of that salvation to fight against . But they were thus eager , not that they might fulfil God 's counsels , but that they might fill their own treasures ; yet God thereby served his own purposes . The corrupt heart of man , in its natural state , casts out evil thoughts , just as a fountain casts out her waters . It is always flowing , yet always full . The God of mercy is loth to depart even from a provoking people , and is earnest with them , that by repentance and reformation , they may prevent things from coming to extremity . * Verse 9-17 - When the Lord arises to take vengeance , no sinners of any age or rank , or of either sex escape . They were set upon the world , and wholly carried away by the love of it . If we judge of this sin by God 's word , we find multitudes in every station and rank given up to it . Those are to be reckoned our worst and most dangerous enemies , who flatter us in a sinful way . Oh that men would be wise for their souls ! Ask for the old paths ; the way of godliness and righteousness has always been the way God has owned and blessed . Ask for the old paths set forth by the written word of God . When you have found the good way , go on in it , you will find abundant recompence at your journey 's end . But if men will not obey the voice of God and flee to his appointed Refuge , it will plainly appear at the day of judgment , that they are ruined because they reject God 's word . * Verse 18-30 - God rejects their outward services , as worthless to atone for their sins . Sacrifice and incense were to direct them to a Mediator ; but when offered to purchase a license to go on in sin , they provoke God . The sins of God 's professing people make them an easy prey to their enemies . They dare not show themselves . Saints may rejoice in hope of God 's mercies , though they see them only in the promise : sinners must mourn for fear of God 's judgments , though they see them only in the threatenings . They are the worst of revolters , and are all corrupters . Sinners soon become tempters . They are compared to ore supposed to have good metal in it , but which proves all dross . Nothing will prevail to part between them and their sins . Reprobate silver shall they be called , useless and worthless . When warnings , corrections , rebukes , and all means of grace , leave men unrenewed , they will be left , as rejected of God , to everlasting misery . Let us pray , then , that we may be refined by the Lord , as silver is refined . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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