Understanding Sin (Jeremiah 2:1 - 3:5)

Understanding Sin

Jeremiah 2:1 - 3:5

Sin is a clever enemy and destroys relationships.

I. The Honeymoon (Jeremiah 2:1-7a)

A. God Took a Bride (vv. 1-2)

B. God Kept Up His End (vv. 3-7a; Exodus 21:10-11)

II. The Nightmare (Jeremiah 2:7b-37)

A. The Nature of Sin (vv. 7b-12; Deuteronomy 24:1-5)

B. The Heart of Sin (2:13-19)

C. The Voice of Sin (2:20-35; 1 John 1:8 - 2:2)

1. Resolve to Obey (v. 20; Joshua 24:16-18)

2. Refusal to Acknowledge Guilt (v. 23)

3. Resignation to Failure (v. 25; Luke 18:13; 2 Corinthians 12:10; 13:9)

4. Rewriting of History (v. 27; Exodus 4:22-23; Hosea 11:1)

5. Return for an Easy Fix (v. 27)

6. Release from God’s Claims on Your Life (v. 31)

7. Rationalization of Your Choices (v. 35)

III. The Divorce (Jeremiah 3:1-5)

A. The Impediment to Reconciliation (3:1-5; Deuteronomy 24:1-4)

B. Better Than Soap and Lye (v. 22; Revelation 7:14)

Discussion Starters

1. Monday—Why do you think God refers to himself as his people’s husband?

2. Tuesday—What are the responsibilities of a husband (Exodus 21:10-11)? How does God measure up to this standard?

3. Wednesday—What are the responsibilities of a wife (Deuteronomy 24:1-4)? How did Israel measure up to this standard?

4. Thursday—Reading Jeremiah 2:20-35, how many of Israel’s statements about their sin sound familiar? Why is it important to understand how sin works if we want to fight it?

5. Friday—What does it mean that a husband who takes an adulterous wife back becomes defiled (Jeremiah 3:1-5)? How does this help us understand what Jesus would come and do?