Introduction: Before salvation, we are the enemies of God (Romans 5:10). At salvation we are reconciled through the finished work and righteousness of God’s Son (Romans 5:10). Yet there are times, even in the Christian life, where it seems as though God has become as an enemy. In this passage, Jeremiah relates God to an enemy because of His wrath on Judah. Though we are saved from the fullness of God’s wrath, we still have experiences in this life that seem as though the Lord Himself has turned on us.
- IN TIMES OF CHASTISEMENT
- Gods Dealings with Your Sin
- Gods chastening tends to be despised (Job 5:17; Proverbs 3:11; Hebrews 12:5)
- Gods chastening seems to be grievous (Hebrews 12:11)
- Gods Revelation of Your Sin (Psalm 94:12)
- God has not yet revealed to you all of your sins.
- God desires to continue to work on you throughout your life.
- Some men grow weary when God pulls back the curtains of their heart to reveal a sin they had not previously been convicted for (Psalm 139:23-24).
- IN TIMES OF TRIAL
- Trials Appear to be the Absence of Gods Presence (Psalm 6:3-4; Psalm 13:1)
- Trials Appear to be the Absence of Gods Favor (Psalm 79:5; Job 2:3-9)
- IN TIMES OF SILENCE
- Silence Causes the Child of God to Feel Equal with the Wicked (Psalm 28:1)
- Silence Causes the Child of God to Feel Alone (Psalm 35:22)
Conclusion: Are you in a time of life where it seems as though God has become as an enemy? You can rest assured that He is not an enemy and that He is with you. The chastisement of God, the trials of life and the times of silence are ordered of the Lord out of love for you to encourage you to go on for His name’s sake. Will you follow?
