What actions can we take to align with God's will, avoiding judgment? Snapshot of the Text “ But like the bad figs that are so bad they cannot be eaten, declares the LORD, so will I deal with Zedekiah king of Judah, his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem—those remaining in this land and those dwelling in Egypt.” (Jeremiah 24:8) What Went Wrong with the Bad Figs • Stubborn rebellion: refusing God’s warnings and clinging to idols • Self-reliance: trusting political alliances and human wisdom over God’s word • Cosmetic religion: maintaining temple rituals while hearts stayed hard Actions That Keep Us from Becoming “Bad Figs” • Humble ourselves before God – “if My people who are called by My name humble themselves… then I will hear from heaven” (2 Chronicles 7:14) • Seek continual heart-inspection – “Search me, O God… See if there is any offensive way in me” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Repent promptly and completely – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive” (1 John 1:9) • Obey God’s revealed commands – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22) • Walk in daily justice, mercy, and humility – “What does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) • Remain closely united to Christ – “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you… neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.” (John 15:4) • Trust God’s wisdom above our own – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Let Him reshape our thinking – “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) • Return quickly when we drift – “when you… return to the LORD your God and obey His voice… then He will restore you” (Deuteronomy 30:2-3) Putting It into Daily Practice • Start each day asking God to expose hidden sins and attitudes. • Measure plans and decisions against clear Scripture, not culture. • Confess quickly when conviction comes; turn and replace sin with obedience. • Stay connected to other believers for accountability and encouragement. • Serve someone in need—justice and mercy move truth from theory to life. • End the day reviewing where God’s Spirit led and where further surrender is needed. |
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