What steps can we take to avoid provoking God's anger as in Jeremiah 11:17? Jeremiah’s Warning in Context Jeremiah 11:17 — “The LORD of Hosts, who planted you, has pronounced disaster against you for the evil that the house of Israel and the house of Judah have done to provoke Me to anger by burning incense to Baal.” • Israel provoked God by forsaking His covenant, turning to idols, and hardening their hearts despite repeated warnings. Step 1: Revere the One True God, Reject Idolatry • Exodus 20:3 — “You shall have no other gods before Me.” • 1 John 5:21 — “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” Practical response: examine your loyalties, eliminate rival affections, and exalt God alone in every sphere. Step 2: Honor the Covenant through Joyful Obedience • Deuteronomy 6:17 — “You must diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God.” • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Obedience born of love preserves fellowship and shields from discipline. Step 3: Keep Your Ear Tuned to God’s Word • Jeremiah 7:23 — “Obey My voice, and I will be your God.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Regular reading, teaching, and application align the heart with His will. Step 4: Walk in Daily Repentance • Proverbs 28:13 — “He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.” • 1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” Quick confession prevents the hard-heartedness that invites wrath. Step 5: Cultivate Justice, Mercy, and Humility • Micah 6:8 — “To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” • Matthew 23:23 — Jesus rebukes neglect of “justice and mercy and faithfulness.” Living God’s character toward others fulfills covenant responsibility. Step 6: Cling to Christ and Bear Fruit • John 15:5 — “Whoever remains in Me and I in him will bear much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” • Galatians 5:16 — “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Union with Christ empowers holiness and guards against drift. Summary Checklist □ God alone enthroned in my heart □ Loving obedience to His commands □ Regular intake and application of Scripture □ Prompt confession and repentance □ Pursuit of justice, mercy, and humility □ Daily reliance on Christ and the Spirit |
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