How can we ensure our gatherings honor God, unlike those in Jeremiah 16:8?

A Sobering Example: Jeremiah 16:8

“ ‘You must not enter a house where there is feasting and sit down with them to eat and drink.’ ”

---

Why God Rejected Their Feasts

• Empty ritual—celebration carried on while hearts chased other gods (Jeremiah 16:11)

• Unrepentant sin—no grief over wrongdoing, only pursuit of pleasure (Amos 6:3–6)

• Indifference to God’s word—prophets were ignored, truth silenced (Jeremiah 16:12)

• Self-indulgence—food, drink, and merriment replaced reverence (Isaiah 22:13)

---

Core Principles for God-Honoring Gatherings

• Christ-centered purpose

– “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Colossians 10:31)

• Saturated with Scripture

– “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” (Colossians 3:16)

• Spirit-filled, not flesh-driven

– “Do not get drunk on wine… instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)

• Mutual encouragement and accountability

– “Consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

• Visible love and unity

– “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship… and the Lord added to their number daily.” (Acts 2:42-47)

• Holiness and separation from unrepentant sin

– “Do not even eat with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral…” (1 Corinthians 5:11)

---

Practical Checklist Before We Gather

□ Have we prayed for God’s presence and guidance?

□ Is the Word central—read, explained, applied?

□ Are we aiming to build one another up, not just be entertained?

□ Will what we eat, drink, say, and do reflect self-control and gratitude?

□ Are we welcoming the needy and marginalized (Luke 14:12-14)?

□ Have conflicts been addressed so unity is genuine (Matthew 5:23-24)?

□ Is there space for testimony, confession, and mutual care (James 5:16)?

---

Blessings of Honoring the Lord Together

• “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” (Psalm 133:1)

• Fresh infilling of joy and power (Acts 4:31)

• A compelling witness to unbelievers (John 13:35)

• Anticipation of the ultimate marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-9)

Choosing gatherings that exalt Christ, center on His Word, and pursue holiness ensures we please the Lord rather than mimic the empty feasts of Jeremiah’s day.